Originally posted by Ryzilynt:

I use gportal and run a dedicated server, it runs 24 hours, so friends can log in whenever they want, it makes a persistent world. You can also do the same thing if you have an extra PC laying around. The server software is included with the purchase of the game. There are guides for setting them up, but if you use a service they do the legwork.

My buddies and I have done the same. We split the cost between us.