This guide explains the meaning and usage of each configuration item (setting variable) displayed in the "Startup" tab of the game panel. Since Satisfactory allows you to set the server name and password in-game, we'll clarify what you can change from the panel side.
Revision History
- v1.0
- June 2026 — Initial creation
Settings are divided into "2 locations"
Satisfactory server settings are divided into two main locations. Understanding this distinction from the start will help you avoid confusion.
| Where to configure | What can be configured |
|---|---|
| Game Panel "Startup" Tab (explained on this page) | Operational settings such as auto-update, autosave generations, connection timeout, and beta version selection |
| Server Manager in-game (after connecting and registering as administrator) | Server name, administrator password, join password, and game rules (difficulty, various multipliers, etc.) |
Please note that the server name and password are configured in-game, not in the game panel.
Settings you can change in the game panel (list)
| Item (Panel Display Name) | Variable Name | Default Value | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Update | AUTO_UPDATE | 1 (Enabled) | Automatically update the game to the latest build each time the server starts |
| Validate Files On Update | VALIDATE_FILES | 0 (Disabled) | Verify all files on update (slow, for repair purposes) |
| Max Players | MAX_PLAYERS | Plan-dependent | Maximum concurrent player connections (cannot be changed, plan-linked) |
| Rotating Autosaves | NUM_AUTOSAVES | 3 | Number of autosave generations (retention count) |
| Initial Connect Timeout | INIT_CONNECT_TIMEOUT | 30 | Timeout for initial connection (seconds) |
| Connect Timeout | CONNECT_TIMEOUT | 20 | Timeout for maintaining connection (seconds) |
| Beta Branch | SRCDS_BETAID | Empty (public) | Game version branch (for advanced users) |
| Beta Password | SRCDS_BETAPASS | Empty | Password for beta branch (only if needed) |
Detailed explanation of each item
Auto Update
When set to 1, the game is automatically updated to the latest build each time the server starts. When the Satisfactory client is updated, the server must also be up to date so that friends with the latest version can connect. We recommend keeping this at 1 (enabled) in normal circumstances.
Set this to 0 only if you want to temporarily lock it to a specific version (such as waiting for MOD or save compatibility). The change will be applied when you restart the server.
Validate Files On Update
When set to 1, all game files are compared with information from the distribution source (Steam) during updates, and any corruption is repaired. Since validation takes time, normally keep it at 0 (disabled).
If the server doesn't start properly, behaves oddly, or crashes, you can set it to 1 once and restart. If file corruption is the cause, it may be resolved. After confirming, please change it back to 0 for faster startup.
Max Players
This is the maximum number of players who can connect simultaneously. This item is set for each contract plan and cannot be changed on your end (it will be displayed but is not editable). If you want to play with more people, please consider upgrading to a higher plan.
Rotating Autosaves
This is the number of autosave generations that the game retains. How many previous save points you can go back to increases as you increase this number, but it also uses more disk space.
Initial Connect Timeout / Connect Timeout
These are timeout values in seconds related to connections. If friends with slow connections or from distant locations are disconnected during connection, increasing these values may help.
- Initial Connect Timeout: Wait time to establish connection (default 30 seconds)
- Connect Timeout: Time until no response is considered a disconnection after connection is established (default 20 seconds)
In most cases, the default values are fine.
Beta Branch / Beta Password (For Advanced Users)
Beta Branch allows you to select the version branch of the game to install.
- Empty: Standard public release (public / stable version). Most customers should leave this as is.
experimental: Experimental version (new features arrive earlier but can be unstable).
Beta Password is only required if the selected branch requires a password. It is not needed for public / experimental, so normally leave it empty.
Auto-managed items (no changes needed)
The following items are automatically optimized by us and are either not displayed in the game panel or cannot be changed. You do not need to configure them.
- Connection Ports (Game / Reliable): Automatically assigned when first set up. The Reliable port is automatically secured with consecutive numbers after the Game port. You can check the actual port numbers in the "Network" tab (see "How to check your server's port number" for details).
- Game Identification ID: Fixed for Satisfactory.
Settings not available in the game panel (configured in-game)
The following settings are configured not in the game panel but in the in-game server manager (available after connecting to the server and registering as an administrator).
- Server name
- Administrator password
- Join password
- Game rules (difficulty, resource settings, building settings, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Should Auto Update be enabled or disabled?
We recommend enabled (1) under normal circumstances. When the game is updated, it prevents friends with the latest version from being unable to connect. Set it to 0 only if you have a special reason to lock the version.
My server is unstable / won't start
First, set Validate Files On Update to 1 and restart to check if there is any file corruption. If this doesn't resolve the issue, please try a reinstall (save data will be preserved) or contact our support team.
I can't increase Max Players
Max Players is fixed for each plan and cannot be changed. To play with more people, please upgrade to a higher plan (you can change it with prorated billing while maintaining your data).
I can't find the server name or password settings
In Satisfactory, these are configured in the in-game server manager. There is no option for these in the game panel.
I changed the settings but they're not taking effect
Settings in the "Startup" tab take effect after a restart. After changing values, please execute the "Restart" button in the panel.