Abiotic Factor: How to Set Up a Dedicated Server on a VPS

To set up your own Abiotic Factor server on a VPS for co-op play with friends, you'll need at least 2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM, and a 40 GB NVMe disk, with the setup process involving installation via SteamCMD and opening UDP port 7777. Creating your own Abiotic Factor VPS server gives you full control over gameplay, settings, and access, providing a stable platform for your team without monthly slot fees.

Abiotic Factor is an atmospheric co-op survival simulator that has quickly gained popularity due to its unique setting and deep gameplay. Like many games in this genre, it truly shines when played with friends. However, standard "out-of-the-box" hosting through Steam often comes with limitations: dependence on one player's host machine, performance issues when the host leaves, and lack of constant access. In this guide, we'll detail how to set up a full-fledged Abiotic Factor dedicated server on a Linux VPS, from hardware selection to autostart and backup.

Why an Abiotic Factor Dedicated Server is the Best Choice for Your Team

Running a dedicated server for Abiotic Factor offers several undeniable advantages over typical peer-to-peer hosting, which relies on one player's machine:

• 24/7 Availability: Your Abiotic Factor world will be accessible at any time of day, regardless of whether any players are online. This is ideal for teams playing at different times.
• Stability and Performance: VPS servers are specifically optimized for continuous operation. Dedicated resources ensure minimal latency (ping) and stable FPS for all connected players, which is difficult to achieve on a home PC also used for other tasks.
• Full Control: You get complete access to server files, configuration settings, and logs. This allows for fine-tuning the gaming experience, setting passwords, managing players, and even modifying the server (if such options become available in the future).
• Independence from Host Player: World progress is not tied to a single player. If the host leaves the game, the server continues to run, and other players can continue their adventures.
• Easy Backups and Migration: On a VPS, it's much simpler to set up automatic world backups and, if necessary, migrate it to another server or a local computer.

If you're looking for a reliable solution for continuous play with friends, hosting your **Abiotic Factor server** on a VPS is an investment in the comfort and stability of your gaming experience.

Optimal VPS for Abiotic Factor: Resource Requirements

Choosing the right VPS for your Abiotic Factor dedicated server is critical for ensuring smooth gameplay. Abiotic Factor, like many Unreal Engine games, is sensitive to CPU performance, especially single-core speed. The number of cores is important, but their clock speed and IPC (instructions per cycle) often play a larger role than just the core count.

For 50 concurrent players, 4 vCPU, 8 GB RAM, and an 80 GB NVMe disk are sufficient.

Players	vCPU (Cores)	RAM (GB)	Disk (GB, NVMe)	Port (Mbps)	Price (approx., $/month)
4-6	2 (2.5+ GHz)	4-6	40-60	100-250	от $10
6-8	2-4 (3.0+ GHz)	6-8	60-80	250-500	от $15
8-12	4 (3.5+ GHz)	8-12	80-100	500-1000	от $20
12+ (experimental)	4-6 (3.5+ GHz)	12-16	100-120	1000	от $30

Note: The prices listed are approximate for Valebyte.com offerings as of May 2024 and may vary depending on the specific configuration and region. It's crucial to choose a VPS with NVMe disks, as read/write speeds significantly impact world loading and save times. A 100 Mbps network port is usually sufficient for 4-8 players, but 1 Gbps provides ample headroom.

The Importance of Single-Core Performance

Why is single-core performance more important than core count for Abiotic Factor? Game servers, especially in early development stages or built on engines not fully optimized for multi-threading, often execute most of their logic in one primary thread. This means the speed of that thread (directly dependent on the clock frequency and IPC of a single CPU core) becomes the bottleneck. If you have 8 cores at 2.0 GHz but the game only uses one, it will run slower than on 2 cores at 4.0 GHz. When choosing a VPS for gaming, always prioritize processors with high base and boost frequencies.

VPS vs. Dedicated Server for Abiotic Factor

For most co-op teams (up to 10-12 players), a VPS will be more than sufficient and a significantly more economical solution. A dedicated server is usually overkill for such a task and costs several times more. However, if you plan to host a very large community or multiple game servers simultaneously, you might consider upgrading to a dedicated server. For Abiotic Factor, this is unlikely, as the game is oriented towards relatively small groups.

Preparing Your VPS for Abiotic Factor Server Setup

Before proceeding with the Abiotic Factor server setup, you need to prepare your Linux VPS. We will use Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS, one of the most popular and stable distributions.

Initial Setup and User Creation

Log in to your VPS via SSH as the root user. First, update the system:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Next, create a separate user for the game server. This is good security practice, isolating server processes from root access:

sudo adduser abioticfactor
sudo usermod -aG sudo abioticfactor # Optional, for easier administration
su - abioticfactor

Now all subsequent commands will be executed as the `abioticfactor` user.

Firewall Configuration (UFW)

To secure the server, you need to configure a firewall. We will use UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall). Install it if it's not already installed:

sudo apt install ufw -y

Then, allow SSH access (port 22) and the Abiotic Factor game ports (7777 UDP) and Steam Query (27015 UDP):

sudo ufw allow 22/tcp
sudo ufw allow 7777/udp
sudo ufw allow 27015/udp
sudo ufw enable

Confirm firewall activation by pressing `y`. Check the status:

sudo ufw status verbose

You should see the allowed ports.

Installing and First Launching Abiotic Factor Server via SteamCMD

To install the Abiotic Factor game server, we will need SteamCMD. This is a console utility for installing and updating Steam dedicated servers.

Installing SteamCMD

First, install the necessary packages for SteamCMD:

sudo apt install lib32gcc-s1 curl -y

Then create a directory for SteamCMD and download it:

mkdir ~/steamcmd
cd ~/steamcmd
curl -sqL "https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz" | tar zxvf -

Launch SteamCMD. It will update on its first run:

./steamcmd.sh

You will be in the SteamCMD console (`Steam>`).

Downloading the Abiotic Factor Dedicated Server

In the SteamCMD console, execute the following commands to download the Abiotic Factor server. The application ID for Abiotic Factor Dedicated Server is `2758250`.

Steam> login anonymous
Steam> force_install_dir ../abiotic_factor_server
Steam> app_update 2758250 validate
Steam> quit

The `force_install_dir ../abiotic_factor_server` command tells SteamCMD to install the server files into the `abiotic_factor_server` directory one level above the current one (`~/steamcmd`). This means the server will be installed in `~/abiotic_factor_server`. The download process may take some time depending on your internet connection speed and the game size. After completion, SteamCMD will automatically close.

For more information on SteamCMD and installing other game servers, such as CS:S or GMod, you can refer to our article Source Dedicated Server (SRCDS): Setting up TF2, CS:S, and GMod on Linux.

First Launch and Testing

Navigate to the installed server directory:

cd ~/abiotic_factor_server/AbioticFactor/Binaries/Linux

To launch the Abiotic Factor server for the first time, use the following command:

./AbioticFactorServer-Linux-Shipping AbioticFactor/Maps/AbioticFactor?listen -log

The `?listen` parameter means the server will wait for client connections. The `-log` parameter outputs logs to the console, which is useful for debugging. If everything is configured correctly, the server should start, and you will see messages in the console. To keep the server running after closing the SSH session, use `screen` or `tmux` utility:

screen -S abiotic_factor_server
# Inside screen:
cd ~/abiotic_factor_server/AbioticFactor/Binaries/Linux
./AbioticFactorServer-Linux-Shipping AbioticFactor/Maps/AbioticFactor?listen -log
# To exit screen without stopping the server: Ctrl+A, then D

To reattach to the `screen` session: `screen -r abiotic_factor_server`.

Configuring Your Abiotic Factor Co-op Server: Ports, Password, and Privacy

After the first server launch, you will likely need to configure it for private play with friends. This includes setting a password and, if necessary, changing the ports.

Server Configuration File

Abiotic Factor uses configuration files located in the server directory. Primary settings are defined via command-line parameters at launch or through specific files. To set a password and other parameters, you can add them to the launch command:

./AbioticFactorServer-Linux-Shipping AbioticFactor/Maps/AbioticFactor?listen?Port=7777?QueryPort=27015?Password=YOUR_PASSWORD -log

Replace `YOUR_PASSWORD` with your desired password for your server. You can also explicitly specify Abiotic Factor server ports, although 7777 and 27015 are standard and recommended.

For more advanced settings, such as server name, max players, game mode, and other parameters, you will need to create or edit the Game.ini or ServerSettings.ini file in the appropriate directory. This is usually ~/abiotic_factor_server/AbioticFactor/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/Game.ini or ~/abiotic_factor_server/AbioticFactor/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/ServerSettings.ini. If these files don't exist, the server will create them after the first launch, or you can create them manually. Example content for Game.ini:

[/Script/AbioticFactor.AFGameMode]
MaxPlayers=8
ServerName=My Awesome Abiotic Factor Server
ServerPassword=SecurePassword123
bIsPublicServer=False ; Make the server private, not shown in the public list

After making changes to the configuration files, restart the server for them to take effect.

Privacy and Access Control

A password is the primary way to control access to your Abiotic Factor co-op server. Ensure you choose a strong password and share it only with trusted players. If you want the server not to appear in the public Steam list, set `bIsPublicServer=False` in the configuration file. This will ensure maximum privacy for your team.

Autostart, Auto-Update, and Monitoring for Your Abiotic Factor Server

Keeping the server up-to-date and ensuring it automatically starts after a VPS reboot are key tasks for any dedicated server.

Autostart with Systemd

Systemd is an init system and service manager for Linux. Let's create a Unit file for our server. Switch to root or use `sudo`:

sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/abioticfactor.service

Insert the following content, changing `User` and `WorkingDirectory` to the path of your server (for the `abioticfactor` user, this will be `/home/abioticfactor/abiotic_factor_server/AbioticFactor/Binaries/Linux`):

[Unit]
Description=Abiotic Factor Dedicated Server
After=network.target

[Service]
User=abioticfactor
Group=abioticfactor
ExecStart=/home/abioticfactor/abiotic_factor_server/AbioticFactor/Binaries/Linux/AbioticFactorServer-Linux-Shipping AbioticFactor/Maps/AbioticFactor?listen -log
WorkingDirectory=/home/abioticfactor/abiotic_factor_server/AbioticFactor/Binaries/Linux
Restart=always
RestartSec=5

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

Save the file (Ctrl+X, Y, Enter) and then enable and start the service:

sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable abioticfactor
sudo systemctl start abioticfactor

You can check the server status with the command:

sudo systemctl status abioticfactor

The server will now automatically start when the VPS boots and restart in case of a crash.

Automatic Server Updates (Cron)

Abiotic Factor regularly receives updates, and it's important to keep the server up-to-date. You can set up automatic updates using Cron. Switch to the `abioticfactor` user and open Cron:

crontab -e

Choose a text editor (e.g., nano). Add the following line to update the server every day at 03:00 AM. Note that this will restart the server.

0 3 * * * /home/abioticfactor/steamcmd/steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +force_install_dir /home/abioticfactor/abiotic_factor_server +app_update 2758250 validate +quit && sudo systemctl restart abioticfactor

This command first runs SteamCMD to update the server, and then restarts the `abioticfactor` service via `systemctl`. Ensure that the `abioticfactor` user has permission to execute `sudo systemctl restart abioticfactor` without a password (you'll need to add the line `abioticfactor ALL=NOPASSWD: /usr/bin/systemctl restart abioticfactor` to `/etc/sudoers` via `sudo visudo`).

Managing Abiotic Factor Saves: Backups and World Migration

Saves are the heart of your game world. It's important to know where they are stored, how to back them up, and how to transfer a world from a local host to a VPS.

Where Are Abiotic Factor Saves Located?

On a Linux server, Abiotic Factor saves are typically located at:

/home/abioticfactor/abiotic_factor_server/AbioticFactor/Saved/Worlds/

Inside this directory, you will find folders named after your worlds, each containing save files (`.sav` and others). It is recommended to regularly back up the entire contents of this folder.

Backing Up Server Saves

To create a backup, you can use a simple `tar` command. Switch to the `abioticfactor` user:

cd /home/abioticfactor/abiotic_factor_server/AbioticFactor/Saved/
tar -czvf Worlds_backup_$(date +%Y%m%d%H%M%S).tar.gz Worlds/

This will create a compressed archive `Worlds_backup_YYYYMMDDHHMMSS.tar.gz` with the current saves. It is recommended to set up automatic creation of such backups using Cron and, possibly, move them to a separate folder or remote storage.

Example Cron job for daily backup at 04:00 and deletion of old backups (older than 7 days):

0 4 * * * cd /home/abioticfactor/abiotic_factor_server/AbioticFactor/Saved/ && tar -czvf Worlds_backup_$(date +%Y%m%d%H%M%S).tar.gz Worlds/ && find /home/abioticfactor/abiotic_factor_server/AbioticFactor/Saved/ -name "Worlds_backup_*.tar.gz" -mtime +7 -delete

How to Transfer Your World from Local Host to VPS?

If you've already played on a local host and want to transfer your world to a VPS, follow these steps:

1. Locate local saves: On Windows, this is usually `C:\Users\YOUR_USERNAME\AppData\Local\AbioticFactor\Saved\Worlds\`. On Linux/Steam Deck, it might be `~/.config/AbioticFactor/Saved/Worlds/`. Copy the folder with the desired world.
2. Archive the saves: Create an archive (.zip or .tar.gz) from the world folder.
3. Upload to VPS: Use `scp` or `sftp` to upload the archive to your VPS. For example:

   scp /path/to/local/archive.zip abioticfactor@YOUR_VPS_IP:/home/abioticfactor/temp/

4. Unpack on VPS: Connect to the VPS, navigate to the folder with the uploaded archive, and unpack it:

   su - abioticfactor
   cd /home/abioticfactor/temp/
   unzip archive.zip

5. Move to server directory: Copy the unpacked world folder to the target server directory, replacing any existing world (if applicable):

   mv /home/abioticfactor/temp/YOUR_WORLD_NAME /home/abioticfactor/abiotic_factor_server/AbioticFactor/Saved/Worlds/

6. Restart the server:

   sudo systemctl restart abioticfactor

Your world from the local host should now be available on the VPS server.

Cost Comparison: Self-Hosted VPS vs. Game Slot Hosting

Choosing between your own VPS and specialized game slot hosting for Abiotic Factor often comes down to cost, control, and technical skills. Let's look at the main aspects.

Game Slot Hosting: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Simplicity: Maximum ease of launch. Usually, you just select the game, number of slots, and pay.
• Support: Technical support from the hoster, who can help with game-specific settings and issues.
• Management: Web control panels for easy setting changes, mod installation, and backups.

Cons:

• Price: Often more expensive per resource. You pay for convenience and support. The price usually increases linearly with the number of slots. For 8 players, this could be $15-$30 per month.
• Limitations: Less control over the operating system, file system, and background processes. You are tied to the functionality provided by the hoster's panel.
• Performance: Some cheap hosters may oversell resources, leading to unstable performance.

VPS Hosting: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Price/Performance: For the same price, you generally get significantly more resources and better performance, especially when it comes to high-frequency CPUs. For example, a Valebyte.com VPS with 2 vCPU, 8 GB RAM, and an NVMe disk can cost approximately $15-$20 per month (May 2024), which is comparable to or even cheaper than 8-player slot hosting, but with full control over the entire system.
• Full Control: You are the root user, you can install any software, configure the firewall, and use the server for other purposes (VPN, other game servers, web hosting).
• Flexibility: Ability to fine-tune the operating system and server for the specific needs of Abiotic Factor.

Cons:

• Requires Knowledge: Basic knowledge of Linux, command-line, and SSH is necessary.
• Setup Time: Initial installation and configuration take more time.
• Self-Support: You are responsible for all aspects of server operation, including OS updates, backups, and troubleshooting.

For game servers where CPU performance is crucial, a VPS is often a more cost-effective solution. For games like Abiotic Factor, where single-core performance is critical, setting up a server on a VPS allows for the selection of an optimal CPU. If you're willing to spend a little time learning Linux basics, the savings and flexibility of a VPS will quickly pay off.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many players can an Abiotic Factor server on a VPS support?

An Abiotic Factor server on a VPS can support from 4 to 12+ players, depending on the allocated resources. For comfortable play with 6-8 people, a VPS with 2-4 vCPU and 6-8 GB RAM is sufficient. For a larger number of players (10-12), 4 vCPU and 8-12 GB RAM, along with a high-frequency processor, are recommended.

Do I need to buy the Abiotic Factor game to run a dedicated server?

No, you do not need to purchase a copy of the Abiotic Factor game to run a dedicated server. You can install the server anonymously via SteamCMD using App ID 2758250. However, to connect to the server, each player must own a licensed copy of Abiotic Factor on Steam.

What ports need to be opened for an Abiotic Factor dedicated server?

For the Abiotic Factor dedicated server to function correctly, two UDP ports must be opened: 7777 for game traffic and 27015 for Steam Query. Ensure these ports are allowed in your firewall (e.g., UFW) on the VPS, as well as in your provider's network security settings if required.

Can I use my VPS for other purposes besides Abiotic Factor?

Yes, one of the main advantages of a VPS is its versatility. You can use the same VPS to host other game servers (if resources allow), deploy websites, create a VPN server, or for other tasks. This makes a VPS a more cost-effective solution compared to renting separate slots for each game.

How do I transfer an existing Abiotic Factor world from my PC to a VPS?

To transfer a world, locate the save game folder on your PC (typically `C:\Users\YOUR_USERNAME\AppData\Local\AbioticFactor\Saved\Worlds\` on Windows). Archive the desired world folder, upload the archive to your VPS (e.g., via SCP), unpack it into the `/home/abioticfactor/abiotic_factor_server/AbioticFactor/Saved/Worlds/` directory on the server, and then restart the Abiotic Factor server.

Conclusion

Running your own Abiotic Factor dedicated server on a VPS is the optimal solution for stable and private co-op play with friends. Despite the need for basic technical skills for initial setup, the full control over the server, configuration flexibility, high performance, and long-term savings make this approach significantly more advantageous than renting pre-configured game slots. We recommend choosing a Valebyte.com VPS with a high-frequency CPU, NVMe disk, and sufficient RAM to ensure the best gaming experience for your team.