How to Host an Abiotic Factor Dedicated Server (2026)

To host an Abiotic Factor dedicated server, install the free server with SteamCMD (app 2857200), start AbioticFactorServer-Win64-Shipping.exe with launch options such as -SteamServerName, -ServerPassword and -MaxServerPlayers=6, and open UDP 7777 (game) and 27015 (query). Gameplay rules live in the world's SandboxSettings.ini, admins in Admin.ini, and an existing save moves over by copying its world folder.

What do you need to run an Abiotic Factor server?

• A Windows machine that stays on. The server is a Windows build; Linux hosts run it through Wine or Proton.
• SteamCMD. The server is free and does not need a copy of the game, but every player needs their own.
• Port forwarding on your router if you host at home.
• RAM for your group. Because the server is the full Unreal Engine world without graphics, it uses more memory than the game's look suggests.

How do I install the server with SteamCMD?

1. Install SteamCMD, for example to C:\steamcmd.
2. Download the server:

steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\AbioticServer +login anonymous +app_update 2857200 validate +quit

3. Make a start script, start.bat, in the install folder. The server executable is under AbioticFactor\Binaries\Win64\.

AbioticFactor\Binaries\Win64\AbioticFactorServer-Win64-Shipping.exe -log -newconsole -useperfthreads -NoAsyncLoadingThread -MaxServerPlayers=6 -PORT=7777 -QueryPort=27015 -ServerPassword=changeme -SteamServerName="Night Shift Lab"

4. Run it once so it creates its save folders, then stop it.

Update with the same SteamCMD line after every patch. Players get a version mismatch error until the server matches their build.

What launch options does the Abiotic Factor server take?

Deep Field Games documents every option on the official dedicated server wiki. The useful ones:

The game is designed and balanced for 1 to 6 players. You can raise the cap, but more than 6 is outside what the developers tune for, so expect harder fights to feel lopsided.

What ports does the server use?

Forward both to the server's local IP. If you change them with -PORT and -QueryPort, forward the new numbers instead. Our port forwarding guide walks through the router side.

How do I change sandbox settings?

Each world has its own SandboxSettings.ini inside its save folder:

AbioticFactor\Saved\SaveGames\Server\Worlds\Cascade\SandboxSettings.ini

The file must start with the [SandboxSettings] header or the server ignores it, and changes apply after a restart. Settings worth knowing:

[SandboxSettings]
GameDifficulty=1
LootRespawnEnabled=False
PowerSocketsOffAtNight=True
DayNightCycleState=0
EnemySpawnRate=1.0
EnemyHealthMultiplier=1.0
HungerSpeedMultiplier=1.0
ItemDurabilityMultiplier=1.0
DeathPenalties=1
HardcoreMode=False

Our Abiotic Factor sandbox settings explained guide covers every option.

How do I make someone an admin?

Admins are listed in Admin.ini, by default at:

AbioticFactor\Saved\SaveGames\Server\Admin.ini

Add each Steam ID under the [Moderators] section:

[Moderators]
Moderator=76561198000000000

Restart the server. Admins can kick and ban players and use admin commands in game.

How do I move an existing save to the server?

Steam singleplayer and player hosted worlds can move to a dedicated server. PS5, Xbox and Game Pass saves cannot.

1. On your PC, open %LocalAppData%\AbioticFactor\Saved\SaveGames\<SteamID>\Worlds\. Each subfolder is one world.
2. Stop the server and back up its Worlds folder.
3. Copy your world folder to AbioticFactor\Saved\SaveGames\Server\Worlds\ on the server.
4. Either rename it to Cascade or start the server with -WorldSaveName= set to the folder name.
5. Start the server. Your base, storage and cleared sectors load as they were.

How do players join?

Players open the server browser in game and search the name, or use Direct Connect with IP:7777. They are asked for the server password. The browser can take a few minutes to list a server after a restart, so Direct Connect is quicker for the first join.

FAQ

How many players can join an Abiotic Factor server?

The default is 6, which is what the game is balanced for. -MaxServerPlayers accepts up to 24.

Where is SandboxSettings.ini on a dedicated server?

In the world's folder under AbioticFactor\Saved\SaveGames\Server\Worlds\, for example Worlds\Cascade\SandboxSettings.ini.

Why are my sandbox changes ignored?

The file needs the [SandboxSettings] header on its first line, and the server only reads it on start. Check the header and restart.

Can I move my co-op save to a dedicated server?

Yes, for Steam saves. Copy the world folder into the server's Worlds folder and name it Cascade or set -WorldSaveName. Console and Game Pass saves are not supported.

Do I need to own Abiotic Factor to run a server?

No. The dedicated server is a free download from SteamCMD (app 2857200). Players need their own copies.

The easy option: host it with GamezServers

Our Abiotic Factor server hosting runs the server for you and is ready minutes after you pay. Each server starts with its own password, the panel sets the name, player cap and auto updates, and Admin.ini and the sandbox rules are open in the file manager or over SFTP. Our servers read the rules from AbioticFactor/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/SandboxSettings.ini, not the world folder's copy. Sleep when empty saves and stops the server after 4 days with nobody on, and wakes with one click.

New customers get 50% off the first month, and the team can split the bill, each paying their own share.