How to Host an Abiotic Factor Dedicated Server
Abiotic Factor is a cooperative survival game set inside a massive research facility overrun by anomalies. Running a dedicated server lets your group maintain a persistent world where progress, bases, and research carry over between sessions. This guide walks through the full setup process.
Hardware Requirements
Abiotic Factor is moderately demanding on server hardware. Since the game renders complex indoor environments with physics-based objects and enemy AI, CPU and RAM matter more than raw network bandwidth.
Recommended Specifications
- CPU: 4 cores at 3.0 GHz or higher
- RAM: 8-16 GB (8 GB minimum, 16 GB recommended for larger groups)
- Storage: 10 GB SSD (NVMe preferred for faster load times)
- Network: Stable connection with low latency
- OS: Windows (native), Linux (via Wine/Proton)
The server application is Windows-native. Linux hosting is possible using Wine and SteamCMD, which works reliably but adds a layer of complexity.
Installing the Server
Step 1: Set Up SteamCMD
Download SteamCMD from the Valve Developer Community site. Extract it to a dedicated directory. SteamCMD is a command-line tool that downloads and updates dedicated server applications from Steam's servers.
Step 2: Download Abiotic Factor Server Files
Run SteamCMD and install the server using App ID 2857200:
steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\AbioticFactorServer +login anonymous +app_update 2857200 validate +quit
On Linux with Wine:
./steamcmd.sh +@sSteamCmdForcePlatformType windows +force_install_dir /opt/abiotic-server +login anonymous +app_update 2857200 validate +quit
The download is approximately 5-8 GB.
Step 3: Verify Files
Confirm that the server executable exists at AbioticFactor/Binaries/Win64/ within your installation directory.
Port Configuration
Abiotic Factor requires two ports to be forwarded through your firewall and router.
| Port | Protocol | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 7777 | TCP/UDP | Game traffic |
| 27015 | TCP/UDP | Steam query |
Firewall Rules on Windows
Open Windows Defender Firewall and create inbound rules allowing both TCP and UDP traffic on ports 7777 and 27015.
Firewall Rules on Linux
sudo ufw allow 7777
sudo ufw allow 27015
Running Multiple Servers
You can run multiple Abiotic Factor servers on the same machine by assigning different ports. For example, a second server could use port 7778 for game traffic and 27016 for the query port.
Server Configuration
Creating a Launch Script
Create a batch file (Windows) or shell script (Linux) in the server's Binaries/Win64/ directory with your launch parameters:
Windows (RunServer.bat):
AbioticFactorServer.exe -port=7777 -queryport=27015 -servername="My AF Server" -password="optional" -maxplayers=6
Linux (via Wine):
wine AbioticFactorServer.exe -port=7777 -queryport=27015 -servername="My AF Server" -maxplayers=6
Key Launch Parameters
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
-port | Game port (default 7777) |
-queryport | Steam query port (default 27015) |
-servername | Display name in server browser |
-password | Server join password (optional) |
-maxplayers | Maximum concurrent players |
Connecting to Your Server
Once the server is running, players can connect through the in-game server browser or by using the direct connect option with your public IP address and game port. Verify that your ports are properly forwarded by checking with an online port testing tool.
Server Administration
World Saves
Abiotic Factor auto-saves your world at regular intervals. Save data is stored in the server's local Saved directory. Back up this folder regularly to prevent data loss from crashes or corruption.
Updating the Server
Re-run the SteamCMD command before each server restart to pull the latest patches:
steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\AbioticFactorServer +login anonymous +app_update 2857200 validate +quit
Abiotic Factor has received frequent patches since its 1.0 release. Version mismatches between client and server will prevent connections.
Performance Monitoring
Watch CPU and RAM usage during play sessions. If you notice lag during combat-heavy moments with many enemies spawned, consider reducing the player count or ensuring your server hardware meets the recommended specifications.
Summary
Setting up an Abiotic Factor dedicated server involves installing SteamCMD, downloading App ID 2857200, forwarding ports 7777 and 27015, and creating a launch script with your server configuration. Keep your server updated, back up your saves, and make sure your hardware can handle the player count you are targeting. A dedicated server is the best way to maintain a persistent cooperative world.