Satisfactory Dedicated Servers: How They Work

Satisfactory does have dedicated servers, and they let you run a persistent game world that other players can join even when you are offline. You set up the server software on a separate machine (or rent one), configure it, and then connect to it from the game client. This article explains what dedicated servers are, how to set one up, how they handle multiplayer, and common issues you might run into.

What Is a Dedicated Server in Satisfactory?

A dedicated server is a separate instance of the game that runs without a player controlling it. In Satisfactory, this means the game world (your factory, vehicles, and all built structures) continues to run and save its state independently of any player being connected. The server software is free to download from the Steam store or the Epic Games Store, and it is the same game engine but without the client-side rendering and input handling.

The key advantage over a standard multiplayer session (where the host’s game client also acts as the server) is that the world stays online 24/7. Players can log in and out at any time, and progress continues even when everyone is offline. This is especially useful for large factories that rely on continuous production, as some processes (like resource extraction and power generation) keep running even when no one is watching.

How Dedicated Servers Work

When you start a dedicated server, it loads a saved world file and runs the game simulation at a fixed tick rate (the game’s internal update loop). The server communicates with each connected client over the network, sending them the state of the world and receiving their input. The server is authoritative: it decides what happens, and clients just display the results. This prevents cheating and desync issues because the server is the single source of truth.

For Satisfactory specifically, the dedicated server runs the same Unreal Engine 4 build as the game, but with a headless mode (no graphics). It listens on a specific port (default 7777) for incoming connections. When a player connects, they authenticate with the server and then download the current world state if needed. The server also handles saving the game at regular intervals (configurable, default every 300 seconds) and when a player triggers a save.

One important detail: the server does not simulate the world when no players are connected unless you enable the “Advanced Game Settings” option called “Keep playing when no players are online.” By default, the game pauses when the last player leaves, but you can change this in the server settings file.

Setting Up Your Own Dedicated Server

You have two main options: run the server on your own hardware or rent one from a hosting provider. Running it yourself gives you full control but requires a decent machine and some network configuration. Renting is easier but costs money.

If you want to run it yourself, here are the basic steps:

1. Download the dedicated server from Steam (search “Satisfactory Dedicated Server”) or from the Epic Games launcher.
2. Extract the files to a folder on your server machine (Windows, Linux, or Docker are supported).
3. Run the server executable. On first launch, it will generate a default configuration file.
4. Edit the Game.ini file (located in the server’s Saved/Config/LinuxServer or WindowsServer folder) to set your server name, password, and other settings.
5. Forward port 7777 (UDP) on your router to the server machine’s IP address.
6. Start the server and note the IP address. Players can join via the in-game server browser or by entering the IP directly.

For Linux, you can use the provided shell script or set up a systemd service to keep it running. Docker images are also available if you prefer containerization.

How to Connect to a Dedicated Server

Once the server is running, players can join in two ways:

• In-game server browser: Satisfactory has a built-in server list (under Multiplayer > Join Game). It shows community servers, but you can also add a server to your favorites by IP.
• Direct connect: In the game client, press Ctrl+Shift+L to open the console, then type open : (e.g., open 192.168.1.10:7777).

If the server is password-protected, you will be prompted to enter the password. The game will then download the world data if it’s not already cached, and you’ll spawn at your last location or at the hub.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Many players run into a few recurring issues with Satisfactory dedicated servers:

• Can’t connect from outside your LAN: Make sure port 7777 is forwarded correctly and that your server’s firewall allows UDP traffic on that port. Also, check that your ISP isn’t blocking inbound connections.
• Server shows as “offline” in the browser: This is often because the server’s query port (15777) is not forwarded. The game uses that port to respond to server list queries.
• Game crashes on startup: Verify that your server meets the minimum requirements (at least 4 GB RAM, a modern CPU) and that you have the latest server build. Also, check the server log for specific error messages.
• Desync or lag: This is usually a network issue. Ensure your server has a stable upload speed (at least 10 Mbps for a few players) and that the server’s tick rate isn’t too high for your hardware.
• World not saving: Check the server’s save directory permissions. The server needs write access to the Saved/SaveGames folder.

If you’re renting a server, most providers offer a control panel where you can restart the server, view logs, and adjust settings without touching the files directly.

Comparing Dedicated Servers to Peer-to-Peer

Satisfactory also supports standard multiplayer where one player hosts the game. That’s a peer-to-peer (P2P) setup. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Persistence: Dedicated servers run 24/7; P2P worlds only exist while the host is online.
• Performance: A dedicated server on good hardware can handle more players and larger factories without lag, because it doesn’t have to render graphics. P2P hosts need a powerful gaming PC.
• Cost: Dedicated servers cost money (electricity, hardware, or rental fees). P2P is free but requires a player to leave their PC on.
• Modding: Both support mods, but dedicated servers need the same mods installed on the server and all clients.

For most small groups, P2P is fine. But if you have more than 4 players or plan to play over many sessions, a dedicated server is worth it.

Costs and Requirements

Running your own dedicated server has no software cost (the server is free), but you need hardware. A machine with a quad-core CPU, 8 GB RAM, and a solid-state drive is sufficient for a small group (up to 4 players). For larger groups or huge factories, you might need 16 GB RAM and a faster CPU. The game is CPU-bound, so a high clock speed matters more than a high-end GPU (since there’s no rendering).

Renting a server typically costs between $10 and $30 per month depending on the provider and the number of slots. Most providers offer one-click installs and automatic backups, which is convenient if you don’t want to manage the technical details.

Note that the server requires the same game version as the clients. When a new update drops, you’ll need to update the server as well, or else clients won’t be able to join.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a dedicated server on the same PC I play on?
Yes, but it will use additional CPU and RAM. If your PC is powerful enough, it can work, but you may experience performance drops. It’s better to use a separate machine if possible.

Do I need to buy the game to run a dedicated server?
No, the dedicated server is free. However, each player who connects must own a copy of the game.

Can I transfer my single-player save to a dedicated server?
Yes, you can copy your save file from Documents/My Games/FactoryGame/SaveGames to the server’s save folder. The server will load it as the default world.

How many players can join a dedicated server?
The official limit is 4 players per session, but with a dedicated server and good hardware, you can increase this limit by editing the server config. However, the game is not optimized for more than 8 players, and performance may degrade.

Why is my server not showing up in the server browser?
Make sure the query port (15777) is forwarded and that your server’s firewall allows inbound UDP on that port. Also, check that the server’s “Server Visibility” setting is set to “Public” or “LAN” as appropriate.

Can I use mods on a dedicated server?
Yes, but all players must have the same mods installed. The server must also have the mods installed in its own mod folder. Some mods may not work in headless mode, so check compatibility.

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