How to Host a Space Station 14 Server (2026 Guide)

To host a Space Station 14 server, install the .NET 10 runtime, download a server build from the official builds page, unzip it and run Robust.Server (run_server.bat on Windows). Open port 1212 for both UDP and TCP: UDP carries the game, TCP lets the launcher connect. Settings go in server_config.toml next to the executable. Give yourself admin with login_host_user under [console], and raise soft_max_players under [game], because it quietly caps regular players at 30.

Why run your own Space Station 14 server?

Rules and roleplay standards are what separate SS14 communities. Some servers are relaxed and chaotic, others run strict roleplay with whitelisted command jobs. Running your own means your rules, your admins, your crew size and your bans. Space Station 14 is free and open source, the server is free, and players only need the free launcher and an SS14 account.

What do you need to run a Space Station 14 server?

The server runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, on x64 or ARM64. It needs the .NET 10 Runtime (not the ASP.NET Core runtime, unless you use the Watchdog), and on Windows the latest Visual C++ Redistributable. Memory rises with crew count and station size, and CPU matters a lot for atmospherics and physics.

How do I install the Space Station 14 server?

These steps follow the official server hosting tutorial:

1. Install the .NET 10 Runtime for your system and CPU (x64 or arm64).
2. Download the latest stable server build for your OS from the official builds page. Testing builds are on a separate page.
3. Unzip it into its own folder.
4. On macOS or Linux, run chmod +x Robust.Server once (and again after each update).
5. Start it with run_server.bat on Windows or ./Robust.Server on macOS and Linux, and wait until the console says Ready.
6. Test it from the launcher with Direct Connect To Server and localhost.

A packaged build only lets you change server_config.toml. Custom content, rules files or a fork's code need your own build made from the source, which is a much bigger job.

What goes in server_config.toml?

The file is TOML: section headers in square brackets and keys underneath. A setting written game.hostname means hostname = under [game]. Comments need their own line.

[net]
port = 1212
tickrate = 30
max_connections = 256

[status]
bind = "*:1212"

[game]
hostname = "Starlight Station"
lobbyenabled = true
soft_max_players = 60
defaultpreset = "secret"

[auth]
mode = 1

[console]
login_host_user = "YourSS14Name"

[hub]
advertise = false
tags = ""

The full list lives in the game and engine code, linked from the config file reference. Restart the server after editing, since not every setting can change live.

Why can only 30 people join my server?

This catches nearly everyone who raises the player count. There are two limits:

• net.max_connections is the engine's hard connection limit, 256 by default.
• game.soft_max_players is the game's own cap, 30 by default. Once 30 regular players are on, everyone else is told the server is full, whatever max_connections says.

Admins bypass the soft cap by default, so the server can look like it has room when you test it as an admin. Set soft_max_players to the crew size you actually want.

What ports does a Space Station 14 server use?

People forward only UDP because it is "the game port", and then the launcher cannot connect at all. Forward both. If you have an IPv6 address, players put it in square brackets in the direct connect box. Our port forwarding guide covers the router side.

How do I become admin on my own server?

A fresh server has no admins. There are three ways to get the first +HOST rights:

1. Connect from the same machine over localhost, which grants host automatically (turn this off with console.loginlocal = false).
2. Set console.login_host_user to your SS14 username and restart. You get host every time you connect.
3. Type promotehost YourSS14Name in the server console while you are connected. This lasts until you disconnect.

Once you have host, give your staff permissions in game with the permissions command. +HOST can take over the whole server, so never hand it to staff.

How do I list my server on the hub?

Read the hub rules first, since advertising means accepting them. Then set:

[hub]
advertise = true
tags = "lang:en,rp:low"

Pick tags from the standard list in the docs. Leave advertise = false for a private friends server.

How do players join a Space Station 14 server?

1. Download the free launcher and create an SS14 account.
2. Sign in, click Direct Connect To Server.
3. Enter the server address, for example 203.0.113.10:1212, and click Connect.

The launcher downloads the right game version for the server automatically. With auth.mode = 1, every player needs a real account, which makes bans stick. Leave it on for anything public.

How do I update the server?

Download the new build, unzip it into a new folder, and copy your data folder and server_config.toml across. The data folder holds characters, playtime and admin data. Keep a copy of the old folder until the new one runs.

The easy option: host it with GamezServers

Our Space Station 14 server hosting runs the official build for you. The Settings page writes the port, server name, tickrate, max players (max_connections) and authentication mode into server_config.toml on every start, so change those in Settings. Everything else, including soft_max_players, login_host_user and hub settings, is yours in the file manager or over SFTP. The panel's tickrate starts at 60. If the console shows tick warnings, 30 is the engine default and much lighter.

New customers get 50% off the first month on monthly plans, and your admin team can split the bill. See also how to make a game server private.

FAQ

What ports does a Space Station 14 server need?

Port 1212 on UDP for the game and port 1212 on TCP for the launcher's status API. Both must be open.

How do I make myself admin in Space Station 14?

Set login_host_user under [console] in server_config.toml to your SS14 username and restart, or run promotehost YourName in the server console while connected.

Why does my SS14 server say it is full at 30 players?

game.soft_max_players defaults to 30. Raise it under [game] in server_config.toml and restart.

Is Space Station 14 free to host?

Yes. The game, the server and the launcher are free and open source. You only pay for the machine it runs on.

Can I run a fork or custom content?

Not with the packaged build. Custom content needs your own server build from the fork's source, uploaded in place of the official one.