---
title: "Custom Domains and SRV Records Explained"
description: "How SRV records work, and how to point play.yourdomain.com at your server instead of a raw IP."
---

> Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.vaelix.cloud/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Custom Domains and SRV Records Explained

How do you point a custom domain at your game server? Use Vaelix's free built-in Subdomains tab for a name.vaelix.cloud address with the SRV record handled automatically, or bring your own domain by adding an A record pointing at your server's IP and, for Minecraft or Rust (the only two Vaelix-hosted games with SRV support), an SRV record so players can skip the port.

## What SRV records do for a game server

A raw IP with a port works, but it's hard to remember and breaks if your server ever moves. A **hostname** fixes the remembering part. An **SRV record** is what lets players skip typing the port too, it tells the game client which port a hostname actually points to behind the scenes.

## Which games actually support SRV records

SRV support is rare, but two games Vaelix hosts do read one. **Minecraft: Java Edition** does a `_minecraft._tcp` lookup before connecting, so a hostname alone is enough.

**Minecraft: Bedrock Edition** does **not** support SRV, despite being the same game. Bedrock players still need the exact **IP:Port**, even on a server set up for Java players.

**Rust** supports it too, using a `_rust._udp` service instead. One catch: Rust only allows **one SRV entry per server**, duplicates break it.

Every other supported title, **ARK, CS2, CS:S, Valheim, Palworld, Project Zomboid,** and the rest, connects the same way regardless of DNS: **IP:Port**, always. A custom domain still makes a nicer address to hand out, players just can't drop the port from it.

## Use Vaelix's built-in Subdomains tab

Every Vaelix server includes a free subdomain, no separate domain purchase needed. Open your panel and go to the **Subdomains** tab, then click **Edit Subdomain**.

Type a **Name** and hit **Save changes**. It becomes `name.vaelix.cloud`, automatically pointed at your server's IP and port, SRV record included.

> **Tip:** Only **Minecraft: Java Edition** and **Rust** benefit from the SRV record this creates. Every other game still needs the exact **IP:Port**, subdomain or not.

## Bring your own domain: point an A record at your server

Already have a domain, or want one just for your server? Register one through any registrar (Namecheap or Cloudflare, for example) if you don't already have one, then open its **DNS settings**.

Add an **A record** for the hostname you want, `play.yourdomain.com` for example, pointing at your server's **IP address**. Find that IP in your panel's **Network** tab.

**DNS record: A**

```text
Type     A
Host     play
Value    <your server IP>
TTL      Automatic
```

## Add the SRV record so players skip the port

The A record handles the **IP**, but players still need the **port**. An **SRV record** does what the built-in subdomain does automatically, mapping your hostname to the exact port. The **service name** depends on the game, here are the two Vaelix hosts that support it.

## SRV record example: Minecraft

Use the `_minecraft._tcp` service, pointed at the A record hostname you just created.

**DNS record: SRV (Minecraft)**

```text
Type      SRV
Service   _minecraft
Protocol  _tcp
Name      play (or @ for the root domain)
Priority  0
Weight    5
Port      <your server port>
Target    play.yourdomain.com
```

> **Tip:** DNS changes can take a few minutes to a couple hours to fully propagate.

## SRV record example: Rust

Rust uses `_rust._udp` instead of Minecraft's service name. Create only **one** SRV entry per server, a duplicate breaks the lookup.

Also set the **`server.favoritesEndpoint`** convar to your plain domain (not the `_rust._udp` record), so players keep the server on their favorites list even if its IP or port changes later.

**DNS record: SRV (Rust)**

```text
Type      SRV
Service   _rust
Protocol  _udp
Name      play (or @ for the root domain)
Priority  0
Weight    5
Port      <your server port>
Target    play.yourdomain.com
```

## Frequently asked questions

### Do all games support SRV records?

No. Of the games Vaelix hosts, only Minecraft: Java Edition and Rust do. Bedrock does not, and every other game needs the exact IP and port.

### Do I need to buy a domain to avoid typing the port?

No. Every Vaelix server includes a free name.vaelix.cloud subdomain from the Subdomains tab, with the SRV record set up automatically.

### How long do DNS changes take?

A few minutes to a couple of hours to fully propagate.

Source: https://docs.vaelix.cloud/basic-help/custom-domains-and-srv-records/index.mdx