Hosting a Factorio Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Greetings, dear Devs! If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’re interested in hosting your own Factorio server. Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll take you through the ins and outs of setting up and running a Factorio server, from hardware requirements to troubleshooting common issues. So let’s dive in!

Hardware Requirements

The first thing you’ll need to consider when hosting a Factorio server is the hardware you’ll be running it on. The good news is that Factorio is not an overly demanding game, and you don’t need a supercomputer to run a server. However, there are still some minimum requirements you’ll need to meet in order to ensure a smooth gaming experience for your players.

Processor

The processor is the heart of your server, and you’ll want a decent one if you’re planning on hosting more than a few players. We recommend at least a dual-core processor with a clock speed of 2.4GHz or higher. If you’re planning on hosting a lot of players or running a heavily-modded server, you may want to consider a quad-core processor or higher.

RAM

The amount of RAM you’ll need will depend on the number of players you’re hosting and the size of your game world. For a small server with just a handful of players, 2GB of RAM should be sufficient. For larger servers with more players or bigger maps, you’ll want to aim for at least 4-8GB of RAM.

Storage

The amount of storage you’ll need will depend on how big your Factorio installation is and how many mods you plan on running. We recommend at least 10GB of free storage for a basic installation, with more if you plan on adding mods.

Network Connection

Your server’s network connection will be crucial to providing a smooth gaming experience for your players. We recommend a minimum upload speed of 5Mbps for a server with up to 10 players. For larger servers, you’ll want to aim for at least 10Mbps or higher.

Operating System

Factorio supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, so you can choose whichever operating system you’re most comfortable with. However, we recommend using a server-only distribution of Linux, such as Ubuntu Server or Debian, to minimize resource usage and improve stability.

Setting up a Factorio Server

Once you’ve got your hardware sorted, it’s time to start setting up your Factorio server. Follow these steps to get started:

Step 1: Download and Install Factorio

The first thing you’ll need to do is download and install Factorio on your server. You can download the latest version of Factorio from the official website.

OS	Download Link
Windows	https://www.factorio.com/download/windows64
macOS	https://www.factorio.com/download/macos
Linux	https://www.factorio.com/download-headless/stable

Once you’ve downloaded the appropriate version for your operating system, run the installer and follow the prompts to install Factorio.

Step 2: Configure Your Server

Now that you’ve got Factorio installed, it’s time to configure your server. Navigate to the directory where you installed Factorio and create a new file called server-settings.json.

This file contains various settings for your server, including the name of your server, the map seed, and the number of players allowed. You can find a full list of settings in the Factorio documentation.

Step 3: Launch Your Server

With your server configured, it’s time to launch it! Navigate to the directory where you installed Factorio and run the factorio executable.

If everything worked correctly, you should see your server listed in the Factorio multiplayer menu. Your players can now connect to your server using your IP address and port number.

Managing Your Factorio Server

Running a Factorio server can be a lot of work, but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips for managing your server:

Tip 1: Use a Server Management Tool

There are many server management tools available for Factorio, such as Factorio Server Manager and FactorioZone. These tools can make it much easier to manage your server, with features such as automatic updates, backup and restore, and easy configuration.

Tip 2: Monitor Your Server’s Performance

To ensure a smooth gaming experience for your players, it’s important to monitor your server’s performance regularly. Use tools like Task Manager (Windows) or htop (Linux) to monitor CPU and RAM usage, and check your server logs for any errors or warnings.

Tip 3: Regularly Back Up Your Server

Accidents happen, and your server data could be lost or corrupted at any time. To prevent data loss, it’s important to regularly back up your server data. Many server management tools include automatic backup and restore features, but you can also back up your server manually by copying the saves directory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many players can I host on my server?

A: The number of players you can host on your server will depend on your hardware and network connection. A basic server with 2GB of RAM can generally host up to 10 players, while a more powerful server with 8GB of RAM or more can host up to 50 players or more.

Q: Do I need to open any ports on my router?

A: Yes, you’ll need to open port 34197 on your router to allow incoming connections to your server. You can find instructions for port forwarding on your router’s manufacturer website.

Q: Can I run mods on my Factorio server?

A: Yes, Factorio supports mods, and you can run them on your server. However, keep in mind that mods can significantly increase resource usage, so make sure your hardware can handle the additional load.

Q: Can I host a Factorio server on a VPS?

A: Yes, you can host a Factorio server on a VPS (Virtual Private Server). However, make sure your VPS meets the minimum hardware requirements and has a stable network connection.

Q: I’m having trouble connecting to my server. What should I do?

A: If you’re having trouble connecting to your server, check the following:

• Make sure your server is running and not blocked by a firewall.
• Make sure you’re using the correct IP address and port number to connect.
• Make sure your network connection is stable.

If you’re still having trouble, check your server logs for any errors or warnings, and try restarting your server. If all else fails, ask for help on the Factorio forums or Discord server.

Conclusion

Hosting a Factorio server can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it does require some effort and knowledge. We hope this guide has helped you get started on hosting your own server and that you’ll have a great time playing with your friends. Good luck, and have fun!