Setting up a private server in Roblox lets you play alone or with invited friends without random public interruptions. Whether you want to practice building, test game scripts, or host a private match, VIP servers give you full control over who joins your session.
Most public experiences charge a monthly Robux fee set by the developer, while some games offer them for free. You don't need a computer science degree or a Roblox Studio subscription to set one up, but you do need to know where to click on the game's official store page.
Understanding Roblox Private Servers
Private servers, historically known as VIP servers, operate independently from public instances. When you purchase or configure one, you secure a dedicated server instance allocated specifically for you and the players you invite.
Developers set the monthly cost for private servers in their games, usually ranging from 10 to a few hundred Robux. Roblox takes a 30 percent marketplace fee from this price, and the developer receives the rest. If you're a game creator looking to enable private servers for your own experience, you configure those permissions directly inside the Roblox Creator Dashboard.
How to Buy and Join a Private Server as a Player
If you want to play an existing Roblox game with only your friends, you can purchase a private server directly from the game's main details page on the website or mobile app.
- Navigate to the main store page of the Roblox experience you want to host.
- Scroll down past the green play button and look for the Servers tab.
- Click on the Private Servers sub-tab. If the developer has enabled private servers, you will see a blue Create Private Server button.
- Click the button, enter a unique name for your server, and confirm the Robux purchase.
- Once purchased, click Configure to manage your server settings, or hit Join to load straight into your private instance.
You can share your server link directly with friends, or toggle specific usernames onto an approved whitelist if the game supports advanced configurations.
How to Enable Private Servers for Your Own Game
If you are a developer publishing your own creation, you must explicitly turn on private servers in your game settings so other players can buy them from your page.
- Open Roblox Studio and load your published experience.
- Go to the top menu bar, select Home, and click on Game Settings. Alternatively, open your creations list on the web dashboard and click the configure gear icon next to your place.
- Navigate to the Monetization or Options tab depending on the current dashboard layout, and locate the Private Servers toggle.
- Switch the toggle to Enabled.
- Set your desired monthly Robux price. Prices must fall within Roblox's allowed minimum and maximum thresholds for developer products.
- Save your changes and publish the experience update.
Managing Member Access and Subscriptions
Running a private server requires minor maintenance, especially regarding billing and player permissions.
Private server subscriptions automatically renew every 30 days. If your Robux balance is too low when the renewal date hits, the server cancels automatically, and your custom configurations or active reservations may reset. You can cancel your subscription at any time by visiting your transactions page or the server configuration menu on the game page before the renewal date.
As a server owner, you also retain the right to ban or restrict specific disruptive players using standard in-game moderation tools or developer script hooks if your game utilizes custom administration commands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I accidentally buy a private server?
Roblox does not offer refunds for accidental private server purchases or subscriptions. Always double-check the Robux price on the confirmation prompt before approving the transaction.
Do private servers stay active when nobody is inside?
No. Roblox shuts down empty game servers to save computing resources. If all players leave your private server, the instance closes, and it spins back up fresh the next time you or an invited friend uses the join link.
Can free games have paid private servers?
Yes. Many developers of free-to-play games charge a small monthly Robux fee for private servers to monetize their work while giving players a quiet environment to play.
How many friends can I invite to my private server?
The maximum player limit in a private server matches the maximum player cap set by the developer for that specific experience, which typically ranges from 6 to 100 players.
