How to Host a Factorio Server in 2026
A Factorio server is the factory: whoever hosts it controls whether the map, the research and the bot network survive a week or a year. This guide covers SteamCMD, server-settings, save handling, RCON and mods — the full path to a persistent base.
Size the server for your factory
Factorio's simulation is CPU-bound, not RAM-hungry. Small crews on a fresh map run fine on the starter tier; long-running mega-factories with huge networks and UPS pressure want more RAM headroom and fast single-thread speed. The map file itself grows with your base.
Install via SteamCMD
The Factorio dedicated server is Steam app ID 427520. Run SteamCMD with `+force_install_dir /opt/factorio +login anonymous +app_update 427520 validate +quit`. Factorio updates are small and infrequent.
Configure server-settings.json
Copy `data/server-settings.json` and edit: server name, player count, game password (or drop it for public listing), verify_identity, and autosave interval. Auto-pause keeps the factory quiet when everyone's offline.
Pick your save
Place existing save .zips in the server's saves/ directory and play with `--start-server <save>`; leave the argument out and Factorio creates a fresh map. Long-running communities should schedule saves regularly — a corrupted save is the classic Factorio loss.
Open the port
Factorio runs on UDP 34197. A2S-style Steam query is not the same — the Factorio server browser hits this port directly. RCON (TCP) is optional but recommended for remote admin.
Set up RCON and admins
Enable RCON in server-settings.json (add your own rcon password) for remote commands. Admin players live in the adminlist; they can kick, ban and run all console commands in-game once whitelisted.
Invite the crew
Players connect via the server browser (search by name) or direct IP `factorio <ip>` in multiplayer dialog. Then the real game starts: bus geometry, bot networks and the eternal UPS optimization.
FAQ
How much RAM does a Factorio server need?+
What port does Factorio use?+
Can I run mods?+
How do I upload my single-player factory?+
Is there a refund if it's not for us?+
Host your Factorio server from €10.69/month
CoalHost runs Factorio on dedicated Ryzen hardware in Helsinki, EU — UDP 34197 open, mods and RCON supported, scheduled auto-backups protecting your factory save, from €10.69/month with the 7-day refund.
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