Factorio is all about building enormous automated factories. A dedicated server lets your friends contribute to the factory around the clock. The headless server is lightweight, so even a small HostValues VPS with 2 GB of RAM handles most games well.
Installation
- Download the headless server from the Factorio website. You need a Factorio account:
wget https://factorio.com/get-download/stable/headless/linux64 -O factorio-headless.tar.xz(or use your account credentials with the download API). - Extract the archive:
tar -xf factorio-headless.tar.xz - Generate a new map:
./factorio/bin/x64/factorio --create ./factorio/saves/world.zip - Edit
factorio/data/server-settings.jsonto set the server name, description, password, visibility (public or LAN only) and your Factorio account credentials for the multiplayer listing. - Start the server:
./factorio/bin/x64/factorio --start-server ./factorio/saves/world.zip --server-settings ./factorio/data/server-settings.json - Open UDP port 34197 in your firewall.
Map generation settings
Before creating the map, edit map-gen-settings.json to control ore richness, water coverage, terrain type and enemy base frequency. A map with fewer enemy bases is friendlier for new players; turning up ore richness suits megabase builders who want to scale without constantly expanding.
Mods
Place mod zip files in the factorio/mods/ directory. A mod-list.json file in the same folder controls which mods are active. All connecting players need the same mods installed. Popular quality-of-life mods include Squeak Through, Even Distribution and FNEI.
UPS optimization
UPS (updates per second) is the server tick rate, ideally 60. Large factories with many active belts, inserters and trains can drop the UPS. Monitor it with the /fps command in-game. To keep UPS high, use direct insertion where possible, avoid excessively long belt lines and consolidate train networks.
Does Factorio need a powerful server?
No. The headless server is very efficient. A dual-core VPS with 2 GB of RAM runs a server for up to 20 players comfortably. Only megabases with thousands of machines push UPS below 60 and may need a faster single-core CPU.
How do I update the server?
Download the new headless version and extract it over the existing installation. Your saves and mods are preserved. Make sure all players update their game client to the matching version before reconnecting.
Can I run the server without a Factorio account?
The server itself does not require an account to run. However, listing the server in the public multiplayer browser does require your Factorio credentials in the server settings. For private servers where players connect by IP, you can leave the credentials blank.