Server Setup Guide for [Factorio] Gamers

Game Server Requirements

Establishing a robust server for Factorio necessitates a careful consideration of hardware and network specifications to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all players. Unlike many graphically intensive games, Factorio's primary resource demands are often on the CPU and RAM, particularly as factories grow in complexity and scale. The game's simulation-heavy nature means that the server must efficiently process a vast number of entities, calculations, and interactions per tick.

At its core, Factorio is a single-threaded application for its core simulation loop, meaning that a high clock speed on a single CPU core is often more beneficial than a large number of slower cores ( The Official Factorio Wiki ). However, modern server CPUs often feature multiple cores with high clock speeds, offering a good balance. For a small server, perhaps 2-4 players, a dual-core processor with a clock speed of 3.0 GHz or higher is a reasonable starting point. As the player count increases, or as the factory expands to encompass thousands of machines, belts, and inserters, a quad-core processor with a similar or higher clock speed becomes increasingly important. Enterprise-grade processors, such as those from Intel's Xeon or AMD's EPYC lines, are often overkill for typical Factorio servers but can provide exceptional stability and longevity for very large, persistent communities. The cache size of the CPU also plays a subtle but significant role, as it can reduce latency in data access, thereby improving the efficiency of the simulation.

Random Access Memory (RAM) is another critical component. Factorio can consume a significant amount of RAM, especially with large save files and numerous players. For a small server, 4 GB of RAM dedicated to the Factorio server process is a minimum recommendation. However, to accommodate growth and prevent performance bottlenecks, 8 GB or even 16 GB is highly advisable. The operating system and any other background processes will also consume RAM, so it is prudent to allocate more than the bare minimum. The speed of the RAM (e.g., DDR4-3200) can also contribute to overall system responsiveness, though its impact is generally less pronounced than CPU clock speed or total RAM capacity.

Storage solutions also warrant attention. While Factorio save files are not exceptionally large, the speed at which the server can read and write data can impact loading times and the responsiveness of certain game mechanics, particularly when saving the game. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are overwhelmingly recommended over traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) due to their superior read/write speeds. A Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) SSD offers even greater performance and is the ideal choice for a dedicated Factorio server, minimizing any potential I/O bottlenecks. A minimum of 50 GB of storage is typically sufficient for the operating system, game files, and numerous save files, though 100-200 GB provides ample headroom.

Network connectivity is paramount for a multiplayer gaming experience. A stable and high-bandwidth internet connection is essential to prevent lag and desynchronization. For a Factorio server, an upload speed of at least 10-20 Mbps is recommended for a moderate number of players (e.g., 4-8). For larger communities, 50 Mbps or higher is preferable. Low latency is equally important; a ping time of under 50ms to the majority of players is ideal. Data centers typically offer robust network infrastructure with redundant connections and high-speed uplinks, making them suitable for hosting. The server's operating system, whether Linux or Windows, should be lightweight to minimize resource consumption. Linux distributions like Ubuntu Server or Debian are often preferred for their efficiency and stability in server environments.

In summary, a well-configured Factorio server prioritizes a high-clock-speed CPU, ample RAM, fast SSD storage, and a reliable, low-latency network connection. These elements collectively ensure that the intricate simulations of Factorio run smoothly, allowing players to focus on the grand task of automation without technical impediments.

Beginner's Guide

Embarking on the journey of hosting your own Factorio server can seem daunting, but with a structured approach, it becomes an accessible and rewarding endeavor. This guide will walk you through the initial steps, from acquiring the necessary files to getting your server operational.

The very first step is to obtain the Factorio server files. These are distinct from the client game files you use to play. The official Factorio website provides dedicated server packages for various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS ( The Official Factorio Wiki ). It is crucial to download the correct version that matches your operating system and, importantly, the version of the Factorio game you and your friends intend to play. Mismatched versions will prevent players from connecting. Once downloaded, extract the contents of the archive to a dedicated folder on your chosen server machine. A clear, easily accessible path, such as C:\FactorioServer on Windows or /opt/factorio on Linux, is recommended.

Next, you'll need to configure the server. The primary configuration file is server-settings.json, located within the data directory of your extracted server files. This JSON file contains numerous parameters that control the server's behavior. Key settings to adjust include name (the server's public name), description (a brief overview), max_players (the maximum number of concurrent players), and password (if you wish to restrict access). For a public server, leaving the password blank is an option, but for private games with friends, setting a strong password is essential. Other important settings include autosave_interval and autosave_slots, which dictate how frequently the server saves the game and how many save files it retains. Regularly saving is paramount to prevent data loss.

Creating a new game world is the subsequent step. This can be done via the command line. Navigate to your Factorio server directory using a terminal or command prompt. The command to generate a new map is typically:

./bin/x64/factorio --create saves/my_new_world.zip (on Linux/macOS) .\bin\x64\factorio.exe --create saves\my_new_world.zip (on Windows)

Replace my_new_world.zip with your desired save file name. This command will generate a new world with default settings. For more advanced world generation options, such as adjusting resource richness, terrain features, or enemy evolution, you can create a map-gen-settings.json file and specify it with the --map-gen-settings argument. This allows for a highly customized starting experience ( The Official Factorio Wiki ).

Once the world is generated and the server-settings.json file is configured, you can start the server. The command to launch the server is similar to the world generation command, but instead of --create, you use --start-server:

./bin/x64/factorio --start-server saves/my_new_world.zip --server-settings server-settings.json (on Linux/macOS) .\bin\x64\factorio.exe --start-server saves\my_new_world.zip --server-settings server-settings.json (on Windows)

The server will then initialize and begin listening for connections. You will see output in the console indicating its status.

For players to connect, you will need to ensure that the correct port is open on your server's firewall. By default, Factorio uses UDP port 34197. You must configure your operating system's firewall and, if applicable, your router's port forwarding rules to allow incoming traffic on this port. Without proper port forwarding, players outside your local network will be unable to join. Instructions for port forwarding vary significantly between router models, so consulting your router's manual or an online guide specific to your model is often necessary.

Finally, to connect to your server, players will launch their Factorio client, navigate to the "Multiplayer" section, and select "Connect to server." They will then enter the public IP address of your server and the password if one was set. If you are hosting on your home network, you can find your public IP address by searching "what is my IP" on a search engine. For hosted solutions, the provider will supply the IP address.

This beginner's guide provides the foundational knowledge to get your Factorio server up and running. As you become more comfortable, you can explore advanced configurations, modding, and server management tools to enhance your automated empire.

Hosting Service Comparison and Recommendations

Choosing the right hosting service for your Factorio server is a pivotal decision that directly impacts performance, reliability, and the overall player experience. Given Factorio's unique demands, particularly its CPU-intensive simulation, a generic web host or virtual private server (VPS) may not always be the optimal choice. This section will compare various hosting options, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses specifically for Factorio, and offer recommendations tailored for gamers.

Dedicated Servers

Dedicated servers represent the pinnacle of hosting solutions, offering unparalleled performance and control. With a dedicated server, you lease an entire physical machine, meaning all its resources—CPU, RAM, and storage—are exclusively yours. This eliminates the "noisy neighbor" problem common in shared hosting environments, where other users' activities can degrade your server's performance. For Factorio, this translates to consistent, high-clock-speed CPU performance, which is crucial for handling large, complex factories and numerous players without experiencing "UPS drops" (updates per second).

Pros:

Maximum Performance: Full access to high-end hardware, including fast CPUs and ample RAM.

Complete Control: Root access allows for extensive customization, including operating system choice, software installations, and advanced network configurations.

Reliability: Predictable performance without resource contention.

Scalability: Often possible to upgrade hardware components as your factory grows.

Cons:

Cost: Significantly more expensive than other options.

Technical Expertise: Requires a higher level of technical knowledge for setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Overkill for Small Servers: May be excessive for a small group of friends.

Recommendation: Ideal for large, persistent Factorio communities, competitive play, or those who demand absolute peak performance and have the technical acumen to manage it. Look for providers offering high-frequency CPUs (e.g., Intel i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9 series, or high-clock-speed Xeon/EPYC cores) and NVMe SSDs.

Virtual Private Servers (VPS)

VPS hosting strikes a balance between shared hosting and dedicated servers. A VPS is a virtualized slice of a physical server, providing dedicated resources (CPU cores, RAM, storage) within that virtual environment. While you share the underlying physical hardware with other VPS instances, your allocated resources are guaranteed, offering more stability than shared hosting.

Pros:

Cost-Effective: More affordable than dedicated servers while still offering good performance.

Root Access: Provides administrative control over your virtual environment.

Scalability: Easy to upgrade or downgrade resources as needed.

Flexibility: Can install custom software and configure the environment to your liking.

Cons:

Resource Contention (Potential): While resources are dedicated, the underlying physical server's overall load can sometimes impact performance, especially if the provider over-provisions.

Performance Varies: CPU performance can be a bottleneck if the virtualized cores are not high-frequency or if the physical server is overloaded.

Recommendation: A strong choice for medium-sized Factorio communities (4-10 players) or those looking for a cost-effective solution with good performance. Prioritize VPS providers that explicitly state high-frequency CPU cores and offer NVMe storage. Look for providers that specialize in gaming VPS or offer "high-CPU" plans.

Game Server Hosting Providers (Managed Hosting)

These specialized providers offer hosting solutions specifically tailored for games like Factorio. They typically provide a user-friendly control panel, pre-installed game servers, and often handle updates and basic maintenance. The underlying infrastructure can vary, ranging from shared resources to dedicated instances, but the key differentiator is the managed service aspect.

Pros:

Ease of Use: Simple setup and management through a web-based control panel.

No Technical Expertise Required: The provider handles most of the server administration.

Optimized for Gaming: Often configured with gaming performance in mind, including DDoS protection and optimized network routes.

Support: Dedicated support teams familiar with game-specific issues.

Cons:

Less Control: Limited customization options compared to dedicated or VPS hosting.

Performance Varies: Quality can differ significantly between providers; some may over-provision resources.

Cost: Can be more expensive than a basic VPS for comparable raw resources, as you are paying for the managed service.

Recommendation: Excellent for beginners or those who prefer a hands-off approach to server management. Ideal for small to medium-sized groups of friends who want to jump straight into playing. Research providers thoroughly, checking reviews for Factorio-specific performance and support quality. Look for features like automatic backups, mod support, and easy version switching.

Self-Hosting (Home Server)

Hosting a Factorio server on your personal computer or a dedicated machine at home is a viable option, especially for small groups or testing purposes.

Pros:

Free (Hardware Dependent): No recurring hosting fees if you already own suitable hardware.

Complete Control: Full administrative access.

Low Latency (Local): Excellent ping for players on the same local network.

Cons:

Reliability: Dependent on your home internet connection's stability and upload speed.

Power Consumption: Running a server 24/7 can increase electricity bills.

Security Risks: Requires careful network configuration (port forwarding, firewall) to prevent vulnerabilities.

Hardware Limitations: Performance is limited by your home computer's specifications.

Recommendation: Best for very small groups of friends (2-4 players) or for testing purposes. Not recommended for public servers or large communities due to potential internet bandwidth limitations and security concerns.

When making your final decision, consider your budget, technical comfort level, the expected number of players, and the desired longevity of your Factorio world. For most gamers, a well-provisioned VPS or a reputable game server host will provide the best balance of performance, cost, and ease of use. Always prioritize providers that offer high-frequency CPUs and fast storage to ensure your automated empire runs smoothly.

Troubleshooting

Even the most meticulously planned Factorio server setup can encounter issues. Effective troubleshooting requires a systematic approach, starting with common culprits and progressively moving to more complex diagnostics. This section outlines frequent problems and their solutions, empowering you to maintain a stable and enjoyable Factorio experience.

Connection Issues

One of the most common problems is players being unable to connect to the server.

Firewall Configuration: The primary suspect is often the firewall. Ensure that UDP port 34197 is open on both the server's operating system firewall (e.g., Windows Firewall, ufw on Linux) and any network firewalls (e.g., your router's port forwarding rules). Without this, incoming connections will be blocked.

Solution: Verify port forwarding on your router. Check firewall rules on the server. Use online port checkers to confirm the port is open from the internet.

Incorrect IP Address: Players might be attempting to connect to the wrong IP address.

Solution: Ensure players are using the server's public IP address, not a local network IP, unless they are on the same local network. If using a dynamic IP, consider a Dynamic DNS (DDNS) service.

Server Not Running: The Factorio server process might not be active.

Solution: Check the server console or process list to confirm the factorio executable is running. Restart the server if necessary.

Version Mismatch: The server and client game versions must be identical.

Solution: Ensure both the server and all connecting clients are running the exact same Factorio version. Update either the server or clients as needed.

Performance Degradation (UPS Drops)

As factories grow, the server's "Updates Per Second" (UPS) can drop below the target 60, leading to a noticeable slowdown in game time.

CPU Bottleneck: Factorio's simulation is heavily CPU-bound, particularly on a single core.

Solution: Monitor CPU usage. If a single core is consistently at 100%, the CPU is the bottleneck. Consider upgrading to a higher-clock-speed CPU or optimizing your factory design (see "Performance Optimization Tips").

Excessive Entity Count: A sprawling factory with millions of entities (belts, inserters, machines) can overwhelm the simulation.

Solution: Use the in-game debug menu (F4 -> show-entity-time-usage) to identify performance-heavy entities. Redesign inefficient sections of the factory.

Mod Overload: Some mods, especially those poorly optimized or adding many new entities, can significantly impact performance.

Solution: Test mods individually or in small groups to identify performance hogs. Remove or replace problematic mods.

Insufficient RAM: While less common for UPS drops, insufficient RAM can lead to excessive disk swapping, impacting overall system responsiveness.

Solution: Monitor RAM usage. If the server is constantly using swap space, increase allocated RAM.

Server Crashes or Instability

Unexpected server shutdowns or freezes can be frustrating.

Corrupted Save File: A save file can become corrupted due to various reasons, including power outages or software errors.

Solution: Attempt to load an older autosave. Regularly back up your save files. The factorio --check-integrity command can sometimes diagnose issues with save files.

Out-of-Memory Errors: The server runs out of available RAM.

Solution: Increase the server's RAM allocation. Review the factorio-current.log file for "out of memory" messages.

Mod Conflicts: Incompatible mods can cause crashes.

Solution: Disable mods one by one to isolate the culprit. Check mod forums or documentation for known conflicts.

Operating System Issues: Underlying OS instability or resource exhaustion.

Solution: Ensure the OS is up-to-date and stable. Check system logs for errors. Restart the server machine if necessary.

Save File Issues

Problems with saving or loading game worlds.

Insufficient Disk Space: The server runs out of space to write save files.

Solution: Free up disk space. Ensure the server has ample storage.

Permissions Issues: The Factorio server process lacks the necessary permissions to write to the saves directory.

Solution: On Linux, ensure the user running the Factorio server has write permissions to the saves folder. On Windows, check folder security settings.

Autosave Configuration: Incorrect autosave_interval or autosave_slots can lead to unexpected behavior.

Solution: Review server-settings.json to ensure autosave parameters are set appropriately.

General Troubleshooting Tips

Consult the Logs: The factorio-current.log file (located in the server's log directory) is an invaluable resource. It records server events, errors, and warnings. Always check this file first when encountering an issue ( The Official Factorio Wiki ).

Isolate the Problem: When troubleshooting, try to change only one variable at a time. This helps pinpoint the exact cause of the issue.

Reproduce the Issue: Can you reliably make the problem happen? If so, it's easier to diagnose.

Community Resources: The official Factorio forums, Reddit communities, and Discord servers are excellent places to seek help from experienced players and server administrators.

Backup Regularly: This cannot be stressed enough. Regular backups of your save files are your best defense against data loss.

By systematically addressing these common issues and utilizing the provided solutions, you can effectively troubleshoot most Factorio server problems, ensuring your automated empire continues to expand without interruption.

Performance Optimization Tips

Optimizing your Factorio server's performance is crucial for maintaining a smooth 60 UPS (Updates Per Second) experience, especially as your factory grows into a sprawling, complex behemoth. Factorio's simulation-heavy nature means that even minor inefficiencies can accumulate into significant performance bottlenecks. The goal is to reduce the computational load on the server's CPU, which is the primary constraint.

Factory Design Principles

The most impactful optimizations often come from intelligent factory design, as the game's engine spends most of its time simulating entities.

Minimize Entity Count: Every entity, from a single belt segment to a complex assembly machine, consumes CPU cycles. Strive for designs that achieve desired throughput with the fewest possible entities ( Factorio: The Official Game Manual ).

Example: Instead of long, winding belts, use trains or bots for long-distance transport. Use fewer, higher-tier machines rather than many low-tier ones.

Prioritize Throughput over Aesthetics: While a beautiful factory is satisfying, prioritize designs that are computationally efficient.

Example: Direct insertion from chest to machine or machine to machine is often more efficient than using belts for short distances.

Balanced Production: An imbalanced factory, where one section produces far more than another can consume, leads to backed-up belts and idle machines. While idle machines consume less CPU than active ones, backed-up belts still require simulation.

Solution: Use circuit networks to control production, ensuring machines only run when needed. This can significantly reduce the number of active entities.

Avoid Excessive Pathfinding: Bots and trains require pathfinding calculations. A complex, congested rail network or a massive, unoptimized roboport network can be a significant CPU drain.

Solution: Design clear, simple rail networks. Use dedicated train lines for specific resources. Optimize roboport coverage to minimize bot travel distances and avoid unnecessary path recalculations.

Chunk Loading Optimization: Factorio only simulates chunks that are currently loaded. Unnecessary chunk loading, especially by players exploring vast distances or by trains traveling long routes, can increase the simulation area.

Solution: Use "chunk align" commands or mods to ensure your factory fits neatly within chunk boundaries. Limit exploration to essential areas.

Server-Side Configuration

Beyond in-game design, server configuration can also yield performance benefits.

High-Frequency CPU: As established in the "Game Server Requirements" section, a CPU with a high single-core clock speed is paramount.

Solution: If self-hosting, ensure your CPU is not being throttled. If using a hosting provider, choose plans that guarantee high-frequency cores.

Fast Storage (NVMe SSD): While not directly impacting UPS, fast storage significantly reduces save/load times and can prevent I/O bottlenecks during autosaves.

Solution: Ensure your server uses NVMe SSDs.

Operating System Choice: Lightweight operating systems consume fewer resources, leaving more for Factorio.

Solution: Linux distributions like Ubuntu Server or Debian are generally more efficient than Windows Server for dedicated game servers ( Linux Server Hacks ).

Disable Unnecessary Services: Any background processes running on the server consume CPU and RAM.

Solution: Disable all non-essential services and applications on the server machine.

Autosave Frequency: While important for data integrity, frequent autosaves on very large maps can cause temporary freezes.

Solution: Adjust autosave_interval in server-settings.json to a longer duration (e.g., 5-10 minutes) if freezes are problematic. Ensure autosave_slots is sufficient to retain multiple backups.

Mod Management

Mods can greatly enhance Factorio, but they can also be significant performance drains.

Review Mod Performance: Some mods are better optimized than others.

Solution: Before adding a mod, check its comments/reviews for performance complaints. Use the in-game debug menu (F4 -> show-mod-time-usage) to identify CPU-intensive mods.

Minimize Mod Count: Every mod adds overhead.

Solution: Only use mods that are truly essential for your gameplay experience.

Avoid Redundant Mods: Do not use multiple mods that achieve the same effect, as they might conflict or add unnecessary processing.

In-Game Debug Tools

Factorio provides powerful built-in tools to diagnose performance issues.

Show-entity-time-usage (F4 -> show-entity-time-usage): This invaluable tool displays the CPU time consumed by different entity types (e.g., belts, inserters, assemblers). It helps pinpoint which parts of your factory are the biggest performance hogs.

Show-mod-time-usage (F4 -> show-mod-time-usage): Similar to entity time usage, this shows the CPU time consumed by each active mod, helping identify problematic additions.

Show-active-entities (F4 -> show-active-entities): Provides a count of active entities, which can correlate with CPU load.

Show-fps (F4 -> show-fps): Displays the current UPS and FPS, giving an immediate indication of server performance.

By diligently applying these performance optimization tips, from thoughtful factory design to careful server configuration and mod management, you can ensure your Factorio server maintains a high UPS, allowing your automated empire to grow without being hampered by technical limitations.

Technical Q&A

This section addresses common technical questions related to Factorio server setup and management, providing concise and authoritative answers.

Q1: What is the difference between UPS and FPS in Factorio?

A1: UPS stands for "Updates Per Second," and FPS stands for "Frames Per Second." In Factorio, UPS refers to the rate at which the game's simulation logic is processed by the server (or your client in single-player). A target of 60 UPS means the game world is updated 60 times per second. FPS refers to the rate at which your graphics card renders images to your screen. While FPS is client-side, UPS is primarily server-side (or CPU-bound). If UPS drops below 60, the entire game world slows down, regardless of your client's FPS. A high FPS with low UPS means your computer can render frames quickly, but the game's simulation itself is struggling to keep up ( The Official Factorio Wiki ).

Q2: How do I add mods to my Factorio dedicated server?

A2: To add mods, first download the desired mod .zip files from the Factorio Mod Portal. Place these .zip files into the mods folder within your Factorio server directory. Next, you need to create or edit the mod-list.json file in the same mods folder. This JSON file lists all active mods and their enabled status. A typical entry looks like:

{

"mods": [

{

"name": "base",

"enabled": true

},

{

"name": "mod_name_here",

"enabled": true

}

]

}

Ensure the name matches the mod's folder/zip name (without the .zip extension) and enabled is set to true. Restart the server for the changes to take effect. All connecting players must have the exact same mods and versions installed on their clients ( Factorio: The Official Game Manual ).

Q3: Can I run multiple Factorio servers on a single machine?

A3: Yes, it is technically possible to run multiple Factorio servers on a single machine, provided the machine has sufficient CPU, RAM, and network resources. Each server instance will require its own dedicated folder containing the Factorio server files, its own server-settings.json, and its own unique UDP port (e.g., 34197, 34198, 34199). You would launch each server instance as a separate process. However, Factorio's single-threaded nature for its core simulation means that running multiple instances will quickly exhaust CPU resources, especially if the factories on each server are large. It is generally more efficient to run one large, well-optimized server than multiple smaller ones on the same physical hardware, unless the total player count and factory complexity are very low.

Q4: How do I update my Factorio dedicated server?

A4: Updating your Factorio dedicated server involves downloading the new server package from the official Factorio website. Once downloaded, extract the new files. It is generally recommended to back up your existing server directory, especially the saves folder and server-settings.json, before proceeding. You can then either overwrite the existing server files with the new ones (excluding your saves and server-settings.json) or set up a new server directory and copy your saves and server-settings.json into it. Ensure your mod-list.json is also transferred. After updating the files, restart the server. All players will also need to update their Factorio clients to the new version to connect.

Q5: What is the --map-gen-settings argument used for?

A5: The --map-gen-settings argument is used during world generation to specify a custom map-gen-settings.json file. This file allows you to precisely control various aspects of the new world, such as resource frequency and richness, terrain features (e.g., water, cliffs), enemy base size and evolution, and starting area parameters. By default, Factorio uses internal default settings for world generation. Using a custom map-gen-settings.json provides granular control over the initial game environment, allowing for highly customized gameplay experiences.

Q6: How can I remotely manage my Factorio server?

A6: Remote management depends on your server's operating system and hosting environment.

Linux Servers: You can use SSH (Secure Shell) to connect to your server's command line. Tools like screen or tmux allow you to run the Factorio server process in a persistent session that you can detach from and reattach to later, even after disconnecting your SSH client. This is essential for keeping the server running without an active terminal session ( Linux Server Hacks ).

Windows Servers: Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) allows you to access the server's graphical interface. Alternatively, PowerShell or command-line tools can be used for remote administration.

Game Server Hosts: Most managed game server hosts provide a web-based control panel that allows you to start/stop the server, manage files, and view logs without direct OS access. Regardless of the method, ensure your remote access is secured with strong passwords and, ideally, two-factor authentication.

Q7: My server is lagging, but my CPU usage is low. What could be the problem?

A7: If your server is experiencing lag (low UPS) but the overall CPU usage appears low, it's crucial to remember Factorio's single-threaded nature for its core simulation. While your overall CPU usage might be low, one specific CPU core might be maxed out at 100%. This is the bottleneck.

Solution: Use system monitoring tools (e.g., htop on Linux, Task Manager on Windows) to view per-core CPU usage. If one core is consistently saturated, the issue is indeed a CPU bottleneck on that core. The solution involves optimizing your factory design to reduce the simulation load (as detailed in "Performance Optimization Tips") or upgrading to a CPU with a higher single-core clock speed. Network latency or insufficient RAM leading to excessive disk swapping can also contribute, but a single-core CPU bottleneck is the most common cause in this scenario.

Q8: How do I back up my Factorio server saves?

A8: The simplest method is to regularly copy the entire saves folder from your Factorio server directory to a secure, off-site location (e.g., cloud storage, another physical drive). The saves folder contains all your world files (.zip files). You can automate this process using scripting (e.g., cron jobs on Linux, Task Scheduler on Windows) or specialized backup software. Many game server hosts also offer automated backup solutions through their control panels. It is highly recommended to maintain multiple backup copies and test restoring them periodically to ensure their integrity ( Data Backup and Recovery ).

Q9: What is the significance of the allow_commands setting in server-settings.json?

A9: The allow_commands setting (or allow_console_commands in older versions) in server-settings.json controls whether players can execute console commands on the server. Setting it to true allows players with appropriate permissions (e.g., admin status) to use commands like /c game.speed=2 (to change game speed) or /ban player_name. For public servers, it's often set to false or restricted to prevent abuse. For private servers with trusted friends, it can be enabled for convenience. Exercise caution when enabling this, as powerful commands can alter the game state significantly.

Q10: How do I manage server administrators and permissions?

A10: Factorio uses a simple permission system. You can promote players to administrator status using console commands. While connected to the server as an RCON client or directly in the server console, use the command: /promote player_name. To demote, use /demote player_name. Administrators have access to a wider range of console commands, including banning, kicking, and modifying game settings. For more granular control over permissions, especially for larger communities, some mods offer advanced permission management systems.