Switching the game on your server – what you need to know about cost and billing
Want to install a different game on your existing server – for example moving from Valheim to ARK, or from a smaller to a larger modpack? At game-serverhosting you can do this right in the server panel, without ordering a new server. How it is billed depends on whether the new game is more expensive, the same price, or cheaper. This guide explains every case – transparently and with a worked example.
Case 1: Switching to a more expensive game
If your new game costs more than the current one, you only pay the difference – and only pro rata for the remaining time of your currently paid period. This amount is charged from your account balance immediately. From the next renewal onward, the new, higher monthly price applies.
Worked example: Your current game costs €5.00 per month, the new one costs €10.00. If your current period still has 15 of 30 days left, the switch costs you:
(€10.00 − €5.00) × 15 / 30 = €2.50 once, from your balance.
At the next renewal the full new price of €10.00 becomes due.
Your discount is preserved. If you have a reduced price (for example from a promotion), we calculate using the delta method: your new price = your previous (discounted) price + the difference of the regular list prices. So you do not lose your discount by switching games.
Case 2: Switching to a game of equal or lower price
If you switch to a game that costs the same or less, the switch is completely free. Nothing is charged – on the contrary, your monthly price drops immediately.
You lose none of the time you have already paid for. You paid for the current period at the higher price, and that benefit stays with you until the next renewal. Only after that does the new, lower price take effect.
Case 3: Not enough balance
If your balance is not enough to cover the pro-rata difference from Case 1, the switch is not carried out. So you can continue right away, the panel offers you a "Top up balance" button directly. After topping up, you complete the switch with a single click.
Case 4: Servers on a subscription (Stripe subscription)
If your server runs on a subscription (Stripe subscription) instead of account balance, a game switch with a price change is not yet available via self-service. No problem: contact our support – we will move your subscription to the new game. The switch itself is free of charge.
Before every switch: an automatic backup
Before a game switch is carried out, we automatically create a backup of your server. That way your data is safe in case you want to switch back.
Important note about your world data: Every game uses its own server software. Your existing world and save data can be incompatible with the new software and will then not be carried over. So plan a game switch as if you were starting fresh with the new game.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay the full new price twice when switching?
No. When upgrading you only pay the pro-rata difference for the remaining days of the current period. You pay the full new price only from the next renewal.
Do I get a refund when downgrading?
There is no refund for the current period – in return the switch is free and your monthly price drops immediately. From the next renewal you pay the lower price.
Do I lose my discount when I switch games?
No. We use the delta method: your previous (discounted) price plus the difference of the list prices. Your discount is preserved.
Are my world and plugins carried over?
Not automatically. Because the new game uses different server software, world data can be incompatible. A backup is created before the switch so you can go back if needed.
How do I switch the game?
Open your server in the panel, open the game/software selection, choose the new game and check the displayed price preview. After you confirm, the backup and switch run automatically.