How to Host an Empyrion Server (2026 Guide)

To host an Empyrion server, download the dedicated server (SteamCMD app 530870), edit dedicated.yaml for the name, password, player cap, seed and scenario, then start it with EmpyrionDedicated_NoGraphics.cmd. Open ports 30000 to 30004 (UDP and TCP). Every occupied planet or space area runs as its own playfield server process, so RAM scales with how spread out players are: start at 8 GB for a small group and plan 16 GB for a full Reforged Eden 2 server.

How much RAM does an Empyrion server need?

Empyrion is one of the more demanding games to host because of how it splits the galaxy. The main server process handles players and the galaxy map, and each planet, moon or orbit that someone is in runs as a separate playfield server. A group building together on one planet loads one or two playfields. The same group split across three systems loads many more at once.

The dedicated server is a Windows program (Linux hosts typically run it under Wine). A CPU with several fast cores helps, since playfields are separate processes that can run side by side. Use an SSD: playfields load from disk every time someone warps.

How do I install the Empyrion dedicated server?

1. Install SteamCMD and download the server:

steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\EmpyrionServer +login anonymous +app_update 530870 validate +quit

2. Open dedicated.yaml in the server folder (next section) and set at least the name, password and save name.
3. Open ports 30000 to 30004 in Windows Firewall and on your router.
4. Start the server with EmpyrionDedicated_NoGraphics.cmd, which runs it without a graphical window.
5. Watch the log until the first playfields have loaded, then join.

To update after a game patch, stop the server and run the same SteamCMD line. Players and server must be on the same version, and on the same branch if you use the experimental one.

How do I configure dedicated.yaml?

dedicated.yaml has two main blocks: ServerConfig for the server itself and GameConfig for the save. YAML is picky about indentation, so use spaces, never tabs.

ServerConfig:
  Srv_Port: 30000
  Srv_Name: Frontier Fleet
  Srv_Password: change-me
  Srv_MaxPlayers: 20
  Srv_ReservePlayfields: 2
  Srv_Description: Co-op faction server, Reforged Eden 2
  Tel_Enabled: true
  Tel_Port: 30004
  Tel_Pwd: another-secret
  EACActive: true
  MaxAllowedSizeClass: 20
  TimeoutBootingPfServer: 300
  AdminConfigFile: adminconfig.yaml
  SaveDirectory: Saves

GameConfig:
  GameName: FrontierSave
  Mode: Survival
  Seed: 1234567
  CustomScenario: ReforgedEden2

More keys and their meanings are on the Empyrion wiki's dedicated server page.

What ports does an Empyrion server use?

Open the full range for both UDP and TCP. If you change Srv_Port, the others move with it. Our port forwarding guide covers routers and firewall rules.

How do I run a scenario like Reforged Eden 2?

Many Empyrion groups never play the vanilla galaxy. Reforged Eden 2 is the most popular community scenario, with a redesigned galaxy, new blocks and much longer progression. To run it:

1. Subscribe to the scenario on the Steam Workshop and let it download.
2. Find it in your Workshop folder. It arrives as a numbered folder, so copy it and rename the copy to something readable, like ReforgedEden2.
3. Upload the folder to Content\Scenarios on the server.
4. Set CustomScenario: ReforgedEden2 in dedicated.yaml.
5. Set a new GameName and start the server.

A scenario only applies to a new save, so set it before the first start or start a fresh save. Players do not need to subscribe to it: the server sends them the scenario's shared data when they join. Big scenarios load slowly, so if warps time out, raise TimeoutBootingPfServer.

How do I make myself admin on an Empyrion server?

Admins are listed in adminconfig.yaml in the save directory. Add your SteamID64 with a permission level:

Elevated:
- Id: 76561198000000001
  Permission: 9

Permission 9 gives full admin rights, while 6 and 3 are lower staff levels (moderator and game master) with fewer commands. Restart the server after editing. Admins can then use the in game console for commands like teleporting, spawning and managing factions.

How do PvE and PvP playfields work?

Every playfield in the galaxy is flagged as PvE or PvP by the scenario. In the default galaxy, the starter planets are PvE and PvP areas exist further out, so faction servers fight over those areas while co-op crews stay in safe space. Custom scenarios set their own rules, so check the scenario's description before choosing one for a PvP community.

FAQ

How many players can join an Empyrion server?

You set the cap with Srv_MaxPlayers. Twenty is a common size, and more players spread over more planets means more playfields running and more RAM needed.

Why does my Empyrion server use so much RAM?

Each occupied planet or space area runs as its own playfield server process. When players split up across a system, several run at once.

Do players need the scenario installed?

No. The server sends joining players the scenario's shared data. They only need to subscribe for single player or co-op hosting.

Can I change the scenario or seed on an existing save?

No. Both only apply when a save is created. Change GameName to start a new save with the new scenario or seed.

Can I use the experimental branch?

Yes. Install the server from the experimental branch in SteamCMD, and every player must switch to the experimental branch in Steam too.

The easy option: host it with us

If you would rather not juggle YAML, playfield timeouts and port ranges, you can rent an Empyrion server from us. The panel sets the server name, password, max players, world seed, description, the experimental branch and an optional Telnet console, and dedicated.yaml is open in the file manager for scenarios and deeper rules. It is ready minutes after you pay, with DDoS protection, SFTP for uploading scenarios and backups before game updates. New customers get 50% off the first month, and your faction can split the bill. For more space games with dedicated servers, see our space games list.