Building a massive factory in Factorio is even more enjoyable when you're working alongside friends. However, before you can start playing together, you'll need someone to host the multiplayer world.
You can host a co-op game directly from your PC, create your own dedicated server, or use Factorio server hosting to avoid the technical setup entirely.
In this guide, we'll explain how each method works and how to create your own Factorio server, even if you've never hosted one before.
Can You Host Your Own Factorio Server?
Yes! Factorio allows you to host multiplayer worlds without renting a server.
There are two main ways to self-host:
- Co-op hosting: Start a multiplayer game directly from Factorio and play with your friends while hosting the world.
- Dedicated server hosting: Run a separate server program that manages your Factorio world without needing the game itself open.
Both methods require your computer to remain powered on. If you shut it down, your friends won't be able to continue playing until you start hosting again.
How To Host A Factorio Co-op Game On Your PC
If you're planning to play Factorio with a few friends, hosting a co-op game directly from your PC is the easiest option.
Unlike a dedicated server, co-op hosting means your computer runs the multiplayer world while you're playing Factorio yourself.
Here's how to get started:
- Launch Factorio on your computer.
- Select Multiplayer from the main menu.
- Click Host New Game to create a new world, or Host Saved Game to continue an existing factory.
- Choose your preferred map settings if you're creating a new world.
- Configure your multiplayer settings, including server visibility and an optional password.
- Start your co-op game.
Once started, your friends can play alongside you in the same factory. Depending on your network, you may need to configure your router to allow incoming connections.
The main disadvantage of co-op hosting is that the session ends when you close Factorio. This makes it ideal for occasional multiplayer sessions, but less convenient for groups that want to play at different times.
How To Set Up A Dedicated Factorio Server Yourself
If you want your Factorio world to run without keeping the game open, you can create a dedicated server instead.
This requires downloading the server files, creating a world, and configuring a few settings on your Windows PC.
Step 1: Download The Factorio Server Files
Visit the official Factorio download page.
Download the Windows ZIP package and extract it into a folder on your computer, such as C:\FactorioServer.
This folder will contain the files needed to run your dedicated Factorio server.
Step 2: Create Your Factorio World
Before starting your server, you'll need a world for it to load.
Open Command Prompt inside your extracted Factorio folder and run:
.\bin\x64\factorio.exe --create .\saves\factory.zip
This creates a new world called factory.zip inside the saves folder. Create that folder first if it doesn't exist.
Alternatively, you can use an existing Factorio save.
Step 3: Configure Your Server Settings
Find server-settings.example.json inside the data folder of your Factorio installation.
Make a copy in the same folder and rename it to server-settings.json.
You can open this file with a text editor such as Notepad to configure:
- Server name and description
- Maximum player count
- Server password
- Public server visibility
Public server listings also require valid Factorio account authentication details.
Step 4: Start Your Dedicated Server
Once everything is configured, open Command Prompt inside the Factorio folder and run:
.\bin\x64\factorio.exe --start-server .\saves\factory.zip --server-settings .\data\server-settings.json
This launches your dedicated Factorio server using the world you created.
Keep the Command Prompt window running to maintain your server. Closing it will shut down the server.
Step 5: Configure Your Network
Factorio uses UDP port 34197 by default.
For friends outside your home network to connect directly, you'll generally need to forward this port through your router and allow incoming connections through your computer's firewall.
Once configured, your dedicated server can accept connections from players outside your local network.
Your server is now ready! Unlike co-op hosting, you can close the Factorio game without shutting down the server. However, your computer must remain powered on and the server program must keep running.
How To Set Up A Dedicated Factorio Server With A Server Host
If you don't want to deal with downloading server files, configuring settings, or keeping your computer running, using a game server hosting provider is a much easier alternative.
With Factorio hosting from a provider such as Pine Hosting, you get your own dedicated server without having to handle the technical setup yourself. For example, when purchasing a Factorio server from Pine Hosting, your server is automatically deployed and ready to manage through our game panel.
On top of that, we provide built-in DDoS protection, high-performance hardware, and a beginner-friendly control panel where you can easily manage your server settings, files, and backups. Our panel also includes task scheduling and user management, while our 24/7 support team is available whenever you need assistance.
This makes server hosting a great alternative to self-hosting, particularly if you want your Factorio world available without worrying about maintaining your own computer or configuring your home network.
Should You Self-Host Or Use Dedicated Factorio Hosting?
Hosting a co-op game is a great choice if you only want to play occasionally with friends. Creating a dedicated server on your own PC offers more flexibility, but requires additional setup and maintenance.
Using dedicated hosting is more convenient if you want your server available without relying on your personal computer.
With Pine Hosting, your server runs independently of your PC, and you can manage it from anywhere. You can also upgrade your server plan if your factory eventually needs more resources.
Start Your Factorio Server With Pine Hosting
Creating a Factorio server doesn't have to involve complicated installations or networking knowledge.
With our Factorio server hosting, you can get your own dedicated server running without worrying about the technical setup.
We handle the server infrastructure so you can focus on building your next factory.
