Factors to Consider When Hosting a Factorio Dedicated Server

Dear Dev, hosting a Factorio dedicated server can be a challenging task for beginners. However, it is a rewarding experience that can provide you with the ultimate gaming experience. In this article, we will discuss the essential factors you need to consider when hosting a Factorio dedicated server. Read on to discover how to make the process smooth, seamless, and successful.

Hardware Requirements

The first factor you need to consider when hosting a Factorio dedicated server is the hardware requirements. To ensure that your server runs smoothly without any hiccups or crashes, you need to ensure that your hardware meets the minimum specifications. Here are the recommended hardware requirements for hosting a Factorio dedicated server:

Minimum
Recommended
CPU: Dual-Core 3 GHz
CPU: Quad-Core 4 GHz
RAM: 2 GB
RAM: 4 GB or more
HDD: 1 GB
HDD: 2 GB or more

Having hardware that meets these specifications will ensure that your Factorio server runs seamlessly without any lag, stuttering, or crashes.

Connection and Bandwidth

Another essential factor to consider when hosting a Factorio dedicated server is your internet connection and bandwidth. A fast and stable internet connection is crucial to ensure that your server runs smoothly and can handle multiple players. Here are the recommended connection and bandwidth requirements for hosting a Factorio dedicated server:

Minimum
Recommended
Download: 5 Mbps
Download: 10 Mbps or more
Upload: 2 Mbps
Upload: 5 Mbps or more

Having a stable and fast internet connection with sufficient bandwidth will ensure that your server runs seamlessly and can handle several players without any lag or disconnection issues.

Operating System

Choosing the right operating system is crucial when hosting a Factorio dedicated server. The right operating system can ensure that your server runs smoothly and can handle multiple players. The recommended operating systems for hosting a Factorio dedicated server are:

  • Windows Server 2012 or newer
  • Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, Fedora)

Choosing an operating system that meets these specifications will ensure that your Factorio server runs seamlessly and without any issues.

Factorio Server Software

Choosing the right Factorio server software is crucial when hosting a dedicated server. The right server software will ensure that your server runs seamlessly and can handle multiple players. The recommended Factorio server software is:

  • Factorio Server Manager (FSM)
  • Factorio Headless Server
  • FatController

Choosing a server software that meets these specifications will ensure that your Factorio dedicated server runs seamlessly and without any issues.

Server Configuration

Configuring your server is an essential factor when hosting a Factorio dedicated server. Server configuration involves various settings that determine how your server runs, and how it handles multiple players. Here are the recommended server configuration settings for hosting a Factorio dedicated server:

  • Server Name
  • Game Mode (Freeplay, Scenario, Multiplayer)
  • Difficulty (Peaceful, Normal, Expensive)
  • Map Settings (Seed, Size, Time, Water Coverage)
  • Players (Max Players, Admins, Bans)
  • Mods (Allowed Mods, Server Mods)

Configuring your server with these settings will ensure that your Factorio dedicated server runs seamlessly and without any issues.

Server Name

The server name is the name that your server will display to players when they search for it in the server browser. Choose a name that is unique, descriptive, and easy to remember.

Game Mode

The game mode determines the type of game that your server runs. There are three game modes available: Freeplay, Scenario, and Multiplayer. Choose the game mode that suits your preference.

Difficulty

The difficulty setting determines how challenging the game is. There are three difficulty settings available: Peaceful, Normal, and Expensive. Choose the difficulty setting that suits your preference.

Map Settings

The map settings determine the terrain and environment of your game world. You can customize your map settings by choosing a seed, size, time, and water coverage.

Players

The players setting determines the maximum number of players that can join your server. You can also set the number of admins and bans allowed.

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Mods

The mods setting determines the mods that are allowed on your server. You can also choose server mods that are mandatory for players to join your server.

Firewall and Port Forwarding

Configuring your firewall and port forwarding is crucial when hosting a Factorio dedicated server. Firewall and port forwarding settings ensure that your server is accessible to players and that it can handle multiple players without any lag or disconnection issues. Here are the recommended firewall and port forwarding settings for hosting a Factorio dedicated server:

  • Open TCP port 34197
  • Add a rule to your firewall allowing Factorio server traffic
  • Forward port 34197 to your server’s IP address

Configuring your firewall and port forwarding settings with these recommendations will ensure that your server is accessible to players and can handle multiple players without any lag or disconnection issues.

Graphics Settings

Graphics settings are an essential factor to consider when hosting a Factorio dedicated server. Graphics settings determine the quality of the visuals in the game and can affect the server’s performance. Here are the recommended graphics settings for hosting a Factorio dedicated server:

  • Low or Medium graphics quality
  • Low or Medium texture quality
  • Disable shadows and other visual effects

Setting graphics settings to low or medium quality, disabling shadows and other visual effects, and reducing texture quality will ensure that your server runs seamlessly and without any performance issues.

Server Administration

Server administration is an essential factor when hosting a Factorio dedicated server. Server administration involves managing your server, moderating players, and ensuring that your server runs seamlessly. Here are some recommended server administration tasks:

  • Assign admins with appropriate permissions
  • Check server logs for errors and issues
  • Monitor player activity and moderate when necessary
  • Update server software and mods regularly

Performing these server administration tasks will ensure that your Factorio dedicated server runs seamlessly and without any issues.

Server Maintenance

Server maintenance is an essential factor when hosting a Factorio dedicated server. Server maintenance involves keeping your server software up to date, ensuring that your hardware and internet connection are working correctly, and performing regular backups. Here are some recommended server maintenance tasks:

  • Update server software and mods regularly
  • Perform regular backups of your server data
  • Maintain hardware and internet connection
  • Monitor server performance and address issues promptly

Performing these server maintenance tasks will ensure that your Factorio dedicated server runs smoothly and without any issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Factorio dedicated server?

A: A Factorio dedicated server is a server that runs the Factorio game on a remote computer. Players can connect to the server to play the game together, even if they are not in the same location.

Q: Can I run a Factorio dedicated server on my own computer?

A: Yes, you can run a Factorio dedicated server on your own computer. However, this may affect your computer’s performance and may not be suitable for hosting a server for multiple players.

Q: How many players can join a Factorio dedicated server?

A: The number of players that can join a Factorio dedicated server depends on the server’s hardware and internet connection. A server with better hardware and faster internet connection can handle more players.

Q: How do I join a Factorio dedicated server?

A: To join a Factorio dedicated server, you need to have the IP address of the server and the port number. You can then connect to the server using the multiplayer option in the game.

Q: Can I create my own mods for Factorio?

A: Yes, you can create your own mods for Factorio. Factorio provides modding tools that allow you to create new items, entities, and gameplay mechanics.

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Q: What is the best server software for hosting a Factorio dedicated server?

A: The best server software for hosting a Factorio dedicated server depends on your requirements and preferences. The recommended server software is Factorio Server Manager (FSM), Factorio Headless Server, and FatController.

Q: How do I configure my server settings?

A: You can configure your server settings by editing the server settings file. The server settings file is located in the server’s directory.

Congratulations, Dev, you are now ready to host your own Factorio dedicated server. By following these essential factors and best practices, your server will run smoothly and provide you with the ultimate gaming experience. Happy hosting!