How to Host a Satisfactory Server for Free (and the Catches)

You can host a Satisfactory server for free in two ways: start a co-op session from your own game, or install the free dedicated server (SteamCMD app 1690800) on a spare 64 bit PC with at least 8 GB of RAM and forward ports 7777 and 8888. Both are free, but the world is only online while that machine is on.

What are the free ways to host Satisfactory?

There are three realistic options, each with a different trade off:

Free cloud tiers are not on the list for a reason. The always free cloud machines big providers offer are either too small (1 to 2 GB of RAM) or ARM based, and the Satisfactory server has no ARM support. Trial credits run out within weeks.

How do you host Satisfactory co-op for free?

The simplest free option is built into the game:

1. Load or create a save.
2. Open the pause menu, go to the online session settings and set Session Type to Friends Only or Invite Only.
3. Invite friends through Steam or Epic, or let them join from your friends list.

This works well for groups who always play together. The downside is that the factory only exists while you are in it. When you log off, everyone is kicked and production stops. Nobody can build on their own schedule.

How do you run a free Satisfactory dedicated server at home?

The dedicated server is free and does not need a second copy of the game.

1. Install SteamCMD, then download the server:

   steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\SatisfactoryServer +login anonymous +app_update 1690800 validate +quit
   

2. Start it. On Windows run FactoryServer.exe -log -unattended. On Linux run ./FactoryServer.sh.
3. Allow it through the firewall for port 7777 UDP and TCP and port 8888 TCP.
4. Forward the ports on your router to the server's local IP: 7777 UDP, 7777 TCP and 8888 TCP. Our port forwarding guide shows the router side.
5. Claim the server. In the game, open Server Manager, click Add Server, enter the server's IP and port 7777, then set a server name and admin password. A new server belongs to whoever claims it first, so do this right away.
6. Create a game or upload a save from the Manage Saves tab. Our guide on uploading a Satisfactory save covers moving your single player factory over.
7. Share your public IP with friends. They add it in Server Manager and join.

Full hardware details are in Satisfactory dedicated server requirements.

What are the catches with free hosting?

Free hosting works, but these are the problems people usually run into:

• Your PC has to stay on. A server that sleeps or restarts for Windows updates takes the world offline. Leaving a desktop on 24/7 also costs real money in electricity.
• RAM is shared. If you play on the same PC, the game client wants 8 to 16 GB on its own, so a 16 GB machine struggles once the factory is large.
• Port forwarding does not always work. Many internet providers use CGNAT, which means your router does not have its own public IP and forwarded ports never reach it. If your router's WAN IP differs from what a "what is my IP" site shows, you are probably behind CGNAT.
• Your home IP is exposed. Everyone who joins sees your home IP. That is fine with close friends, less fine for a public server. See is hosting a game server at home safe.
• Upload speed. Each player needs a steady stream of data. Home connections with slow upload can cause rubber banding for everyone.
• Updates are manual. After every patch you have to run SteamCMD again so the server matches your players. If you forget, nobody can join until you do.

How much does Satisfactory server hosting cost?

When free stops being worth the hassle, a hosted server costs about the same as a takeaway meal a month. Satisfactory needs more RAM than most games, so it is priced higher than a Terraria or Factorio server. Our plans:

New customers get 50% off the first month. You can also split the bill with up to 10 friends at checkout, with a 1 USD fee per share. A Standard server split four ways comes to about 8.50 USD each a month. There is no contract, and you can cancel any time. More on sharing costs in how to split the cost of a game server with friends.

When is free hosting the right choice?

Stay free if:

• Your group always plays at the same time, so co-op hosting is enough.
• You have a spare PC with 16 GB of RAM and do not mind leaving it on.
• You have a real public IP and are comfortable forwarding ports.

Pay for hosting if:

• Friends want to build when the host is offline.
• Port forwarding fails or you are behind CGNAT.
• Your factory is late game and your PC cannot run the game and the server together.
• You would rather not manage updates, backups and firewall rules yourself.

Hosting Satisfactory with GamezServers

With us the server is online about a minute after checkout. We claim it with your admin password on first start, open the game port and reliable messaging port, keep backups, and update the server every time it restarts. Add the address in Server Manager, sign in with the admin password from the panel and start building. See Satisfactory server hosting or follow the Satisfactory quick start.

FAQ

Is the Satisfactory dedicated server free to download?

Yes. It is free through SteamCMD as app ID 1690800 with an anonymous login, and you do not need to buy the game again.

Can I host a Satisfactory server and play on the same PC?

Yes, if the PC has enough RAM for both, ideally 32 GB for a late game factory. Connect to your own server with 127.0.0.1 or its local IP.

Can I host a free Satisfactory server on Oracle Cloud or a Raspberry Pi?

Not on ARM. The Satisfactory server only runs on 64 bit x86 Windows or Linux, so ARM based free tiers and Raspberry Pi boards cannot run it.

Why can friends not join my free Satisfactory server?

Usually port 8888 TCP is not forwarded, the server runs an older version than your friends, or your internet provider uses CGNAT. Forward 7777 UDP and TCP plus 8888 TCP, update the server and check your WAN IP.

Does a free co-op world keep running when I log off?

No. A co-op world hosted from the game stops when the host quits. Only a dedicated server keeps the world available.