ZimaOS can host dedicated game servers in the same way it hosts other self-contained services: run the server in a container, keep its world and configuration data on persistent storage, and expose only the ports that game actually needs.
The January 2026 thread started with Minecraft as the easiest community example, then expanded to Palworld, Valheim, Rust, and ARK. IceWhale staff said the team had previously set up game servers on CasaOS and that the general steps were the same.
Docker Is the Natural Starting Point
A community reply recommended Docker rather than installing server binaries directly into the ZimaOS base system. That matches ZimaOS's current application model and keeps game files separated from the read-only operating-system image.
Current ZimaOS lets advanced users import and edit Docker Compose YAML. Use the current custom-app and Compose workflow when a game does not already have a suitable App Store package.
Put Worlds and Configuration on Persistent Storage
The important part of any game-server container is the host volume. Minecraft worlds, Valheim saves, Palworld data, configuration files, and backups should live on a real storage folder outside the disposable container filesystem.
Current ZimaOS recommends choosing an app-data location on your main storage rather than letting large applications fill the smaller system drive.
Minecraft Has Mature Container Images
The community example used the widely adopted itzg/minecraft-server image. Rather than freezing the exact 2026 Compose snippet, check the maintained Minecraft server container options before creating a new deployment.
Minecraft server images change over time as Java versions and server releases evolve, so the current upstream configuration is safer than copying an old latest tag indefinitely.
Palworld, Valheim, Rust, and ARK Have Different Resource Needs
The thread did not publish tested ZimaOS configurations for every game the original poster named. These servers differ substantially in RAM use, CPU load, update behavior, save-file layout, networking, and whether they benefit from a dedicated VM instead of a container.
Before deployment, check the server project's current Linux/container requirements and confirm that the host has enough memory and storage I/O for the expected player count.
LAN Access and Internet Hosting Are Different Steps
Publishing a Docker port makes the service reachable from the ZimaOS host network. It does not automatically make the game server reachable from the public internet. External players may require router forwarding, a VPN/overlay network, or another secure ingress design depending on the game.
ZimaOS Game Server FAQ
Can ZimaOS run a Minecraft server?
Yes. The thread includes a working community Docker approach, and the same container model fits current ZimaOS custom applications.
Can it run Palworld or Valheim too?
Probably through suitable Linux or Docker server packages, but this thread did not publish a verified ZimaOS configuration for those games.
Where should game saves live?
Map the server's persistent data directory to a real ZimaOS storage folder so container recreation does not erase worlds or configuration.
Do I need to expose ports to the internet?
Only if remote players must connect directly. LAN-only servers do not need public exposure.
