How to Host an Astro Colony Dedicated Server (2026 Guide)

To host an Astro Colony server, download the dedicated server with SteamCMD (app 2662210), start AstroColonyServer.exe -log -SteamServerName=YourName, then stop it and edit AstroColony/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/ServerSettings.ini for the password, map name, seed, max players and admin Steam IDs. Open UDP 7777 and UDP 27015. Keep the game port at 7777: the developer's guide says any other game port stops players joining. Friends find it under Multiplayer > Dedicated Servers.

Why host a dedicated Astro Colony server?

Astro Colony, which left Early Access on 2 June 2026, is an automation game, and automation groups play in uneven bursts. With a hosted game the colony only exists while the host plays. A dedicated server keeps the save reachable so anyone can log in, fix a broken supply line and log off again, and the host's PC no longer runs every conveyor for everyone.

What do you need to run an Astro Colony server?

The developer ships the server as a Windows build. Memory grows with how much you build: long conveyor networks and several linked colonies cost far more than extra players.

How do I install the Astro Colony dedicated server?

The developer's dedicated server guide (version 1.4, July 2025) uses SteamCMD:

1. Install SteamCMD, then download the server:

steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\AstroColonyServer +login anonymous +app_update 2662210 validate +quit

2. Make a shortcut to AstroColonyServer.exe and add launch options to its target:

AstroColonyServer.exe -log -SteamServerName=OrbitalCrew -QueryPort=27015

3. Start it once so it writes its config files, then close it.
4. Edit ServerSettings.ini (below) and start it again.

-log opens a console that lists every server action, which is the quickest way to see whether players are reaching it. The server runs as a background Windows process, so use the shortcut or a .bat file rather than the Steam client to avoid Steam session conflicts.

What goes in ServerSettings.ini?

The file is at AstroColony/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/ServerSettings.ini inside the server folder. Everything sits under one section:

[/Script/ACFeature.EHServerSubsystem]
ServerPassword=YourPassword
Seed=113
MapName=OrbitalCrew
MaxPlayers=5
ShouldLoadLatestSavegame=True
AdminList=76561198000000000,76561198000000001
SharedTechnologies=True
OxygenConsumption=True
AutosaveInterval=5.0
AutosavesCount=10
FreeConstruction=False
Sandbox=False
UnlimitedResourceStack=False

Stop the server before you edit the file and start it again after, so the new values load.

What ports does an Astro Colony server use?

This is the trap most guides skip. The developer's guide says setting any other game port with -port results in players not being able to join. So you can move the query port, but not the game port, and you cannot run two Astro Colony servers on the same public IP the usual way. Forward both ports on your router and add inbound rules in Windows Defender Firewall. Our port forwarding guide covers the router side.

How do I name the server and keep it private?

The server name comes from the launch option -SteamServerName=, not from the ini file. Keep it under 30 characters so it fits in the in game list. The developer's guide warns that a name longer than 45 characters disables the password, which quietly turns a private server public. Set ServerPassword and check that the lock icon shows in the list after a restart.

How do players join an Astro Colony server?

1. Launch Astro Colony and click Multiplayer.
2. Open Dedicated Servers and search for the server name.
3. Select it, click Join and enter the password.

The server also shows in Steam under View > Game Servers. Hovering the server icon in game shows its owning ID, which you can copy with a left click if you need to share it.

How do admins and saves work?

Steam64 IDs in AdminList get admin rights when they join. In game, admins can save the game under a custom name, load a save and send a savegame file from their own PC to the server, which is the developer's built in way to move a world onto a server. Kicking from the admin tools was listed as coming soon in the guide.

Autosaves go into the server's AstroColony/Saved/SaveGames folder. With ShouldLoadLatestSavegame=True the server continues from the newest one after every restart. Back up that folder before game updates.

Moving an existing world onto it

Your single player and hosted saves are in %LOCALAPPDATA%\AstroColony\Saved\SaveGames on your PC. Either join as an admin and send the save from the in game admin tools, or stop the server, upload the .sav file into the server's save folder with SFTP, remove older saves there so it is the newest, and start with ShouldLoadLatestSavegame=True. Full steps: how to move an Astro Colony save to a dedicated server.

Common problems

• Players cannot connect but the server is listed: UDP 7777 is not forwarded, or the game port was changed from 7777.
• Server not in the list: UDP 27015 (or your -QueryPort) is closed.
• Password stopped working: the server name is over 45 characters.
• The seed change did nothing: Seed and MapName only apply to a new map. With ShouldLoadLatestSavegame=True the old save keeps loading.
• "Wrong version" after a patch: update the server with SteamCMD so it matches the game.

The easy option: host it with GamezServers

Our Astro Colony server hosting handles the install and keeps the colony online without anyone's PC. Our servers run the Linux build, where the file is AstroColony/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/ServerSettings.ini. The Settings page rewrites the password, seed, map name, max players (1 to 10), admin list, shared technologies, oxygen, free construction and autosave values in that file on every start, so change them in Settings rather than in the file. Auto Update keeps the server on the current version, and a one click backup protects the colony before big changes.

New customers get 50% off the first month on monthly plans, the group can split the bill, and upgrades keep your save.

FAQ

What ports does an Astro Colony dedicated server need?

UDP 7777 for the game and UDP 27015 for the Steam query. Only the query port can be changed.

Where is the Astro Colony server config file?

AstroColony/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/ServerSettings.ini in the server folder, under the [/Script/ACFeature.EHServerSubsystem] section.

How do I make someone an admin on an Astro Colony server?

Add their Steam64 ID to AdminList, separated by commas, and restart the server.

Why does my Astro Colony server ignore the password?

The server name is probably longer than 45 characters, which disables the password. Shorten -SteamServerName and restart.

How do I start a new world with a different seed?

Change Seed and MapName, set ShouldLoadLatestSavegame=False or move the old saves out, and restart. Back up first if you might want the old colony back.