How to Host an Icarus Dedicated Server (2026 Guide)

To host an Icarus dedicated server, install the free Icarus Dedicated Server (SteamCMD app 2089300), start IcarusServer.exe with -Log, then set the join password, admin password, max players (up to 8) and which prospect to load in ServerSettings.ini. Forward UDP 17777 (game) and 27015 (query). Set ShutdownIfEmptyFor to -1 if you want an open world prospect to keep running when nobody is on.

What does an Icarus dedicated server do?

Icarus is RocketWerkz's co-op PvE survival game. Saves are called prospects: timed missions that end with extraction, or open world outposts that persist. Without a server, a prospect only exists while its owner hosts it.

A dedicated server keeps a prospect available so anyone in the group can drop in while the others are offline, and it takes the CPU and memory load off a player's PC, which matters because Icarus is demanding. Up to 8 players can be on one server, and there is no PvP: everyone is on the same side against storms and wildlife.

What do you need to host Icarus?

• A Windows machine that can stay on. RocketWerkz documents the server for Windows.
• SteamCMD. The server is free and does not need a copy of the game; each player needs their own.
• Port forwarding if you host at home.

How do I install the Icarus dedicated server?

1. Install SteamCMD.
2. Download the server:

steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\IcarusServer +login anonymous +app_update 2089300 validate +quit

3. Create a shortcut or batch file for IcarusServer.exe with your options. -Log opens a log window and RocketWerkz treats it as required:

IcarusServer.exe -Log -SteamServerName="Crew of Eight" -PORT=17777 -QueryPort=27015

4. Run it once to generate ServerSettings.ini, then stop it.

Update with the same SteamCMD line after patches. The full reference is on RocketWerkz's Icarus dedicated server wiki.

Where is ServerSettings.ini and what goes in it?

The file is generated on first start in:

Icarus\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\ServerSettings.ini

A good starting point for a private crew:

[/Script/Icarus.DedicatedServerSettings]
SessionName=Crew of Eight
JoinPassword=changeme
MaxPlayers=8
AdminPassword=a-long-admin-password
ShutdownIfNotJoinedFor=300
ShutdownIfEmptyFor=300
AllowNonAdminsToLaunchProspects=True
AllowNonAdminsToDeleteProspects=False
LoadProspect=
CreateProspect=
ResumeProspect=True

Always set AdminPassword. With it empty, any player can type /AdminLogin and get admin rights. Our Icarus dedicated server settings explained guide covers every key.

How do I keep a prospect running on the server?

By default the server pauses an empty prospect and returns to the lobby after 5 minutes. That protects timed missions, but for an open world outpost you may want it to keep ticking (crops growing, for example), or you may prefer it paused so the world does not age without you. Choose:

• Pause when empty (default): leave both shutdown values at 300.
• Always running: set ShutdownIfEmptyFor=-1 and ShutdownIfNotJoinedFor=-1.

To start a specific prospect on boot, use CreateProspect with the format [ProspectType] [Difficulty] [Hardcore] [SaveName]. Difficulty runs from 1 (easy) to 4 (extreme), and hardcore is true or false. Open world outposts need a save name:

CreateProspect=Outpost006_Olympus 2 false OlympusBase

After the first run, switch to LoadProspect=OlympusBase (or rely on ResumeProspect=True) so you do not create a new one every start.

How do I move a prospect from my PC to the server?

1. On your PC, find the prospect at %LocalAppData%\Icarus\Saved\PlayerData\<SteamID>\Prospects\<ProspectName>.json.
2. On the server, create the folders Icarus\Saved\PlayerData\DedicatedServer\Prospects\ if they do not exist.
3. Copy the JSON file across with the same file name.
4. Set LoadProspect to the prospect name, or load it from the lobby.

Do not rename the file or edit its contents. RocketWerkz warns that changing either corrupts the save, so keep a backup copy.

What ports does an Icarus server use?

Forward both to the server. If port forwarding is new to you, read how to port forward a game server.

How do players join and how does admin work?

1. From the orbital station, choose Join Session.
2. Flip the toggle in the top right from player hosted to Dedicated Servers.
3. Find your server by name and enter the join password.

To become admin, type /AdminLogin a-long-admin-password in chat. Admins can manage prospects and players from the lobby and in game.

FAQ

How many players can join an Icarus dedicated server?

Eight. MaxPlayers in ServerSettings.ini accepts 1 to 8.

Why does my Icarus server keep going back to the lobby?

It pauses after 5 empty minutes by default. Set ShutdownIfEmptyFor and ShutdownIfNotJoinedFor to -1 to keep the prospect running.

How do I become admin on an Icarus server?

Set AdminPassword in ServerSettings.ini, restart, then type /AdminLogin followed by the password in chat.

Why can't I find my server in the Icarus browser?

The Join Session screen shows player hosted games by default. Flip the toggle to Dedicated Servers.

Is there PvP on Icarus servers?

No. Icarus is co-op PvE only, so everyone on the server plays together.

The easy option: host it with GamezServers

Our Icarus server hosting is ready minutes after you pay, with no port forwarding. The panel sets the server name, query port and auto updates, and ServerSettings.ini is in the file manager for passwords, max players, prospects and the shutdown timers. Upload a prospect over SFTP, and take a backup before big game updates.

New customers get 50% off the first month, and your crew can split the bill, each paying their own share.