How to Make a Factorio Server
A complete walkthrough for running your own Factorio dedicated server — install the free headless server, load or generate a save, open the port and tune server-settings.json. Factorio is famously light to host, so it runs 24/7 on very little. Plus the one-click hosted route if you'd rather skip the setup.
Factorio ships a free headless server — no graphics, tiny footprint — that runs natively on Linux. You can self-host it or use a managed host for an always-online factory with a panel. It's one of the lightest games to run: a fast CPU core matters far more than lots of RAM.
This guide covers the self-hosted route step by step, and points out where a host saves you the hassle.
What you'll need
A quick checklist before you begin — have these ready and the rest is easy.
- A machine to run the server — almost anything, or a host for 24/7 uptime.
- The free headless server (tarball or SteamCMD app 427520).
- A save file to host (generated or uploaded).
- server-settings.json configured (name, players, visibility).
- Open port: UDP 34197.
Set up a Factorio dedicated server, step by step
Choose self-host or a managed host
The headless server is free, but self-hosting needs a machine on 24/7 and port-forwarding. A managed host gives you an always-online factory and a panel in minutes. Want zero hassle? Pick a host and skip to step 5.
Get the headless server
Two ways: download the headless tarball from the official Factorio site (smallest, no graphics), or install via SteamCMD (Steam app 427520) which starts headless when given the server flags. The headless tarball is the usual choice for Linux.
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./factorio +app_update 427520 validate +quit # or: download the headless tarball from factorio.com
Create or upload a save
Factorio needs a save file to host. Generate one with --create, or upload an existing single-player save — your factory carries straight over.
./bin/x64/factorio --create ./saves/myworld.zip
Configure server-settings.json
Copy server-settings.example.json to server-settings.json and set the name, description, max players, visibility and whether it's public. This is where you control the whole server.
Launch & open the port
Start the server pointing at your save and settings, and forward UDP 34197 (the default) so players can connect. On a managed host this is opened for you.
./bin/x64/factorio --start-server ./saves/myworld.zip --server-settings ./server-settings.json # port: 34197/udp
Add mods (optional)
Factorio has a huge mod scene. Drop mod .zip files into the mods folder (or set them via the mod portal), and players auto-download matching mods on join. Keep the server and clients on the same mod versions.
Run a smooth factory
One fast core is everything
Factorio's simulation (UPS) runs on a single thread, so a fast high-clock CPU keeps a huge factory at 60 UPS. Core count barely matters — clock speed does.
It barely uses RAM
A Factorio server runs on 1-2 GB for most maps. It's one of the cheapest games to host — spend on CPU speed, not memory.
Match mod versions
Clients auto-download server mods, but versions must line up. Keep the server's mods updated in step with your players to avoid join errors.
Autosave sensibly
Factorio autosaves on an interval — keep a few rotations so a corrupt save never costs the factory, and back up the saves folder before big changes.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
Players can't connect
UDP 34197 isn't open. Forward it on the router and confirm the host firewall allows it.
The factory runs below 60 UPS
The CPU is the bottleneck — Factorio's sim is single-threaded. Move to a faster high-clock core; more RAM won't help.
Players get a mod-mismatch error
Server and client mod versions differ. Update the server's mods to match, and clients auto-download the rest.
The server won't start
Usually a missing --server-settings or an invalid save path. Check the launch flags point at a real save and a valid server-settings.json.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Want your factory online 24/7 without port-forwarding? Our game server hosting runs fast high-clock CPUs behind a multi-Tbps Frankfurt network — perfect for Factorio's single-thread simulation, online in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to own Factorio to host a server?
The headless server is a free download, but to play you need a legitimate copy of the game. Some setups (Steam app 427520) use anonymous install; the headless tarball from the official site is free to run.
What port does a Factorio server use?
UDP 34197 by default. Forward it so players can find and join. You can change it with a launch flag, but 34197 is the standard.
How much RAM and CPU does a Factorio server need?
Very little RAM — 1-2 GB suits most maps. What matters is CPU: the simulation is single-threaded, so a fast high-clock core keeps even a massive factory at full 60 UPS. It's one of the lightest games to host.
How do I add mods to a Factorio server?
Put mod .zip files in the server's mods folder (or manage them via the mod portal). Players auto-download the matching mods when they join, so keep the server and clients on the same versions.
What is UPS in Factorio and why does it matter?
UPS (updates per second) is the server's simulation rate — 60 is healthy. A giant factory can drop UPS if the CPU can't keep up, which slows the game for everyone. A fast single core is the fix.
Can I move a single-player save to the server?
Yes — upload your single-player save to the server's saves folder and start the server pointing at it. Your factory and progress carry over exactly.
Keep reading
Factorio is a trademark of Wube Software. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Wube Software. You must own a legitimate copy of the game to play.
