How to Host an Eco Server (2026 Guide)

To host an Eco server, download the Eco Server (SteamCMD app 739590), sign it in with a Strange Loop Games account, and set it up through the server GUI or the .eco files in the Configs folder: Network.eco for name, password and ports, WorldGenerator.eco for the world, Disasters.eco for the meteor and Users.eco for admins. Open UDP 3000 for the game and TCP 3001 for the web map. The meteor arrives 30 real days after first start by default.

What do you need to host an Eco server?

Eco is meant to run on a persistent server. The meteor timer counts real days, plants grow and animals breed whether anyone is online or not, and the whole ecosystem keeps simulating. That makes it heavier than most building games, and memory grows with the age and size of the world, not just the player count.

The server runs on Windows and Linux. You also need a Strange Loop Games (SLG) account, which every player has anyway: you can link a Steam copy of Eco to your SLG account at play.eco.

How do I install the Eco dedicated server?

1. Install SteamCMD and download the server:

steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\EcoServer +login anonymous +app_update 739590 validate +quit

2. Start EcoServer.exe once. It creates the Configs folder and, on Windows, opens the server GUI.
3. Enter your SLG account details so the server can sign in. Since Update 11, a dedicated server will not start without an SLG login.
4. Set the server name, password and visibility (next section), then restart.

Keep the server and every player on the same Eco version. Update the server through SteamCMD after each game patch.

How do I configure the Eco server?

There are two ways to edit settings, and both change the same files:

• The server GUI on Windows shows every config as a tree. Change values, then use File > Save, or your changes are lost on restart.
• The .eco files in Configs, which are JSON. Edit them with the server stopped. Admins can also open the same settings in game with /serverui.

A trimmed Network.eco looks like this:

{
  "Name": "Our Eco World",
  "Description": "Friendly economy server, meteor in 45 days",
  "PublicServer": true,
  "Password": "",
  "GameServerPort": 3000,
  "WebServerPort": 3001,
  "MaxConnections": -1
}

MaxConnections of -1 means no limit, so set a real number if your world is small. Every key is described on the Eco wiki's Network.eco page.

What ports does an Eco server use?

Forward both if you host at home. The web server is worth opening: players can browse the map, prices and laws from a browser without logging in. Our port forwarding guide covers router setup.

How do I set up world generation?

World generation happens once, when the server first creates a world. WorldGenerator.eco sets the size, seed and how much of the map is land, water and each biome. Changes only apply to a new world, so get them right before your group starts, or wipe and regenerate.

Size the world to the group. A world that is too big for its players feels empty and makes trade slow, because Eco's economy depends on people living near each other. A small group on the default world size is the usual sweet spot. For a public server expecting dozens of players, a bigger world gives room for several towns, at the cost of more RAM.

How do I change the meteor timer?

The meteor is controlled in Disasters.eco. CreateMeteor turns it on or off, and MeteorImpactDays sets how many real days after the first start it hits (30 by default).

• Casual group playing a few evenings a week: raise it to 45 or 60 days so you are not rushed.
• Experienced group that wants pressure: keep 30, or lower it.
• Pure building world: set CreateMeteor to false.

Change it early. The countdown starts when the world is first created, and players plan their tech around it.

How do laws and government work on a server?

In Eco, laws, taxes, titles and elections are made by players, not the server owner. Someone drafts a constitution, places it in a building, and from then on citizens propose laws and vote. That player run government is the heart of the game, so most server owners leave it alone.

The server side rules live in Civics.eco, reachable in game through /serverui under Gameplay > Civics. For example, AllowOverthrow decides whether a government can be overthrown by placing a constitution in a more valuable building. Admins also get moderation tools that can step into the election and government systems when something breaks, which is useful on public servers where one player tries to lock everyone out with a bad law.

How do I add admins and a whitelist?

Open Users.eco and add IDs to the Admins list, and to WhiteList for a private server. You must use a Steam64 ID or an SLG ID; plain usernames do not work. The IDs go inside the block's $values array. Leave the other lines in the block (like $id and $type) as they are and only add to the list:

"Admins": {
  ...
  "$values": [ "76561198000000001", "76561198000000002" ]
}

Restart after editing. The whitelist turns on as soon as it has one ID, and whitelisted players skip the server password.

FAQ

Why does my Eco server need a Strange Loop Games login?

Since Update 11, every Eco dedicated server signs in with an SLG account to start. Use the account you play with, and link your Steam copy to it at play.eco if you have not.

How long until the meteor hits on an Eco server?

30 real days after the world first starts, by default. Change MeteorImpactDays in Disasters.eco, or set CreateMeteor to false for a world without the meteor.

How do I list my Eco server publicly?

Set PublicServer to true in Network.eco and restart. A private server is joined by its address instead.

How many players can join an Eco server?

MaxConnections in Network.eco sets the cap, and -1 means unlimited. In practice the world size and RAM decide how many people the server handles well.

Can I add mods to an Eco server?

Yes. Download server mods from mod.io, upload them to the server's Mods folder and restart. Check each mod supports your Eco version first.

The easy option: host it with us

Because the meteor counts real days, an Eco world has to stay online, which is the main reason groups move off a home PC. You can rent an Eco server from us: the panel covers your SLG login, server name, password, max connections, description, category, language, Discord link, RCON, auto update, public listing and the web server. It is ready minutes after you pay, with DDoS protection, SFTP for mods and backups before game updates. New customers get 50% off the first month, and your town can split the bill. If you are not sure about size, start small and upgrade later.