OpenArena vs Nexuiz Note - Xonotic server alt darkplaces
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted game servers options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
| Feature | OpenArena | Nexuiz Note - Xonotic server alt darkplaces |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Read-the-docs project | Read-the-docs project |
| Category | Game Servers | Game Servers |
| License | GPL-2.0 | GPL-2.0 |
| Language | C | C |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Min. RAM | 256 MB | 256 MB |
| Deployment | bare-metal, binary, source | bare-metal, binary, source |
| GitHub stars | ★ 251 | ★ 100 |
| First released | 2005 | 2005 |
| Replaces | Quake III Arena | Quake III Arena |
What are OpenArena and Nexuiz Note - Xonotic server alt darkplaces?
OpenArena
OpenArena is a free, open-source first-person arena shooter built on the id Tech 3 engine. It ships with dedicated server software for hosting classic deathmatch multiplayer.
- Quake III-style arena FPS
- Dedicated server included
- Many game modes and maps
- Lightweight engine
Nexuiz Note - Xonotic server alt darkplaces
Nexuiz is a free, open-source first-person arena shooter and the predecessor of Xonotic. Its DarkPlaces-based dedicated server can be self-hosted to run fast-paced deathmatch game servers.
- Arena FPS dedicated server
- Fast-paced deathmatch
- Custom map support
- Lightweight engine
OpenArena vs Nexuiz Note - Xonotic server alt darkplaces: key differences
Both projects are written in C. OpenArena has the considerably larger community, at 251 GitHub stars versus 100.
Why pick each one
Choose OpenArena if…
- Tiny dedicated server
- Easy to host
Watch out for
- Dated graphics
- Small player base
Choose Nexuiz Note - Xonotic server alt darkplaces if…
- Classic arena shooter
- Low resource use
Watch out for
- Largely succeeded by Xonotic
- Small community
Frequently asked questions
Is OpenArena or Nexuiz Note - Xonotic server alt darkplaces better?
OpenArena is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler easy setup. Consider Nexuiz Note - Xonotic server alt darkplaces if its specific feature set fits your needs better.
Are OpenArena and Nexuiz Note - Xonotic server alt darkplaces free and open-source?
Yes. OpenArena is licensed under GPL-2.0 and Nexuiz Note - Xonotic server alt darkplaces under GPL-2.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run OpenArena and Nexuiz Note - Xonotic server alt darkplaces with Docker?
OpenArena: check the project docs for container support. Nexuiz Note - Xonotic server alt darkplaces: check the project docs for container support.