How to Make a Satisfactory Server
A clear walkthrough for running your own Satisfactory dedicated server — install the free server with SteamCMD, open the two ports it needs, then claim and configure it from inside the game. Plus the one-click hosted route.
Satisfactory has a free dedicated server you can self-host, or you can use a managed host. Self-hosting is free but keeps a PC busy 24/7, exposes your home IP and needs port-forwarding; a host gives you an always-online, DDoS-protected factory with a panel for a few euros a month.
Unusually, most of Satisfactory's configuration is done in-game after you claim the server — the command line only handles install and ports.
What you'll need
A quick checklist before you begin — have these ready and the rest is easy.
- A machine for the server — a spare PC for testing, or a host for 24/7 uptime.
- SteamCMD, to install the dedicated server (app 1690800, anonymous).
- 6–12 GB of free RAM depending on factory size.
- Open ports: UDP 7777 and TCP 8888.
- A way for friends to connect — port-forwarding at home, or a clean IP from a host.
Set up a Satisfactory dedicated server, step by step
Choose self-host or a managed host
The dedicated server is free, but self-hosting needs a PC on 24/7 and port-forwarding. A managed host gives you an online server and panel in minutes. Want zero hassle? Pick a host and skip to step 4.
Install the server with SteamCMD
The Satisfactory dedicated server is Steam app 1690800 — this is not the game (526870). Installing the wrong app ID gives you the full game, not the headless server. Install it anonymously.
steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 1690800 validate +quit
Open the ports
Since patch 1.1, Satisfactory uses a two-port model: UDP 7777 (game) and TCP 8888 (API/reliable messaging). You must open both — opening only 7777 is the single most common failure. A host handles this for you.
Start the server
Launch the server executable (FactoryServer.sh on Linux, or FactoryServer.exe on Windows). It runs headless and waits for you to claim it from the game.
./FactoryServer.sh
Claim and configure it in-game
In Satisfactory, open Server Manager, add your server's IP, and claim it. Set the server name, admin password and an optional join password, then create or load a save — all from the in-game UI.
Invite friends
Once claimed and running a save, friends add the same IP in their Server Manager and join. Share your public IP (or domain), and make sure both ports are reachable.
Keep your factory running
Late-game is heavy
A large, sprawling factory is demanding. Budget 8–12 GB RAM and a strong CPU for big multiplayer saves.
Open BOTH ports
UDP 7777 and TCP 8888 are both required since patch 1.1. Missing 8888 is why most self-hosted servers won't connect.
Back up your save
Hundreds of hours live in one save file. Schedule backups so a crash or bad update never costs you your factory.
Protect your IP
Self-hosting exposes your home IP. A managed host puts a clean, DDoS-protected IP in front.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
Server won't show up when I add the IP
Open BOTH ports — UDP 7777 and TCP 8888. Missing 8888 is the number-one cause since patch 1.1.
I installed the game instead of the server
You used app 526870. The dedicated server is app 1690800 — re-run SteamCMD with the correct ID.
Server lags with a big factory
Late-game factories are heavy. Add RAM and use a faster CPU, or move to a host with stronger hardware.
Can't claim the server
Make sure the server is running and reachable on both ports, then add its IP in Server Manager and claim it there.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Want your factory online 24/7 without port-forwarding? Our Satisfactory hosting runs on high-clock CPUs and NVMe behind a multi-Tbps Frankfurt network — protected and instant.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to own Satisfactory to host a server?
No. The dedicated server (Steam app 1690800) is a free, separate download. You only need the game on the machines that play.
What ports does a Satisfactory server use?
Since patch 1.1 it uses UDP 7777 (game) and TCP 8888 (API). Both must be open — opening only 7777 is the most common connection failure.
How do I configure the server?
Mostly in-game. After you claim the server in the Server Manager, you set the name, admin/join passwords and the save from inside Satisfactory, not a config file.
How much RAM does it need?
Around 6–8 GB for a small factory, and 8–12 GB+ for large late-game multiplayer saves.
Why is my server not showing up?
Almost always the ports — make sure both UDP 7777 and TCP 8888 are forwarded and reachable, then re-add the IP in Server Manager.
Can I move a single-player save to the server?
Yes. Upload your save to the server's save folder, then load it from the Server Manager after claiming the server.
Keep reading
Satisfactory is a trademark of Coffee Stain Studios. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Coffee Stain Studios. You must own a legitimate copy of the game to play.
