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How to set up a Factorio dedicated server

2 min readUpdated Oct 31, 2026

Set up a Factorio headless server: server name and password, saves and auto-save, joining by address, admins and mods that match on server and players.

A Factorio dedicated server (the "headless" server) runs your factory around the clock, so your group can join whenever they like. ESN's Factorio plan has 2 GB of RAM and installs the headless server for you.

Set it up #

  1. Buy the Factorio plan on the panel's plans page and pay on Stripe. The server is set up automatically.
  2. Open Startup and set Server Name, Server Description, Server password and Save Name.
  3. Check the auto-save settings there so progress is saved regularly.
  4. Restart the server and wait for the Console to show it is ready for players.

Join the server #

In Factorio go to Multiplayer, then Connect to address, and enter the IP:port from your server's page in the panel. Type the password when asked.

Use your own save #

  1. Stop the server.
  2. Upload your save .zip into the saves folder with Files or SFTP.
  3. Set Save Name in Startup to the file's name and start the server.

Admins #

Add player names to server-adminlist.json in Files, for example ["YourName"], then restart. Admins can kick, ban and promote players in game.

Mods #

Upload the mod .zip files into the server's mods folder and list them in mod-list.json. Every player needs the same mods and versions; Factorio offers to sync them when you join. Big mod packs use more RAM.

All game plans: game server setup.

FAQ #

Is a Factorio headless server the same as a dedicated server? #

Yes. The headless server is Factorio's dedicated server without graphics, built to run 24/7.

How do I add admins to my Factorio server? #

List their names in server-adminlist.json and restart the server.

Can I use mods on my Factorio server? #

Yes. Upload them to the mods folder. Players need the same mods, and the game offers to sync them on join.

How much RAM does a Factorio server need? #

ESN's Factorio plan has 2 GB of RAM. Large factories and big mod packs need more.

Still stuck? Use the live chat on the panel or ask in the ESN Systems Discord. Last updated October 31, 2026.