Best Factorio Server Hosting: Performance, Mods & Pricing Guide

Game Updated on : January 19, 2026

Ever built a massive Factorio factory that ran perfectly until your friends joined and everything slowed to a crawl? That moment is when most players realize Factorio isn’t limited by graphics, but by server performance.

Factorio simulates every belt, inserter, train signal, and machine in real time. When hosted poorly, even a small multiplayer base can feel like rush-hour traffic. That’s why choosing the right Factorio server hosting is critical for smooth gameplay, stable UPS, and reliable mod support.

In this guide, we break down how Factorio server hosting works, what actually affects performance, and which trusted hosting providers offer reliable Factorio servers in 2026.

What is Factorio Server Hosting?

Factorio server hosting is a remote, always‑online environment that runs your world simulation, so players connect to it instead of relying on one person’s PC as the host. The provider supplies the hardware, bandwidth, and control panel, while you control map settings, mods, saves, and access.

This setup is especially important because Factorio’s simulation is largely single‑threaded and CPU‑bound, so stable clock speed and low latency matter more than raw core count. With a proper host, your factory can keep ticking smoothly even with big bases, trains, and mod packs in play.

How Factorio Server Hosting Works

Factorio uses a deterministic simulation model, meaning every client runs the same calculations, while the server keeps everything synchronized.

A hosted server:

• Runs the Factorio headless binary
• Simulates the entire factory continuously
• Syncs game state (not graphics) with connected players
• Loads mods from the official Factorio Mod Portal

Think of it like a traffic control system: The server decides where every train goes, and players simply view and interact with that system in real time.

Best Factorio Server Hosting Providers

Below are well-known hosting providers that officially provide Factorio server hosting:

Provider	Pricing/month	Ease of Setup	Mod Support	Target User
GTXGaming	$6.02/month	Moderate	Yes	Global multiplayer
Apex Hosting	$2.99/month	Easy	Yes	Beginners
UltaHost	$5.99/month	Moderate	Yes	Advanced users
Nitrado	£1.23/month	Easy	Yes	Casual to regular
GPORTAL	£11.94/30 days	Easy	Yes	Small groups
Indifferent Broccoli	$6.99/month	Advanced	Yes	Megabases
Game Host Bros	$11.99/month	Moderate	Yes	Small communities
Sparked Host	$4.40/month	Easy	Yes	Budget users

1. GTXGaming

Pricing: starts at $6.02/month

GTXGaming is a long-established game server hosting provider offering managed Factorio dedicated servers through its proprietary control panel. The service is designed to support persistent multiplayer worlds with easy configuration and global server availability.

Key Features:

• Official Factorio server support
• Web-based control panel
• Save file and configuration management
• Global server locations
• FTP access for advanced users

Best for: Players who want a traditional game server hosting experience with global coverage.

2. Apex Hosting

Pricing: starts at $2.99/month (for the first month)

Apex Hosting provides managed Factorio server hosting with an emphasis on ease of use. Their platform allows quick server deployment and straightforward management without manual server configuration.

Key Features:

• One-click Factorio server setup
• Web control panel with console access
• File manager and FTP access
• Official mod support via Factorio’s mod system

Best for: Beginners who want a simplified setup process.

3. UltaHost

Pricing: starts at $5.99/month

UltaHost offers Factorio server hosting as part of its broader game hosting and infrastructure services. The platform is geared toward users who want greater control over server files and configurations.

Key Features:

• Dedicated Factorio server deployment
• SSD-based storage
• Root or advanced access (plan dependent)
• Custom server configuration support

Best for: Users who want more control over their server environment.

4. Nitrado

Pricing: starts at £1.23/month

Nitrado is one of the most established names in game server hosting and provides officially supported Factorio servers through its automated hosting platform.

Key Features:

• Instant server setup
• Integrated mod and save management
• Automatic backups
• User-friendly web interface

Best for: Players who prefer a polished UI and proven reliability.

5. GPORTAL

Pricing: starts at £11.94/30 days

GPORTAL provides managed Factorio servers with a focus on stability and simple configuration. The platform is designed for players who prefer a hands-off hosting experience.

Key Features:

• Easy server configuration
• Automated backups
• Official Factorio server support
• Intuitive web control panel

Best for: Casual groups who want minimal configuration effort.

6. Indifferent Broccoli

Pricing: starts at $6.99/month

Indifferent Broccoli is a niche hosting provider that specializes in simulation-heavy games, including Factorio. Their services are tailored for long-running worlds and complex factories.

Key Features:

• Hosting designed specifically for Factorio
• Full access to server files
• Support for large and modded saves
• Community-focused support

Best for: Advanced Factorio players running large factories or heavily modded servers.

7. Game Host Bros

Pricing: starts at $11.99/month

Game Host Bros offers Factorio server hosting alongside other multiplayer games, with standard server management tools and configuration options.

Key Features:

• Dedicated Factorio server instances
• FTP and file access
• Mod and configuration support
• Persistent server uptime

Best for: Small multiplayer groups with moderate needs.

8. Sparked Host

Pricing: starts at $4.40/month

Sparked Host provides budget-friendly Factorio server hosting with essential management features and official server support.

Key Features:

• Low-cost Factorio hosting plans
• Control panel access
• Mod and save management
• Suitable for small multiplayer servers

Best for: Budget-conscious players or short-term multiplayer Factorio sessions.

Key Features to Look for in Factorio Server Hosting

When you evaluate providers for Factorio, pay close attention to features that matter specifically for a CPU‑bound automation game.

1. CPU performance & tick stability

• Favor hosts advertising modern high‑clock CPUs (Ryzen, EPYC, Xeon Gold/Platinum) and SSD/NVMe storage for quick map and save handling.
• Stable 60 UPS in large factories usually depends on single‑thread performance plus low network jitter.

2. Network quality & locations

• Look for multiple regions close to your player base (e.g., NA‑East, NA‑West, EU, Asia) to reduce ping.
• Built‑in DDoS protection is important for preventing malicious attacks and random disruptions.

3. Control panel & file access

• A good panel should let you change server settings, manage saves, restart quickly, and install mods without manual CLI every time.
• Full FTP or SFTP access is extremely helpful for uploading large save files and mod packs.

4. Backups & updates

• Automated or scheduled backups protect long‑running megabases from corruption or user error.
• Managed updates for the game binary and simple version switching help when Factorio is patched, or DLCs like Space Age are updated.

5. Support and documentation

• 24/7 chat, ticket, or Discord support is valuable when dealing with crashes, mod conflicts, or config issues.
• A knowledge base with guides for mods, configuration, and troubleshooting saves time.

Dedicated Server vs Self-Hosting Factorio

You can either self‑host Factorio or rent managed hosting. Each option has trade‑offs.

Self‑hosting on your own hardware

Pros	No recurring hosting fee; full control over hardware and OS. Good for LAN or small private sessions if your connection and CPU are strong enough.
Cons	Must meet server requirements: a 64‑bit AMD/Intel CPU, at least 8 GB RAM, sufficient disk space, and stable broadband. You handle port forwarding (Factorio commonly uses UDP 34197), security, OS maintenance, and uptime yourself.

Rented/dedicated Factorio hosting

Pros	Provider handles hardware, connectivity, DDoS protection, and often backups and updates. Web panels, one‑click setup, and support teams reduce the technical burden when issues occur.
Cons	Recurring monthly cost, which scales with slots/resources. You still manage in‑game settings, mods, and community rules.

For most multiplayer groups, managed hosting is the more reliable choice once your factory or player count grows beyond a small local setup.

How to Install Mods on a Factorio Server

Factorio supports extensive modding through the official mod portal and configuration files.

Typical high‑level workflow with a host:

1. Download or identify mods

• Obtain mods from the official Factorio mod portal at mods.factorio.com or via community resources referenced in provider guides.
• Ensure mod versions are compatible with your Factorio version (e.g., 2.0 / Space Age).

2. Upload mods to the server

• Use the host’s file manager or FTP/SFTP to upload .zip mod files into the server’s mods directory.
• Some panels provide a built‑in mod installer or integration with the mod portal.

3. Configure mod-list.json

• Make sure required mods are marked as enabled in mod-list.json on the server.
• Restart the server to load the mod set.

4. Match client and server mods

• Players connecting usually need the same mod set enabled; Factorio can sync mods from the server, where allowed.

How to Set Up a Factorio Server (Quick Guide)

This section outlines the common quick‑start flow with a hosting provider; individual panels will differ but follow similar steps.

1. Order the server

• Choose Factorio from the provider’s game list, pick your region and plan, and complete checkout.
• Many hosts offer instant or sub‑10‑minute deployment with starting defaults.

2. Access the control panel

• Log in to the game panel using the credentials sent by the host.
• Locate your Factorio instance, IP, and port.

3. Configure basics

• Stop the server if required, then adjust server settings such as name, description, visibility (public/private), and password (often via server-settings.json or panel fields).
• Optionally upload a starting save file or let the server generate a new map.

4. Set your Factorio account token (if needed)

• For public listing, many setups require a Factorio username and token from your Factorio profile page.
• Enter these in the panel’s customization area and restart the server.

5. Connect in‑game

• In Factorio’s main menu, choose Multiplayer and either join via server browser (if public) or “Connect to address” using the server’s IP: port.

Common Factorio Server Issues & Fixes

Here are frequent pain points and the usual high‑level remedies.

1. Lag or UPS drops

• Cause: Large factories, many entities, or insufficient CPU/network resources.
• Fix: Move to a region closer to players, reduce map complexity, or upgrade to a plan with more robust CPU resources as suggested by hosts with high‑performance hardware.

2. Players cannot connect

• Cause: Wrong IP/port, password, version mismatch, or token/visibility configuration.
• Fix: Double‑check IP: port from the panel, confirm Factorio version, validate username/token and server visibility, and verify that the host shows the instance as running.

3. Mod mismatch or crashes

• Cause: Client and server are running different mod sets or incompatible versions.
• Fix: Align mods using the same files and versions; update mods or Factorio to compatible builds per mod documentation.

4. Save file corruption or accidental deletion

• Cause: Interrupted writes or user error.
• Fix: Restore from automated or manual backups provided by your host’s panel or backup system.

Conclusion

Different providers shine for different player profiles, but the area we need to focus on is the same: prioritize strong CPU performance, low‑latency regions, and robust control panels with good support.

Best overall provider (2026)

A provider that combines strong global coverage, 24/7 support, automated backups, mod support, and high‑performance hardware (e.g., brands positioned similarly to Apex Hosting or G‑Portal) tends to be the most well‑rounded choice.

Best budget option

Hosts that emphasize affordable game‑server pricing while still offering SSD storage, DDoS protection, and a usable panel (similar to Sparked Host or some UltaHost tiers) are attractive for smaller groups.

Best for mod‑heavy servers

• Providers that highlight mod and Steam Workshop support, powerful panels, and ample CPU/RAM overhead, like Game Host Bros, Apex, or G‑Portal, are better suited for large mod packs and complex factories.
• Exact “best” will depend on your region, player count, and pricing at the time of purchase; always confirm current specs and terms on official sites.

Recommendations by Player Type

• Casual co‑op with friends (small maps): Choose an entry‑level managed Factorio server in the region closest to the majority of your group, with automated backups and simple mod support.
• Long‑term megabase builders: Prioritize providers that advertise fast CPUs, SSD/NVMe storage, strong DDoS protection, and reliable uptime.
• Modded/Space Age enthusiasts: Look for strong mod support, easy file access, high‑RAM or high‑resource plans, and responsive support for troubleshooting mod‑related issues.
• Community or public servers: Select hosts with global POPs, DDoS protection, flexible slot scaling, and good moderation tools via the control panel and server configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How much RAM does a Factorio server need?

Ans. Factorio is CPU-bound rather than RAM-heavy. RAM usage increases with mods and map size, but official documentation emphasizes CPU performance over memory size.

Q2. Is Factorio server hosting worth it?

Ans. For persistent multiplayer games, paid hosting is usually worth it because it offloads CPU, bandwidth, uptime, and DDoS protection to a dedicated infrastructure provider. This reduces desyncs and downtime compared to relying on a single player’s PC, especially with large factories or global groups.

Q3. Can I use mods on a Factorio server?

Ans. Yes, Factorio supports extensive modding on dedicated servers, and many hosts explicitly advertise mod support and provide guides or panel tools to manage mods. Mods are typically placed in the server’s mods folder and enabled via configuration files or the provider’s interface.

Q4. How many players can a Factorio server handle?

Ans. The number of players depends on CPU performance, network quality, factory complexity, and mods rather than an absolute hard limit. Hosts often structure plans by slots (for example, small to 30+ players), but actual performance will vary depending on save and mod setup.

Q5. Does Factorio require a dedicated server?

Ans. Factorio supports peer‑to‑peer style hosting from a player’s machine as well as dedicated servers. A dedicated or hosted server is not strictly required but is strongly recommended for stable, always‑online multiplayer and large or long‑running factories.

Q6. What CPU is best for Factorio servers?

Ans. For an optimal Factorio server CPU, prioritize high single-core performance and substantial L3 cache, with AMD’s X3D processors such as the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, 7900X3D, and 7950X3D being the best options. Newer models like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D also perform well. Also, fast RAM and an NVMe SSD are essential for a seamless gaming experience, particularly with extensive factories.

Source Links:

• https://www.gtxgaming.co.uk/server-hosting/factorio-server-hosting/
• https://apexminecrafthosting.com/games/factorio-server-hosting/
• https://ultahost.com/factorio-server-hosting
• https://server.nitrado.net/en-US/offers/factorio
• https://www.g-portal.com/en/gameserver/factorio-server-hosting
• https://indifferentbroccoli.com/factorio-server-hosting