How to Host a Space Engineers Server

Hosting your own Space Engineers server gives you full control over the world, mods, and who gets to join. You can play with friends on a persistent universe that runs even when you are offline, and you can customize everything from inventory sizes to thruster damage. This guide walks you through the entire process, from preparing your computer to connecting your first client. You will need a copy of Space Engineers, a reasonably modern PC, and a stable internet connection.

What You’ll Need

• A PC running Windows 10 or 11 (the dedicated server runs on Windows, Linux, or as a Docker container, but this guide focuses on Windows).
• A Steam account with Space Engineers purchased (the server files are free to download from Steam, but the game itself is required to play).
• At least 8 GB of RAM (16 GB or more is recommended for larger worlds).
• A stable internet connection with a public IP address or port forwarding capability.
• Optional: A second PC or a cloud VPS if you want the server to run 24/7 without affecting your gaming.

Step-by-Step

1. Download the Dedicated Server Files
   Open Steam and go to your Library. Change the filter from “Games” to “Tools” and search for “Space Engineers Dedicated Server.” Click install. This downloads the server client, which is separate from the main game.
2. Locate the Server Folder
   After installation, right-click the server in your Steam Library and select “Manage” → “Browse local files.” This opens the folder containing the server executable and configuration files.
3. First Launch
   Run SpaceEngineersDedicated.exe. The first time you launch, it creates a default world and configuration. A console window will appear, and a web-based configuration interface will open in your browser (usually at http://localhost:8080).
4. Configure the Server via Web Interface
   In the web interface, you can set the server name, world name, maximum players, and game mode (Survival or Creative). You can also adjust world settings like inventory multiplier, assembler efficiency, and thruster damage. For a private game, set a password under the “Security” tab.
5. Select a World
   Under “World Settings,” choose “Load World” to pick an existing world or “Create New World” to generate one. If you want to use a world you’ve played in single-player, copy the save folder from %AppData%\SpaceEngineers\Saves to the server’s Saves folder.
6. Add Mods (Optional)
   If you want mods, go to the “Mods” tab in the web interface. You can paste a Steam Workshop mod’s URL or ID. The server will download and install them automatically. Be careful: mods can change the game balance and cause conflicts.
7. Save and Start
   Click “Save” at the bottom of the web interface to apply your settings. Then click “Start Server” in the top-right corner. The console window will show the server starting up. Wait until it says “Server started” or similar.
8. Port Forwarding (for public access)
   If you want friends outside your local network to join, you need to forward ports on your router. The default port is 27016 (UDP and TCP). Access your router’s admin page (usually via a browser at an IP like 192.168.1.1), find “Port Forwarding,” and create a rule for both UDP and TCP on port 27016 to your computer’s local IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100).
9. Find Your Public IP
   Search “what is my IP” on Google to see your public IP address. Share this IP and the port (e.g., 123.45.67.89:27016) with your friends.
10. Connect to Your Server
    In Space Engineers, go to “Join Game” → “Favorites” and click “Add Server.” Enter your public IP and port. If you are on the same network, you can use your local IP (e.g., 192.168.1.100) instead. Click “Connect” and enter the password if you set one.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to forward ports – The most common issue. Without port forwarding, your server is only accessible on your local network.
• Using the wrong IP – When connecting from the same machine, use localhost or 127.0.0.1. From another computer on your LAN, use your computer’s local IP (e.g., 192.168.1.100). From the internet, use your public IP.
• Setting the server to “Friends Only” – In the web interface, ensure the server is set to “Public” or “Friends” correctly. If it is on “Friends Only,” only Steam friends can find it, which is fine for private groups.
• Not enough RAM – Space Engineers servers are memory-hungry. If the server crashes or lags, check that you have enough free RAM.
• Mods not loading – Ensure the mod IDs are correct and that the server has downloaded them before starting. The first start with mods can take a while.

Tips

• Use a static IP for your PC – Set a static local IP for your server computer in your router’s DHCP settings. This prevents the IP from changing, which would break port forwarding.
• Back up your world regularly – Copy the Saves folder to another location. This prevents losing progress if the server crashes or the hard drive fails.
• Run the server on a separate machine – If you have an older PC or a laptop, use it as the server. This keeps your gaming PC free and allows the server to run 24/7.
• Use the web interface to monitor – The web interface shows connected players and server logs. You can also send in-game messages from there.
• Adjust save interval – In the web interface, under “World Settings,” you can set the autosave interval. A shorter interval (e.g., 5 minutes) means less progress lost on a crash, but it can cause lag spikes.

Troubleshooting

• Server doesn’t start – Check the console window for error messages. Common causes: missing write permissions in the server folder, or a corrupted world. Try creating a new world to see if the issue is with the world file.
• Friends can’t connect – First, verify your server is running and you can connect locally. Then, check port forwarding: use an online port checker to see if port 27016 is open. Also, ensure your firewall allows the server executable (SpaceEngineersDedicated.exe) to communicate on both private and public networks.
• High ping or lag – The server may be overloaded. Reduce the number of blocks or players, or lower the “Simulation Speed” settings in the world. Also, make sure your internet upload speed is sufficient (at least 5 Mbps for a few players).
• Server crashes after loading a mod – Remove the mod from the web interface and try again. Some mods are incompatible with the current game version.
• World not saving – Check that the server has write access to the Saves folder. Run the server as administrator if needed.
• Web interface not opening – Make sure the server is running. If it still doesn’t open, manually go to http://localhost:8080 in your browser. If that fails, check that port 8080 is not blocked by your firewall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I host a Space Engineers server for free?

Yes, the dedicated server software is free on Steam. You only need to own the game to play. However, you are using your own hardware and electricity, so there is a cost in that sense.

How many players can my server support?

It depends on your hardware and internet connection. A typical home PC with 16 GB RAM and a 10 Mbps upload can handle 5-10 players. Larger groups need a more powerful machine or a rented server.

Can I run the server on Linux?

Yes, the dedicated server has a Linux version. The configuration is similar, but you will need to use the command line or a Docker container. The web interface is the same.

Do I need to keep the server window open?

Yes, the server stops when you close the console window. If you want it to run continuously, you can run it as a Windows service or use a program like NSSM to keep it running in the background.

Can I transfer a single-player world to the server?

Yes. Copy the world folder from %AppData%\SpaceEngineers\Saves to the server’s Saves folder. Then in the web interface, under “World Settings,” load that world.

What is the default port and how do I change it?

The default port is 27016. You can change it in the web interface under “Settings” → “Server Port.” If you change it, you must update your port forwarding rules and share the new port with players.

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