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Quick answer
- Create a free Factorio server at FreeGameHost, or download the headless server from factorio.com.
- Start it and note the address. Factorio uses UDP port 34197.
- In Factorio choose Multiplayer → Connect to address, enter the address, and join.
What you need#
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Game | Everyone needs a copy of Factorio on the same version as the server. |
| Space Age | Needed by players only if the save uses the expansion. |
| Port | UDP 34197 reachable from the internet. |
| Memory | A few GB is enough for small to medium factories. Megabases need more CPU than RAM. |
Option 1: free hosted server#
- Create the server
Go to free Factorio hosting and create a server. Name it and choose the save name and max players on the order form.
- Start it
The panel installs the latest Factorio server and creates a new map the first time it starts, saved as
gamesave.zipunless you chose another name. - Copy the address
The Console page shows the address and port.
- Join
In Factorio: Multiplayer → Connect to address, enter address and port.
Server settings you can change#
The Startup page has these settings, which the panel writes to server-settings.json each time the server starts:
| Setting | Default | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Server name / description | Factorio Server | Shown in the server browser. |
| Maximum slots | 20 | Player limit. |
| Save name | gamesave | Which save in the saves folder to load. |
| Auto save interval | 10 min | How often the game saves. |
| Auto save slots | 5 | How many autosaves are kept. |
| AFK kick | 0 (off) | Minutes before idle players are kicked. |
| Username / token | (empty) | Only needed to list the server publicly. |
Free servers need to be renewed to stay online. Check the time left on the Console page.
Option 2: run it yourself#
- Download the headless server
On factorio.com download the Linux headless build (or use the Windows game install). Extract it.
- Create a map
Run the command below once.
- Start the server
Run the second command. Add
--server-settingsto use a settings file. - Open the port
Allow and forward UDP 34197 to your computer.
./bin/x64/factorio --create ./saves/mymap.zip
./bin/x64/factorio --start-server ./saves/mymap.zip --port 34197Admins and commands#
Type these in the server console. In-game, use the same commands with a slash in chat.
/promote PlayerName
/demote PlayerName
/kick PlayerName
/ban PlayerName
/players online
/saveMods and Space Age#
Mods come from the Factorio Mod Portal. Put them in the server's mods folder along with a mod-list.json that enables them, or install them through the panel. Players need the same mod versions; Factorio can offer to download missing mods when a player joins.
Popular choices include Space Age (the official expansion), Krastorio 2, Space Exploration, Bob's Mods, Angel's Mods and Logistic Train Network. Big overhaul mods make saves heavy, so expect slower ticks and plan for more CPU.
Back up your save before adding or removing a mod. Removing a mod from an existing save can delete everything it added.
Troubleshooting#
- "Connection refused / timed out": the server isn't running, or the port isn't open for UDP.
- "Version mismatch": update the game or the server so both match.
- "Mod mismatch": let Factorio download the server's mods, or install the same versions.
- Server lag in a big factory: Factorio runs on one main thread. Reduce expensive belts and inserters, or move to a faster CPU.
- Server found in browser but not by address: check you used the right port.
Frequently asked questions#
What port does a Factorio server use?
UDP port 34197 by default. It is UDP only, so a TCP-only port forward won't work.
Do all players need the same version?
Yes. The client and the server must run the same Factorio version, and mods must match. If the server auto-updates, players must update too.
Do players need to own Space Age?
To play a save that uses Space Age content, players need the Space Age expansion. A server can run the base game only if you don't enable it.
Do I need a server token?
Only if you want the server listed in Factorio's public server browser. For a private server, friends join by address and you can leave the token empty.
How do I become admin on the server?
Run /promote YourName in the server console, or add your name to server-adminlist.json.
Can I load my single-player save?
Yes. Upload the save .zip to the server's saves folder and set the save name to match. Back up first.
