Satisfactory - Why Use a Dedicated Server: Benefits and Setup Guide

As Satisfactory's player base grows, so does the complexity of managing multiplayer sessions. 

Dedicated servers have become the go-to solution for serious players looking to boost performance, ensure stability, and create continuous, lag-free gameplay. 

This guide explains the advantages of dedicated servers over local hosting and offers a simple setup tutorial for players seeking a smooth Satisfactory multiplayer experience.

For those ready to get started with a fast and easy solution, check out our Satisfactory server hosting, offering optimized performance and simple server management for players of all levels.

What is a Dedicated Server in Satisfactory?

A dedicated server runs the game world on a separate machine, independent of your personal PC, allowing the server to operate 24/7. This setup is especially useful for Satisfactory, where large factories require consistent performance and constant uptime. 

In contrast, local hosting requires the host player’s system to manage both gameplay and server duties. This setup often leads to performance issues, particularly with larger factories or when several players are connected.

Dedicated servers eliminate these issues by offering:

• 24/7 uptime, meaning your factory continues producing even when no players are logged in.
• Better multiplayer stability, as the server doesn’t rely on the host’s connection or processing power.

Benefits of Using a Dedicated Server

Using a dedicated server for Satisfactory provides several significant advantages, making it a useful tool for larger multiplayer sessions or those looking for uninterrupted factory progression.

Performance Improvements

Running Satisfactory on a dedicated server offloads resource-heavy processes like networking, which results in smoother gameplay and reduced lag. This is particularly noticeable when managing large factories or multiple players.

• Fact: Dedicated servers can support up to 12 players with minimal performance degradation, ideal for extensive factory-building.

24/7 Availability

A dedicated server runs continuously, even when the host is offline. This means that your factory continues production around the clock, ensuring that progress never stalls due to the host being offline.

• Example: Players working on long-term builds or large group projects benefit immensely from continuous game uptime.

Improved Stability

Local hosting often leads to frequent disconnections or crashes, especially with more players. Dedicated servers eliminate these problems, ensuring smooth multiplayer sessions with reduced risk of desync issues or server drops.

• Insight: Players have reported up to 50% fewer disconnections on dedicated servers compared to local hosting, making them far more reliable for larger group play.

Customization and Control

Dedicated servers allow you to customize player limits, enable mods, and adjust game rules to suit your specific gameplay style. This flexibility is key for players who want to create custom multiplayer experiences or host large community events.

• Example: You can easily modify player limits beyond the standard four players by configuring your server settings, making dedicated servers a better option for larger multiplayer groups.

Dedicated Server Vs Local Hosting

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When to Consider Using a Dedicated Server

Dedicated servers provide multiple advantages for different types of gameplay, but when should you consider making the switch from local hosting? 

Here are some clear scenarios where using a dedicated server is the best option.

For Larger Multiplayer Groups

Local hosting typically struggles as you add more players to the session. A dedicated server, on the other hand, is optimized for multiplayer gaming and can support up to 12 players or more without performance drops.

• Example: If you’re running a large multiplayer game with more than 4 players, local hosting will often suffer from lag, desynchronization, and crashes. Dedicated servers bypass these issues, providing seamless gameplay even with more than 8 players.

If You Want Your Game to Run 24/7

For those who enjoy long-term projects, dedicated servers are invaluable. With local hosting, the game stops running when the host logs off. However, with a dedicated server, your factory and projects will keep running 24/7, allowing for continuous production.

• Benefit: Always-online Satisfactory servers allow friends to join and continue working even if you are offline, so progress is never halted.

For Players with Unstable Internet Connections

If you frequently experience unstable connections, lag, or crashes, local hosting can turn multiplayer into a frustrating experience. Dedicated servers ensure smoother multiplayer sessions, even when hosting large factories or complex environments.

• Pro Tip: Players with weaker internet connections should consider dedicated servers to avoid frequent disconnections and ensure a consistent multiplayer experience.

How to Set Up a Dedicated Server for Satisfactory

Setting up a dedicated server might seem daunting, but it’s simpler than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your server up and running, no matter if you’re using SteamCMD or the in-game server manager.

Step-by-Step Setup Instructions

1. Download and Install SteamCMD
SteamCMD is a command-line version of the Steam client, used to install and update dedicated servers. Download SteamCMD from the official website and install it on your server machine.

2. Install Satisfactory Server Files
Once SteamCMD is installed, use it to download the Satisfactory dedicated server files. Enter the appropriate command to download the server:
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./satisfactory +app_update 1690800 validate +quit

3. Configure Server Settings
After the server files are installed, configure your server settings by editing the configuration files. You can set player limits, world settings, and other parameters depending on your needs. For more details on configuration, check how to modify your Satisfactory server settings.

4. Set Up Port Forwarding
To ensure your server can communicate with players, you’ll need to forward ports on your router. Commonly required ports for Satisfactory include 7777, 15000, and 15777.

5. Run the Server and Connect
Once the server is configured and ports are forwarded, start the server and invite players using the server’s IP address. Players can join by entering the IP into their client.

Does this all seem too much, or are you perhaps looking for a more hands-off solution offering 24/7 hosting? Keep reading!

Choosing a Dedicated Server Hosting Provider

When self-hosting isn’t practical, a third-party hosting provider can take the technical burden off your shoulders. Hosting providers like Host Havoc offer reliable performance, easy setup, and support to ensure your server runs smoothly.

What to Look For in a Hosting Provider

• Server Locations: To minimize latency, choose a provider with servers close to your player base.
• Customer Support: Reliable, 24/7 customer support ensures issues are resolved quickly.
• Scalability and Cost: Look for flexible plans that allow you to scale your server depending on player load.

For those seeking a fast and easy solution, check out Satisfactory server hosting from Host Havoc, which offers optimized performance and simple server management for players of all levels.