Satisfactory: How to Set Up a Server
Table of Contents
A HardGaming server gets your Satisfactory factory running without installing or maintaining anything yourself. This guide covers the Steam and Epic Games Store versions on PC, from picking a plan through your server coming online. Satisfactory's PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S versions cannot join a dedicated server, so they are not covered here.
Before You Start
- A HardGaming account. Create one at hardgaming.tech first.
- A payment method. Your card is entered at the last step and saved for the monthly subscription.
- PC only. Satisfactory's PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S versions cannot connect to a dedicated server. This guide and your HardGaming server serve the Steam and Epic Games Store versions on PC.
- Nothing to install. Every step happens in your browser. The server files are downloaded and unpacked for you.
- Your configuration is not final. Server name and every setting on the Configuration step can change again once the server exists.
Step 1: Open the HardGaming Website
Go to hardgaming.tech and sign in. If you would rather skip the browsing, go straight to Satisfactory server hosting and continue from Step 4.
Step 2: Select Game Hosting
In the sidebar on the left, click Game Hosting.
Step 3: Select the Satisfactory Tile
Find Satisfactory among the game tiles and click it.
Step 4: Choose a Plan
Three plans are on offer. Click the one that fits how you plan to play.
- Starter, built for playing solo.
- Premium, built for playing with a team.
- Custom, where you set your own resources and pricing.
Every plan also includes one DeepSave slot, which keeps a backup in your account even after the server is deleted. Our DeepSave guide covers how to use it.
Step 5: Name Your Server
Type a name into Server Name. It is the one required field on the Configuration step.
Step 6: Review the Configuration Settings
The Configuration step lists six settings for your server, each explained beneath it. Leave Automatic Updates on to keep the server current, and leave [Repair] Validate Server Files empty unless you suspect a corrupted install. Turning it on validates every file on each start, which adds significant time before the server comes up.
Step 7: Set the Advanced Connection Settings
[Advanced] Client Initial Connection Timeout and [Advanced] Client Established Connection Timeout set how many seconds the server waits on a client before dropping the connection. None of this is final. Every setting on this step can change again once the server exists. When you are done, click Next.
Step 8: Enter Your Payment Details
Leave Select Your Card on Enter a new card, or pick a card you have used before. Fill in Card Number, Expiry Date, Security Code, Country and Zip code, then click Submit Secure Payment.
Warning: Your card is saved and charged every month until you cancel the server from your Billing page.
Step 9: Confirm Your Server Is Running
Payment takes you straight to your new server. The Console tab streams the install while Satisfactory downloads and unpacks, and the other tabs unlock as it finishes.
Watch STATUS on the right. It reads offline while the install runs, then running once the server is up, and the console confirms the server started. CONNECT ADDRESS holds the FQDN and IP your friends need.
Satisfactory Configuration Settings
Every setting on the Configuration step, and what it does.
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Automatic Updates | Checks for a server update on every start, and updates automatically when it finds one |
| [Repair] Validate Server Files | Validates every server file on start when turned on. Adds significant time to every restart, so leave it off unless you suspect a corrupted install |
| Number of Rotating Autosaves | Sets how many autosaves the server keeps before it deletes the oldest |
| [Experimental] Max Players | Sets the maximum number of players allowed to join. Satisfactory is not optimized past four players, and raising this trades stability for headroom |
| [Advanced] Client Initial Connection Timeout | Seconds the server waits for a new client connection to complete before dropping it |
| [Advanced] Client Established Connection Timeout | Seconds the server waits before treating an already-connected client as timed out |
Note: You can change any of these settings again once your server exists.
How Many Players Can a Satisfactory Server Hold?
Four is the number Satisfactory is currently optimized for. [Experimental] Max Players lets you raise the limit beyond that, but both the server and the client trade performance for the extra headroom.
Applying a Coupon Code
If you have a coupon, apply it before you pay. On the payment page, click Apply coupon code, type your code, and click Apply.
Troubleshooting
Next stays on the Configuration step?
- Server Name is required. Scroll back to the top of the Configuration step and confirm it is filled in.
Server takes longer than expected to start?
- Check whether [Repair] Validate Server Files is turned on. Validating every file on each start adds significant time before the server comes up.
Game feels laggy with a full server?
- Check [Experimental] Max Players. Satisfactory is not optimized past four players, and raising the limit trades stability for extra headroom.
Friends cannot join?
- Check STATUS reads
running. A server that is offline or still installing refuses connections. - Share the address from CONNECT ADDRESS, including the port. Both the FQDN and the IP work.
Best Practices
- Leave [Repair] Validate Server Files off for routine restarts. Turn it on only when you suspect a corrupted install.
- Keep [Experimental] Max Players at four unless you are ready to trade stability for a bigger server.
- Raise Number of Rotating Autosaves if your factory is large enough that losing progress between saves would hurt.
- Use your DeepSave slot before a big change to your factory.
Next Steps
Your server now appears under My Servers on your HardGaming dashboard, and it stays there between sessions. Open it any time to restart it, edit settings, or pull a backup.
- Protect your factory with DeepSave
- Browse all Satisfactory guides
- Guides for every game we host
- Satisfactory server hosting
Need Help?
If you run into any issues, the HardGaming support team is here for you:
- Live Chat: use the chat widget on hardgaming.tech
- Discord: join our community for quick help
- Email: support@hardgaming.tech
Happy gaming! 🎮