If you run a game server — whether it's Minecraft, CS2, FiveM, or ARK — you know that online security is just as important as performance. Nothing is more frustrating than a server that goes down due to a DDoS attack while your community is waiting to play.
In 2026, DDoS attacks are larger, cheaper, and easier to launch than ever before. Fortunately, protection has also never been better — provided you choose the right hosting provider.
In this article, you'll learn why Dutch game servers are particularly vulnerable, how Retslav protects you, and what you can do yourself to keep your server secure.
Why Dutch Servers Are Targets
The Netherlands is one of the best-connected countries in the world when it comes to internet infrastructure. Amsterdam is a major internet hub with AMS-IX, Europe's largest internet exchange. That's great for low latency, but it also attracts attackers:
- High bandwidth: Dutch data centers have excellent connectivity, making them attractive to both legitimate users and attackers.
- Large gaming community: The Netherlands has one of the highest densities of game servers in Europe. The more popular your server, the greater the likelihood of attacks.
- Rivalry: Whether between servers or communities — DDoS is regularly used as a 'weapon' in online conflicts.
What Good DDoS Protection Offers
Not all DDoS protection is equal. Cheap foreign solutions often route your traffic through the US or Asia, significantly increasing latency. Good Dutch DDoS protection provides:
Low Latency (<5 ms overhead)
Mitigation should happen as close to the server as possible. Retslav's Dutch peering adds less than 5 ms — unnoticeable for players.
Automatic Mitigation
Attacks are detected and stopped within seconds. No manual intervention needed, no downtime for your community.
Layer 7 (Application) Protection
Modern DDoS attacks target not just bandwidth, but specific game protocols. Retslav detects and filters these attacks at the application level.
Unlimited Mitigation
The last thing you want is a counter that keeps ticking. At Retslav, mitigation is always unlimited on our dedicated servers.
Retslav vs. Other Providers
Why choose Retslav over a large foreign provider? Here's an honest comparison:
| Feature | Retslav | Foreign Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Mitigation location | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | US / EU mixed |
| Latency overhead | < 5 ms | 20-60 ms |
| Layer 7 filtering | ✅ Yes | ❌ Often not |
| 24/7 support | ✅ Dutch & English | ⚠️ Chatbot / tickets |
| Unlimited mitigation | ✅ Yes | 💰 Extra costs |
How to Protect Your Game Server
- Choose a Dutch host with DDoS protection: Retslav offers dedicated and game servers with built-in mitigation.
- Keep your server up to date: Outdated software contains vulnerabilities that attackers exploit.
- Limit plugins/mods: Every additional plugin is a potential attack surface.
- Use a firewall: Only allow necessary ports. For Minecraft, that's typically port 25565.
- Whitelist trusted IPs: If you have a fixed player group, consider IP whitelisting.
Retslav Game Server Plans
All our game servers are automatically protected by our Dutch mitigation network. No extra configuration needed:
- Basic (€3/month): For small friend groups, up to 10 players
- Plus (€6/month): For communities, up to 25 players
- Pro (€10/month): For larger servers, up to 50 players
- Ultra (€16/month): For professional servers, 100+ players
Prefer full control? Choose a dedicated server from €65.29/month with unlimited DDoS mitigation.
Conclusion
DDoS attacks are unfortunately the reality for every online game server in 2026. But with the right protection, you won't have to worry about them. Choose a Dutch provider like Retslav that offers mitigation close to the source, with low latency and no hidden costs.