If you’re willing to use DigitalOcean as your MU host, I’m happy to set up Ares for you.
Note
There is no installation fee for Easy Mode, but you will still pay DigitalOcean for hosting. Easy mode requests typically take about a week to process, depending on my availability.
Here’s how it works in brief (full details follow in the rest of the article):
You create a droplet (server) using the Ares 1-click image. You don’t have to finish the setup, just create the skeleton.
You send me a request with your game information.
I will log into your droplet and set it up for you.
Full Disclosure: I get a referral bonus from DigitalOcean if you sign up using this referral link, but you also get a starter credit. The referral bonus helps keep the doors at AresCentral open. Using the referral link is not required for Easy Mode, but is appreciated.
Easy Mode Terms of Service
THERE IS NO WARRANTY FOR THIS SERVICE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. YOU AGREE THAT THE Author (Wordsmyth Creations) IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DEFECTS IN OPERATION, HARM TO THE GAME OR SERVER, OR ANY OTHER CLAIM, DAMAGES OR LIABILITY RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THIS SERVICE.
You are responsible for maintaining the server after initial setup, including any software upgrades, security patches, and all associated hosting fees.
You are also responsible for complying with the game software’s License Agreement.
Unfortunately, Digital Ocean’s tools do not allow me to transfer a completed droplet to you. You’ll have to make one, and then I can log in and set it up.
Note
You are responsible for all billing charges for the droplet once it’s created.
You’ll need an account on DigitalOcean if you don’t already have one. From your account dashboard:
Click “Create Droplet” and use the following options:
Select a “Shared CPU” and “Basic” droplet.
The 2GB/1CPU droplet will suit most Ares games. Giant games may need more RAM, but you can always upgrade later. Below 2GB is not supported.
Don’t add block storage.
Select a region. New York is a good choice unless your players are predominately from outside the US.
Use the password option and set a root user password. Save your root password in a safe place. (Do NOT configure a SSH key now; you can add one after the installation is complete if desired.)
Do NOT enable IPv6; Ares does not support dual IP versions, and many PCs can still only access v4.
Once your droplet is created, find the IP address on your DigitalOcean dashboard.
Step 2 - Submit a Request
Once the droplet is created, submit an installation request using this form:
Tip
You must also send me the root password for the droplet, either a PM on the forum/discord (preferred) or via email (contact me). This is necessary so I can log into the droplet and set everything up. After the install is complete, you can reset the passwords and I will no longer have access. If you are not comfortable sending the root password, consider the one-click self-install instead.
Next Steps
After I have ensured everything is running properly, I will contact you with the ares user password. You may then begin using your game.
Note
It is strongly recommended that you immediately change both the root and ares user passwords as soon as the game is ready to go. Use the passwd command in the server shell to change the ares password. Use your Digital Ocean dashboard to change the root password.
