Satisfactory Server Manager: Setup & Use Guide

This guide walks you through using the Satisfactory Server Manager (SSM), a free tool that lets you host a dedicated Satisfactory game server on your own PC or a rented machine. You’ll learn how to install, configure, start, and maintain your server, plus how to fix common issues. Before you begin, make sure you have a Windows or Linux machine with at least 8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended) and a stable internet connection. You’ll also need to own Satisfactory on Steam or Epic Games to generate the necessary server login token.

What You’ll Need

• A PC or VPS running Windows 10/11, or a modern Linux distribution (Ubuntu, Debian, etc.)
• At least 8 GB of RAM (16 GB for larger multiplayer sessions)
• Stable internet connection with upload speed of at least 10 Mbps
• Satisfactory game ownership (Steam or Epic) to create a server login token
• Optional: a static IP or port forwarding if you want friends to join from outside your local network

Step-by-Step

1. Download the Server Manager: Go to the official Satisfactory Server Manager GitHub releases page and download the latest version for your operating system (e.g., SSM_Setup.exe for Windows).
2. Install the software: Run the installer and follow the prompts. Choose an install location with enough free space (at least 20 GB for the server files and saves). On Linux, you may need to extract the tar.gz archive to a folder like /opt/ssm.
3. Launch the Server Manager: Open the application. On first run, it will ask for a server installation directory. Set a folder like C:\SatisfactoryServer or /home/yourname/satisfactory-server.
4. Create a server login token: Open Satisfactory on your gaming PC, go to the main menu, and select “Server Manager” (or “Dedicated Server”). Click “Create Server Login Token” and copy the generated token. This token links your game account to the server.
5. Enter the token in SSM: In the Server Manager, go to the “Server” tab and paste the token into the “Server Token” field. This step is required for the server to run without a separate login.
6. Configure server settings: Click on the “Settings” tab. Here you can set the server name, description, password (optional), max players (up to 4 for the base game), and the game port (default is 7777). You can also enable auto-save and choose a save slot.
7. Install the server: Click the “Install” button in the “Server” tab. SSM will download the latest Satisfactory dedicated server files from Steam. This may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed.
8. Start the server: Once installation is complete, click “Start Server” in the top toolbar. The server will begin booting. You’ll see log output in the console window. Wait until you see a message like “Server started” or “Ready to connect”.
9. Connect from the game: Launch Satisfactory on your gaming PC. In the main menu, select “Join Game”, then “Dedicated Server”. Enter your server’s IP address (if playing locally, use 127.0.0.1 or the LAN IP) and the port if you changed it. Click “Connect”.
10. Keep the server running: Leave the Server Manager open on your server machine. To stop the server, click “Stop Server”. To update the server later, click “Update” in the “Server” tab.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting the token: Without a valid server login token, the server will fail to start or will kick players after a few minutes.
• Wrong install directory: Installing to a path with spaces or special characters (like C:\Program Files\) can cause issues. Use a simple path like C:\SatisfactoryServer.
• Not opening ports: If friends from outside your network can’t join, you likely haven’t forwarded UDP port 7777 (or your custom port) on your router.
• Using the same save as single-player: The server uses its own save files. If you want to use an existing save, you must copy it to the server’s save folder manually.
• Running out of RAM: Satisfactory servers are memory-hungry, especially with many players. If the server crashes, check your RAM usage.

Tips

• Use the “Auto-Save” feature in SSM to automatically back up your world every few minutes. Set the interval to something like 5 minutes to avoid losing progress.
• If you have a static IP, consider setting up a free domain name (like DuckDNS) so friends can connect via a name instead of an IP.
• For better performance, run the server on a machine with a solid-state drive (SSD) and a decent CPU. The game is more CPU-bound than GPU-bound.
• If you’re playing with friends, set a server password to prevent random players from joining.
• Regularly check the SSM GitHub page for updates to the manager itself, as well as game server updates.

Troubleshooting

• Server won’t start: Check the log console for errors. Common causes: missing token, invalid directory, or antivirus blocking the executable. Temporarily disable antivirus or add an exception for the server folder.
• Players can’t connect: Verify the server is running (look for “Ready” in the log). Check your firewall settings—allow UDP port 7777. If connecting from outside, ensure port forwarding is configured correctly on your router.
• Server crashes on load: This often happens when the save file is corrupted or incompatible. Try starting a new world to see if the issue persists. If it does, reinstall the server files.
• High ping or lag: Ensure your server machine has a wired connection, and close bandwidth-heavy applications. Reduce the max players if needed.
• Token not accepted: Make sure you copied the token exactly, without extra spaces. If it still fails, generate a new token in the game and try again.
• Server updates fail: If the update fails, stop the server, then click “Update” again. If it persists, manually delete the server files and reinstall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a Satisfactory server without the Server Manager?

Yes, you can manually download the dedicated server from Steam and run it via command line, but the Server Manager simplifies installation, updates, and configuration.

Does the server require a separate copy of the game?

No, you only need one copy of Satisfactory to generate the token. The server itself is free to download and run.

How many players can join my server?

The default maximum is 4 players in the base game. Some mods may increase this, but the game is designed for small groups.

Can I use my single-player save on the server?

Yes, you can copy your save file from Documents/My Games/FactoryGame/SaveGame to the server’s save folder (usually server-folder/FactoryGame/Saved/SaveGames/server). Then select it in SSM.

How do I update the server to the latest game version?

In SSM, click the “Update” button in the “Server” tab. The manager will download and apply the latest patch automatically.

Can I run the server on a Raspberry Pi?

No, the Satisfactory dedicated server requires a 64-bit x86 processor and at least 8 GB of RAM, which a Raspberry Pi cannot provide.

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