DocumentationEverything you need to run a server on HOKAS

01 Getting Started

HOKAS gives you a free container to run Node.js, Python, a Discord bot, a Telegram bot, VS Code, or Filebrowser - no payment, no trial, no card. Create an account, verify it, and you land on your dashboard with a "Deploy a Server" option.

Every account can hold up to a limited number of active servers at once. If you're new, start on the My Servers page - that's where deploying, renewing, and deleting all happen.

02 Deploying a Server

Deploying is a short wizard: pick a server type, pick a plan, then choose a name.

  • Server names must be 3-32 characters, start and end with a letter or number, and can only contain letters, numbers, - and _ in between.
  • A few names are reserved (admin, root, hokas, etc.) and can't be used.
  • Each plan sets the CPU, RAM, and disk your container gets, plus how many hours it can run before it needs a renewal.
  • Some server types or plans can be out of stock if nodes are full - try a smaller plan or check back later.

Once created, your container gets a subdomain automatically - no DNS setup needed on your end.

03 Node.js Hosting

Run any Node.js project on a free HOKAS server. Set a startup command from the manage page, and the container boots/restarts with that command.

04 Python Hosting

Free hosting for your Python scripts and apps. Same setup as Node.js - startup command, live console, file manager all included.

05 Discord Bot Hosting

Free hosting tuned for Discord bot processes. Deploy your bot, set the startup command, and it runs around the clock (subject to your plan's uptime hours).

06 Telegram Bot Hosting

Free hosting tuned for Telegram bot processes. Same flow as Discord bot hosting, different platform.

07 VS Code

A browser-based VS Code instance running on your container - write code and edit files with nothing to install.

08 Filebrowser

A standalone file-manager container. Pick this if all you need is a lightweight server for uploading, downloading, and editing files.

09 Managing a Server

From the manage page you can start, stop, or restart your server, set its startup command, and watch its status update live (starting, running, stopping, stopped).

Power actions lock once a server's time has run out - renew it first (see Renewing Uptime below). Start only works when it's stopped, stop/restart only when it's running, so conflicting actions never land on the node at the same time.

10 Live Console

The manage page streams your container's log output straight into the dashboard, so you can see what your app is printing without SSH or extra setup.

11 File Manager

Browse, upload, edit, and delete files directly on your container from the Files tab. Same access as SFTP, without needing an SFTP client.

12 Resource Limits and Plans

Every server runs under the CPU, RAM, and disk limits of the plan it was created with - shown live on the manage page so you can see what you're using against what you're allowed. Limits exist so no container affects the node or other users, and they can change without prior notice.

13 Renewing Uptime

Most plans run for a fixed number of hours before they need renewing. When a server is close to expiry, a Renew button appears: pick one of the two time options for that plan, watch a short ad through our link partner, and your container's expiry pushes back automatically once you land back on the renew link.

Each renew option is limited to a small number of uses per server in a rolling 24-hour window, and every renew link is single-use. A plan with unlimited uptime never needs renewing.

14 Account and Settings

Your profile and sign-in are handled by Clerk. Settings holds your account preferences, Profile shows your account details. Deleting your account removes your data and containers permanently - this can't be undone.

15 Rules and Limits

Malware, attack tools, unauthorized access attempts, crypto mining, and gaming the renew/ad flow with bots or multiple accounts are all against the rules and enforced with zero tolerance - see the Terms of Service for the full list. Servers left unrenewed past expiry may be automatically stopped/deleted. A server left offline for 3 consecutive days is automatically deleted - no prior notice given.

16 Support

Check status.hokas.net first if something feels off. For anything else, reach us on Discord or by email.