How to Host a Factorio Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Welcome, Dev, to this comprehensive guide on how to host a Factorio server. Whether you are new to hosting servers or a seasoned pro, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to set up and run your own Factorio server.

1. Choosing a Server Hosting Provider

The first thing you need to do when hosting a Factorio server is to choose a server hosting provider. There are many hosting providers available, each with their own pros and cons. Some popular hosting providers include:

Provider	Pros	Cons
Hostinger	Low cost, reliable servers	Limited server locations
HostGator	Good customer support	Higher cost
DigitalOcean	Flexible server options	More complex setup process

1.1 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hosting Provider

When choosing a server hosting provider, there are several factors you should consider:

1. Cost: How much does the hosting provider charge for their services?
2. Reliability: How reliable are their servers? Do they guarantee uptime?
3. Server Locations: Where are their servers located? The closer the server is to you and your players, the lower the latency will be.
4. Customer Support: What kind of customer support do they offer?

2. Setting up the Server

Once you have chosen a hosting provider, you will need to set up your Factorio server. The exact process will vary depending on the provider you have chosen, but in general, you will need to:

1. Install Factorio: Most hosting providers will provide an option to install Factorio with just a few clicks.
2. Configure the Server: You will need to configure the server settings, including the server name, game settings, and any mods you want to use.
3. Set up Port Forwarding: You will need to set up port forwarding on your router to allow players to connect to your server.
4. Create Admin Accounts: You will need to create admin accounts to manage your server and enforce rules.

2.1 Configuring the Server Settings

Configuring the server settings is an important step in setting up your Factorio server. You will need to configure the following settings:

1. Server Name: Choose a name for your server that is easy to remember and descriptive.
2. Game Settings: Configure game settings such as the map size, enemy difficulty, and research queue.
3. Mod Settings: If you want to use mods on your server, configure the mod settings accordingly.

2.2 Setting up Port Forwarding

Port forwarding is necessary to allow players to connect to your server from outside your network. To set up port forwarding, you will need to:

1. Find your router’s IP address: The IP address is usually printed on the router itself or can be found in the router’s documentation.
2. Log in to your router: Open a web browser and enter the IP address of your router. Enter your username and password to log in.
3. Set up port forwarding: Find the port forwarding section in your router’s settings and create a new rule to forward port 34197 to your server’s IP address.

3. Managing the Server

Managing your Factorio server is an ongoing process. You will need to:

1. Enforce Rules: As the server owner, it is your responsibility to enforce rules and ensure that all players are following them.
2. Update the Server: Keep your server up to date with the latest version of Factorio.
3. Backup the Server: Regularly backup your server to prevent data loss in case of a server crash or other issue.

3.1 Enforcing Rules

Enforcing rules is an important part of managing your Factorio server. You should have a clear set of rules that all players must follow, and be prepared to enforce those rules when necessary. Some common rules include:

• No griefing or sabotaging other players’ builds.
• No cheating or using exploits.
• No hate speech or discriminatory behavior.

3.2 Updating the Server

Keeping your server up to date with the latest version of Factorio is important to ensure that your players have the best experience possible. Most hosting providers will provide an option to automatically update your server, but you should also check for updates manually on a regular basis.

3.3 Backing up the Server

Regularly backing up your server is important to prevent data loss in case of a server crash or other issue. Most hosting providers will provide an option to automatically backup your server, but you should also backup your server manually on a regular basis.

FAQ

1. Can I host a Factorio server on my own computer?

Yes, you can host a Factorio server on your own computer. However, this is not recommended as it can be resource-intensive and may not be suitable for large numbers of players.

2. How many players can join my Factorio server?

The number of players that can join your Factorio server will depend on the resources available on your server and the settings you have configured. Most Factorio servers can accommodate anywhere from 2 to 64 players.

3. Can I use mods on my Factorio server?

Yes, you can use mods on your Factorio server. You will need to configure the mod settings in the server settings.

4. What happens if my server crashes?

If your server crashes, players will be unable to connect to the server until it is restarted. It is important to backup your server regularly to prevent data loss in case of a crash.

5. Can I run a headless server?

Yes, you can run a headless server, which is a server that runs without a graphics interface. This can be useful for conserving resources and running the server in the background.

That concludes our comprehensive guide on how to host a Factorio server. We hope this guide has been helpful for you, Dev. If you have any additional questions, feel free to consult the Factorio wiki or forums for more information. Best of luck with your server hosting endeavors!