Free subdomain for FiveM, Rust or ARK
What a subdomain changes for a game server, what it does not change, and how to point it to your VPS.
A FiveM, Rust or ARK server is joined with an IP address and a port, for example 203.0.113.10:30120 for FiveM. A subdomain does not replace that pair. It does give a stable name to the status page, the map or the community site running on the same machine.
- The free subdomain is a DNS address: it holds no files.
- Players always connect with an IP and a port, the name does not replace them.
- An A record to the IPv4 of the VPS is enough for most uses.
What the subdomain does, and what it does not
The free ACLClouds subdomain is a DNS address, like <name>.aclclouds.online. It contains no hosting space: you cannot upload files to it. It points that name to a machine that already exists, your VPS.
- Players still connect to the game IP and port: a DNS name does not remove the port.
- An A record to the VPS IP gives a readable name for a status page, a web map or an admin panel.
- An account can get only one free subdomain: choose a name that can serve for a long time.
Create the record to the VPS
In your client area, open the free subdomains page, choose the name, then add an A record. The record name is the part before the domain, and the value is the public IPv4 of the VPS.
- Type A, name: status, value: 203.0.113.10 (the IPv4 of your VPS, to replace).
- For IPv6, add an AAAA record with the IPv6 address of the VPS.
- Check from your PC: dig +short <name>.aclclouds.online should return the IP of the VPS.
When a name helps a game server
A name is most useful when you expose a web service next to the game port. Keep player connections on IP:port and use the name for everything else.
- A status page or an announcement served by a web service on the VPS, on ports 80 and 443.
- A web map, a community site or rules that players can find easily.
- A change of VPS: you only edit the A record, and the links written in your messages still work.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the subdomain as the FiveM or Rust connection address?
No, not as a replacement for the game port. The client connects to an IP and a port. The name serves your page, your dashboard or your community, and you update it if the VPS IP changes.
How long before the name works?
Propagation usually takes a few minutes. If the name does not answer, check the record with dig or nslookup from your PC before changing the server.
Can I use a CNAME on this name?
Yes, to point to another name, for example a page hosted by an external service. A CNAME cannot coexist with another record on the same name: each name carries an A or a CNAME, not both.