iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Godlike.Host offers hosted Space Engineers servers with its own game panel, SFTP access and free DDoS protection, if you would rather not host it yourself.
To install a Space Engineers dedicated server, install SteamCMD on a Windows computer, download app ID 298740 into a server folder, and launch SpaceEngineersDedicated.exe. The host computer does not need Steam or an additional game license after the files have been obtained, but Keen Software House says a licensed Steam account is required to acquire those files. For Internet play, forward the server’s UDP port (27016 by default) and allow it through the Windows firewall.
What SteamCMD installs
SteamCMD is Valve’s command-line client for downloading and updating dedicated-server software without installing the graphical Steam client. Space Engineers Dedicated Server is distributed as Steam app ID 298740. The downloaded program is separate from the normal Space Engineers game installation and runs through SpaceEngineersDedicated.exe.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Keen Software House describes dedicated servers as a way for players to connect to a third-party host instead of relying on a player-hosted peer-to-peer session. That makes a dedicated server useful when the world should remain available independently of one player’s game session.
License and Steam requirements
The official guide states that a licensed Steam account is needed to obtain the dedicated-server files. After the files have been downloaded, the Windows computer running the server does not need an additional game license. Steam itself does not have to remain installed or running on that computer; SteamCMD is the download and update tool.
#1 Best Overall
- 5-MINUTE ROUNDS. Fast enough for a party warm-up or a quick break; intense enough that you'll immediately want to play again.
- COOPERATIVE CHAOS. Everyone shouts simultaneously to trade tools and fix the spaceship before time runs out. Nobody's a bystander.
- WATERPROOF PLASTIC CARDS. 100% plastic construction is tear-resistant and spill-proof. survives the chaotic table conditions this game creates.
- ADJUSTABLE DIFFICULTY. From relaxed casual mode to full-speed expert, difficulty scales to your group's energy level.
- 3–6 PLAYERS | AGES 12+ | GREAT ICE BREAKER. Perfect opener for game nights, team-building events, and family gatherings.
Hardware, software, and network prerequisites
Use a Windows PC that can remain powered on whenever players need access. The current official guide lists the following capacity guidance. These figures are guidance rather than a guarantee of a particular player count; actual performance varies with world complexity, simulation load, mods, and background activity.
| Level | CPU | Logical cores | Memory | Network guidance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum listed by Keen Software House | 3.2 GHz | 3 | 6 GB RAM | 5 Mbps bandwidth |
| Recommended for public hosting | 4.5 GHz | 3 | 10 GB RAM | Static public IP recommended |
Install these Windows components before launching the server:
Recommended Free Tools
- .NET Redistributable 4.8 or later.
- Visual C++ Redistributable 2013.
- Visual C++ Redistributable 2017.
- Administrator rights only if you will install or run the server as a Windows service. A normal foreground server can be run without elevation.
For Internet players, plan a stable public address and router access. A static public IP is recommended by the official guide. A server can operate on a local network without one, but players outside that LAN cannot connect directly unless the network provides another reliable way to reach the host.
Install SteamCMD on Windows
- Download SteamCMD using Valve’s official SteamCMD documentation and extract it to a dedicated folder, such as
C:steamcmd. Do not extract it inside a protected Windows system directory where write permissions could interfere with updates. - Create a separate destination for the game-server files, for example
C:SpaceEngineersServer. Keeping SteamCMD and the server files in different folders makes backups and repairs easier. - Open Command Prompt and change to the SteamCMD directory with
cd /d C:steamcmd. - Run the installation command, replacing the destination with your own path:
steamcmd.exe +login anonymous +force_install_dir C:SpaceEngineersServer +app_update 298740 +quit+login anonymous starts the anonymous SteamCMD login used by the dedicated-server download, +force_install_dir selects where files will be written, +app_update 298740 downloads or updates the Space Engineers dedicated-server app, and +quit closes SteamCMD after the operation.
Rank #2
- PINPOINT HALL EFFECT PRECISION - Experience drift free accuracy that never degrades over time thanks to Thrustmaster's patented H.E.A.R.T magnetic sensor technology, giving you the reliable and consistent control you need for every flight simulator joystick session, from delicate landings to intense dogfights, so your inputs always translate perfectly into the cockpit.
- FULLY AMBIDEXTROUS ERGONOMIC DESIGN - Fly comfortably whether you are left handed or right handed with three removable and swappable components that let you tailor this pc joystick to your dominant hand, ensuring hours of fatigue free flying with a grip that feels custom built just for you, no matter which flight sim controller setup you prefer.
- 16 BUTTONS PLUS HAT SWITCH - Command every function at your fingertips with 16 action buttons featuring braille style physical identification so you never need to look away from the screen, plus an 8 way point of view hat switch that gives you instant situational awareness in any flight simulator controller scenario you encounter.
- FOUR INDEPENDENT AXES WITH RUDDER - Take full control of pitch, roll, yaw, and throttle using four independent axes including a built in twist rudder, eliminating the need for separate pedals and giving you a complete experience that handles every maneuver in your favorite joystick for flight simulator titles with smooth responsiveness.
- CUSTOMIZABLE PROFILES WITH TARGET SOFTWARE - Load or create detailed button mapping profiles for every game in your library using Thrustmaster's powerful T.A.R.G.E.T programming software, so your flight stick is always perfectly configured whether you are exploring space sims, combat missions, or civilian aviation with fully personalized controls.
If your path contains spaces, quote the path, for example:
steamcmd.exe +login anonymous +force_install_dir "C:Game ServersSpace Engineers" +app_update 298740 +quitWait for SteamCMD to finish. A failed or interrupted download should be rerun with the same command; app_update checks the existing files and retrieves anything missing or newer.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Launch the server for the first time
- Open the folder selected with
+force_install_dir. - Run
SpaceEngineersDedicated.exe. - For the simplest setup, choose Local/Console.
- Select Continue to server configuration.
- Enter a server name and world name, then configure the available settings.
- Choose Save & start.
The configuration interface exposes server settings, plugins, remote client access, console output, world selection, users, mods, the message of the day, and maintenance controls. Start with a small, unmodded world if you are validating the installation, then add complexity after players can connect reliably.
Foreground versus service operation
A foreground server remains attached to the dedicated-server window and is convenient for testing or occasional sessions. Closing it stops the server, so use the documented graceful-stop method before shutting down Windows.
Rank #3
- Snakes in Space: A band of snakes has infiltrated the Mole Rats' Space Station! Work together to help the busy Mole Rats gather their equipment and make it to their escape pod before time runs out!
- Games that Grow: In Peaceable Kingdom’s Space Escape, kids practice communication, strategy and shared decision-making as they work as a team to collect the Mole Rats’ equipment, dodge the snakes and get to the escape pod!
- Cooperative Games: Peaceable Kingdom’s Cooperative Games cultivate emotional development, teamwork, creative problem-solving and a sense of community. They are fun for families and perfect for classrooms.
- How to Play: Draw cards with 2 actions: one for you and one for the snakes. Decide with the other players which Mole Rats to move and where to move the snakes. Get all the Mole Rats to the escape pod without getting bitten by snakes, and everyone wins!
- Includes: 1 game board, 51 cards, 20 tokens, 4 plastic mole rat movers and instructions, plus instructions for a challenge game and instructions. 2-4 players. (Ages 7 and up)
Service mode allows Windows to manage the server in the background. To create one:
- Run
SpaceEngineersDedicated.exeas administrator. - Choose Add new instance.
- Give the service a unique name across the computer.
- Select the new instance and configure its world, network, and other settings.
- Start the service and verify that it appears in Windows service management.
Each server instance needs its own port. One port cannot be assigned to two instances at the same time. If you host several worlds, allocate a different listening port to each and forward each UDP port separately.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallConfigure the world and server settings
Use the dedicated-server configuration tool rather than guessing command-line values. Select the world, set the server name, define users and administrators, add mods, and write the message of the day. The same interface contains controls for plugins, remote client access, console output, and maintenance.
Useful documented command-line switches
Command-line options are useful for automation, troubleshooting, or launching a known configuration. The official guide documents these switches:
Rank #4
- SPACE-THEMED FAMILY GAME: Enjoy a space board game adventure for kids and adults. Collect mission properties and explore the universe in this engaging board game for family night.
- COMPLETE GAME SET: Includes game board, six collectible metal tokens, 22 property cards, four nebulae cards, two space telescope cards, 16 mysteries of the universe cards, 16 space travel inventions cards, money, 32 telescopes, 12 Hubble telescopes, two dice, and rules.
- EDUCATIONAL PROPERTY CARDS: Each property card features facts and details about space missions. Learn while you play and discover fascinating information about space exploration.
- COLLECTIBLE METAL TOKENS: Play with six unique metal pieces including an astronaut, space shuttle, rover, lunar lander, rocket, and space capsule. Perfect for fans of classic monopoly board games.
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: MasterPieces ensures product quality and customer satisfaction. Enjoy a fun and educational experience with this space-themed board game for all ages.
| Option | Purpose |
|---|---|
-console |
Run with console output. |
-noconsole |
Run without the console window. |
-path |
Specify the path used for server data. |
-ignorelastsession |
Ignore the previous-session state when starting. |
-maxPlayers |
Set the maximum player value for the launch. |
-ip |
Set the listening IP address. |
-port |
Set the listening port. |
Use the same values in your service definition, scheduled task, or startup script so an automated restart does not accidentally launch a different world or port.
Move an existing Space Engineers world
Dedicated-server worlds are loaded from either AppDataRoamingSpaceEngineersDedicated or ProgramDataSpaceEngineersDedicated, depending on how the server is configured. A world created by the regular game is normally under AppDataRoamingSpaceEngineers.
- Stop the dedicated server before copying files.
- Locate the world in
AppDataRoamingSpaceEngineers. - Copy the world folder, rather than moving the only copy.
- Place it in the corresponding dedicated-server location:
AppDataRoamingSpaceEngineersDedicatedorProgramDataSpaceEngineersDedicated. - Start the dedicated-server executable and choose the copied world in the world-selection control.
Keep the original world as a backup until the dedicated instance has loaded correctly. Copying while the game is still writing a save can produce an incomplete world.
Make the server reachable on a LAN or the Internet
Understand the default network values
The default listen IP is 0.0.0.0, which listens on all network interfaces and works in most installations. The default listen port is 27016/UDP. If you change the port in the configuration tool, forward the replacement UDP port instead of 27016.
Best Value
- ♻️ These great drink coasters are made of real circuit boards. they are absolutely insensitive to temperature and are easy to clean. Perfect for all hot and cold drinks. Hand washable. and the cute coasters look stylish on office desks and coffee tables alike!
- ♻️ The drink coasters measure 8.5 x 8.5 cm(3.35 X3.35'')and have rounded corners. Each order contains either 2/set or 12/set depending on order selection. the cool coasters come with a unique design box. It's also the best father's Day gift 🎁
- ♻️ PCB Coasters Gift for Him and her. Geek Chic for The Party Host. Great gifts for the engineer, computer scientist, or general tech-loving friend! and make wonderful coasters for your coffee cup mug at work. Your friends and colleagues will be envious.It is also nice for housewarming gifts new home.
- ♻️ These great table coasters are made of real circuit boards and are a real eye-catcher. The conductive tracks of cup coasters are covered with an ultra-thin layer of real gold for a unique look. They give the environment a unique industrial style. the circuit board coasters are great for home decor, office desk accessories, wall decor, office decor and desk decor
- ♻️ The materials used are all lead-free, and the electronic components containing lead are never soldered to the PCB boards, so these aesthetic coasters boards are lead-free and environmentally friendly. 👩💼 The coaster set is guaranteed for 2 years, and the coasters can be replaced unconditionally for any problems. Please contact us with any questions, we are always at your disposal.
Configure Windows Firewall
- Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
- Create a new Inbound Rule.
- Choose Port, select UDP, and enter the server’s configured port, 27016 unless you changed it.
- Choose Allow the connection.
- Apply the rule to the network profiles that match your host network and give it a recognizable name.
If Windows displays a permission prompt the first time the executable listens, allow the application on the appropriate private or domain network. Do not open unrelated ports.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Forward the port on your router
- Give the Windows host a consistent address on the local network, using your router’s address-reservation feature or another method appropriate to your network.
- Open the router’s port-forwarding page.
- Create a rule that sends incoming UDP traffic on the public server port to the host’s LAN address and the same UDP port on the Windows machine.
- Save the rule and restart the router only if its interface requires it.
- Confirm that the dedicated server is running while testing from outside the LAN.
Players on the same LAN can normally connect using the host’s local address. Internet players need the public address and the forwarded UDP port. If the public address changes, old connection details stop working; that is why the official guidance recommends a static public IP for public hosting.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep the server updated and recover it safely
When the dedicated-server GUI is running, its auto-update support can keep the installation current. If you run without the GUI, create your own update-and-restart script or combine Windows Service recovery with Task Scheduler checks. An update should be performed while the server is stopped, followed by a controlled restart and a connection test.
Back up the world directory before updates, mod changes, or large configuration changes. Keep at least one backup that is not in the live server folder so a failed update or accidental deletion cannot remove every copy.
Graceful shutdown
The official guide documents this command for stopping the process:
taskkill /IM SpaceEngineersDedicated.exeThis requests a normal shutdown so the world can be saved. Adding /f forces the process to terminate and can kill it without saving, so reserve that form for a hung process after accepting the risk of losing the most recent changes.
Quick Recap
Troubleshooting common installation and connection failures
| Symptom | Likely cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| SteamCMD reports that files are missing or the server will not start. | The download was interrupted, the destination path is wrong, or a prerequisite is absent. | Run the same app_update 298740 command again, verify the install folder, and install .NET 4.8 or later plus the Visual C++ 2013 and 2017 packages. |
SpaceEngineersDedicated.exe opens and closes immediately. |
The process was launched from an unexpected working directory or a required runtime is unavailable. | Launch it from the downloaded server folder, use -console to expose errors, and check the listed Windows prerequisites. |
| Players on the same network can connect, but Internet players cannot. | Router forwarding, the Windows firewall, or the public address is incorrect. | Confirm the configured UDP port, allow that port inbound in Windows, forward the same UDP port to the host’s LAN address, and test from outside the LAN. |
| No one can connect after changing the port. | The router or firewall still allows only the old default. | Update both rules to the replacement UDP port and ensure players use that port. |
| The server works on one machine but not another on the same LAN. | The listen IP is restricted to an unavailable interface. | Use the configuration tool’s Listen IP field and normally leave it at 0.0.0.0 unless you have a specific multi-interface design. |
| A copied world does not appear. | The folder is in the regular game location, the wrong dedicated-data location, or was copied while in use. | Stop both applications, copy the world into the matching dedicated-server path, and select it through world configuration. |
| A second server will not bind to its port. | Two instances are configured for the same port. | Assign a unique port to every instance and create a matching firewall and router rule for each public server. |
| The world rolls back after an emergency stop. | The process was forcibly terminated. | Use taskkill /IM SpaceEngineersDedicated.exe for normal shutdowns and reserve /f for unrecoverable hangs. |
Operational checklist
- Windows host meets the current official hardware guidance for the intended workload.
- .NET 4.8 or later and Visual C++ 2013 and 2017 are installed.
- SteamCMD downloaded app ID 298740 into the intended folder.
SpaceEngineersDedicated.exestarts and a test world saves successfully.- Each service instance has a unique name and a unique port.
- The Windows firewall allows the configured UDP port.
- The router forwards that UDP port to the correct LAN address.
- World backups exist outside the live server directory.
- An update and restart procedure is documented before inviting players.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
