Factorio multiplayer server setup guide

Factorio is the factory-building automation game that consumes hundreds of hours. Multiplayer lets your group build one massive factory together. The dedicated server is lightweight but scales with factory complexity.

Requirements

RAM: 1 to 2 GB for a normal factory. 4 to 8 GB for a megabase (10,000+ science per minute).
CPU: single-threaded performance matters most. The game simulates the entire factory every tick (60 UPS). A fast single core keeps UPS at 60.
Storage: 1 to 3 GB. Factorio is very disk-efficient.
Port: 34197 UDP (default).

Installation

Select Factorio in the game panel, or download the headless server from factorio.com (free with any Factorio purchase).

Create a server settings file:

{
  "name": "My Factory",
  "description": "Cooperative megabase",
  "max_players": 0,
  "visibility": { "public": true, "lan": true },
  "require_user_verification": true,
  "autosave_interval": 5,
  "autosave_slots": 5
}

Generate or upload a save file.
Start with: ./factorio --start-server save.zip --server-settings server-settings.json.

Mod sync

Factorio handles mod sync automatically. When a player connects, the server sends the required mods. All players must run the same mod versions.

To install mods on the server:

Place .zip mod files in the mods/ folder.
Update mod-list.json to enable them.
Restart the server.

UPS optimization

UPS (Updates Per Second) is Factorio's equivalent of TPS. 60 UPS is perfect. As your factory grows, UPS drops. Tips:

Use beacons to consolidate production into fewer machines.
Replace belt-based logistics with bots or trains for long-distance transport.
Minimize active inserter movements (use higher-tier inserters, fuller belts).
Nuclear power is more UPS-friendly than hundreds of solar panels.

How many players before it lags?

The bottleneck is the factory, not the player count. 10 players in a small factory run perfectly. 2 players in a megabase can drop below 60 UPS. Factorio multiplayer scales with factory complexity, not headcount.

Can I run Space Age content on a server?

Yes. Factorio 2.0 with Space Age DLC works on dedicated servers. All players must own the DLC. The additional planets increase server load slightly.

Does the server need to be always on?

The factory only runs when the server is running. Unlike Minecraft, time does not pass while the server is off. For continuous production, keep the server running 24/7.

Factorio servers run on KVM VPS plans at HostValues. Even a 2 GB VPS handles most factories.