Satisfactory Multiplayer Without a Dedicated Server

This guide shows you how to host a Satisfactory multiplayer session directly from your own game client, so you and your friends can build, explore, and automate together without renting or setting up a dedicated server. You’ll need a stable internet connection, a copy of the game for each player, and one person willing to act as the host. The host’s computer must stay on and the game must remain open for the session to continue.

What You’ll Need

• A copy of Satisfactory on the same platform (Steam or Epic Games Store) for each player.
• A stable internet connection for the host, preferably wired or with strong Wi-Fi.
• Up to 3 other players (Satisfactory supports 4 players total in a standard session).
• Optional: A microphone or voice chat app for coordination.
• Optional: Port forwarding access to your router if you want to invite players outside your local network without using Epic’s invite system.

Step-by-Step

1. Launch Satisfactory on the host’s computer. Make sure you’re running the latest version of the game.
2. Start a new game or load an existing save from the main menu. The host’s save file will be the world that all players join.
3. Open the in-game menu (Esc key) and click on “Manage Session�. This is found in the pause menu.
4. Set your session to “Friends Only� or “Invite Only� depending on your preference. “Friends Only� allows anyone on your Epic friends list to join without an invite; “Invite Only� requires you to send an invite.
5. Send invites to your friends through the Epic Games overlay (Shift+F3) or the in-game session menu. If you’re on Steam, use the Steam overlay (Shift+Tab) to invite friends.
6. Have your friends launch Satisfactory and click “Continue� or “Load� to see the session list. They should see your hosted session under the “Sessions� tab, or they can accept the invite directly.
7. Once everyone has joined, you can start playing. The host’s game world is the authoritative version; all progress is saved to the host’s machine.
8. If a player drops or leaves, they can rejoin from the session list as long as the host’s game is still running.
9. To end the session, simply save the game and exit. The host’s save file will contain all progress.

Common Mistakes

• Not setting the session to “Friends Onlyâ€� – if left on “Privateâ€�, no one can join. If left on “Publicâ€�, random players might join.
• Host’s internet upload speed too low – Satisfactory multiplayer requires decent upload; if the host has less than 5 Mbps upload, players may experience lag or disconnects.
• Players on different platforms – Satisfactory does not support cross-play between Steam and Epic. Ensure everyone is on the same storefront.
• Host’s computer is not powerful enough – Hosting uses extra CPU and RAM. If the host’s PC struggles, the whole session will lag.
• Not saving before quitting – If the host quits without saving, all progress since the last save is lost.

Tips

• Use a wired connection for the host – This reduces latency and packet loss, making the session smoother for everyone.
• Designate a save manager – Have the host create a backup of the save file periodically (located in %LOCALAPPDATA%\FactoryGame\Saved\SaveGames on Windows).
• Communicate about building zones – To avoid conflicts, agree on who builds where, especially early on.
• Set a password – If you want to play with friends of friends, set a password in the session settings to keep out randoms.
• Keep the game updated – All players must be on the same game version; if the host updates, others must update too.

Troubleshooting

• Players can’t see the session – Make sure the session is set to “Friends Onlyâ€� or “Invite Onlyâ€�. Ask players to refresh the session list. If on Epic, ensure they are on your friends list. If on Steam, try using the “Inviteâ€� button instead of relying on the list.
• Players get a “Connection Failedâ€� error – This usually indicates a network issue. Have the host check their firewall settings to allow Satisfactory through. If the host is behind a strict NAT, try enabling UPnP in the router settings.
• High latency or rubber-banding – The host’s upload speed is likely insufficient. Close other bandwidth-heavy applications (streaming, downloads) on the host’s machine. Also, reduce the number of players if the problem persists.
• Game crashes when someone joins – This can be due to mods or outdated drivers. Ensure all players have the same mods installed (if any) and update graphics drivers.
• Players are kicked after a few minutes – This often happens when the host’s computer is overloaded. Lower the game’s graphics settings on the host to free up resources. Also, check if the host’s power settings are set to “Balancedâ€� or “High Performanceâ€� to prevent throttling.
• Progress not saving – The host must manually save the game (Ctrl+S) or rely on autosave. If the host quits without saving, progress is lost. Make sure autosave is enabled in the options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play with friends on different platforms?

No, Satisfactory does not support cross-play between Steam and Epic Games Store. Everyone must own the game on the same platform.

How many players can join a non-dedicated session?

Satisfactory supports up to 4 players in a standard session, including the host.

Does the host need to keep the game open for others to play?

Yes, the host’s game must remain running. If the host quits, the session ends and all players are disconnected.

Can I transfer my save to a dedicated server later?

Yes, you can move your save file to a dedicated server. The save file is stored locally on the host’s computer and can be uploaded to a server.

Why can’t my friend join even though they’re on my friends list?

Check that your session is set to “Friends Only� and that you have sent an invite. Also, ensure both of you have the game updated to the same version.

What if the host has a poor internet connection?

If the host’s upload speed is below 5 Mbps, players will experience lag. Consider having a player with a better connection host instead.

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