Short Answer: Yes, you can run a dedicated Satisfactory server using Coffee Stain Studios’ official tools or third-party solutions. The process requires meeting specific hardware requirements, configuring network settings, and managing port forwarding. Dedicated servers enable 24/7 multiplayer access without requiring the host to be logged into the game.
What Are the System Requirements for a Satisfactory Dedicated Server?
Dedicated servers require Windows/Linux OS, quad-core CPU, 8GB RAM, and 15GB storage. SSD storage improves performance for large factories. Network demands include 10Mbps upload speed per 4 players. Always reserve 20% extra resources for background processes and automatic updates.
How Do You Install the Official Satisfactory Dedicated Server?
Install through SteamCMD using app_update 1690800 validate command or Epic Games Launcher. Linux users require Proton compatibility layer. First-time setup creates server configuration files in AppData/Local/FactoryGame/Saved/Servers. Modify Engine.ini to customize autosave intervals and player limits.
Which Ports Need Forwarding for Multiplayer Access?
Essential ports include UDP 7777 (game traffic), UDP 15000 (query port), and UDP 15777 (BeaconPort). Advanced configurations use TCP 80/443 for web-based admin panels. Use portchecktool.com to verify accessibility. Business-grade routers require explicit firewall rules for UDP broadcast packets.
How to Troubleshoot Common Server Connection Issues?
Fix “Connection Timeout” errors by verifying NAT type and disabling SIP ALG in router settings. Resolve “Invalid Packet” messages by matching client/server mod versions. Use Wireshark to diagnose packet loss exceeding 5%. Always test with Windows Defender/Firewall temporarily disabled during initial setup.
Does Mod Support Work on Dedicated Servers?
Mods require identical installation on server and all clients through Satisfactory Mod Manager. Server-side only mods like ServerStarter must be loaded before world initialization. Critical dependencies include SML 3.0.0+ and UE4SS 3.0.0. Always test mod combinations in creative mode before deploying to production servers.
How to Scale Server Performance for Large Factories?
Optimize via launch parameters: -cpuLoadBalancing -high -malloc=system -USEALLAVAILABLECORES. Distributed computing setups using multiple Docker containers can share simulation load. Monitor performance metrics with Prometheus+Grafana dashboards. Implement chunk unloading for unused factory areas through experimental console commands.
For factories exceeding 500,000 components, consider splitting production lines across multiple server instances. Use Redis for real-time data synchronization between nodes. The table below shows recommended hardware scaling tiers:
| Factory Size | CPU Cores | RAM | Storage Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (0-100k parts) | 4 | 16GB | SSD |
| Medium (100k-1M) | 8 | 32GB | NVMe |
| Large (1M+) | 16 | 64GB | RAID 0 NVMe |
What Security Practices Protect Dedicated Servers?
Mandatory measures include SSH key authentication, Fail2Ban intrusion prevention, and automated security patches through Ansible. For public servers, implement Cloudflare Argo Tunnel to mask origin IP. Weekly audit server logs for suspicious pattern matches like repeated failed RCON login attempts.
Enable two-factor authentication for server admin interfaces and restrict physical access to hosting hardware. The following table outlines essential security layers:
| Layer | Tool | Protection Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Firewall | Port filtering |
| Application | Fail2Ban | Brute-force prevention |
| Data | Encrypted backups | Ransomware protection |
How to Reduce Hosting Costs for Persistent Servers?
Use AWS Spot Instances or Google Preemptible VMs for 70% cost savings. Schedule nightly server restarts to clear memory leaks. Implement LZS compression for save files exceeding 50MB. Multi-tenant hosting using Kubernetes clusters can support 8+ worlds per physical machine through smart resource allocation.
Consider hybrid cloud solutions for dynamic scaling during peak player hours. The table below compares popular hosting options:
| Provider | Cost/Month | Uptime SLA |
|---|---|---|
| AWS | $85 | 99.9% |
| DigitalOcean | $60 | 99.99% |
| Self-hosted | $30 | Varies |
Expert Views
“Modern dedicated servers handle 16+ players through UE5’s network prediction algorithms. The real challenge is synchronizing massive factory states – we’ve seen 98% reduction in desync errors using delta compression techniques. Always prioritize single-thread CPU performance over core count, as Satisfactory’s simulation thread remains largely serialized.”
– Senior Network Engineer, Cloud Gaming Infrastructure Provider
Conclusion
Running a dedicated Satisfactory server requires technical proficiency but enables unparalleled multiplayer experiences. From hardware selection to advanced network configurations, each element impacts server stability. With 47% of community servers now using enterprise-grade hosting, the tools exist for anyone to host professional-grade Satisfactory environments.
FAQ
- Can I host a server and play on the same machine?
- Possible with 16GB+ RAM and 6-core CPU, but not recommended due to input lag. Dedicated hardware prevents client-side FPS drops.
- How often should I back up server data?
- Automate saves every 15 minutes with 7-day rolling archives. Critical factories warrant real-time database-style transaction logging.
- Are cross-platform servers supported?
- Yes, but Epic and Steam players must connect via IP direct connect. No cross-platform invites through native interfaces.