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 Satisfactory servers with its own game panel, SFTP access and free DDoS protection, if you would rather not host it yourself.
Stop the running server, back up its saves and configuration, then run SteamCMD against the same installation directory with app ID 1690800. Use the public command without a beta flag, or add -beta experimental when the server is meant for the Experimental branch. Let validation and downloads finish before restarting the server and asking players to reconnect.
The safe update sequence
An update replaces dedicated-server files in place. The lowest-risk procedure is to stop the server first, preserve your data, update the existing installation, and start it only after SteamCMD exits successfully.
- Announce a maintenance window and stop the Satisfactory dedicated-server process. Do not update files while the server is still writing a save.
- Copy the server’s save files and configuration to a separate backup location. Keep at least one backup from before the update so you can restore the previous state if a post-update problem appears.
- Open SteamCMD and set
force_install_dirto the directory that already contains this server installation. Reusing that directory is what makes SteamCMD update the existing files rather than creating a second copy. - Log in anonymously and run the command for the branch your players use.
- Wait for SteamCMD to download changes and complete validation. Do not close the window or start the server while this operation is in progress.
- Start the dedicated server again, wait for it to finish initializing, and test a connection before declaring the maintenance complete.
Steam Support identifies SteamCMD as the download and update mechanism for standalone dedicated servers. The official Satisfactory documentation uses the same workflow for Windows and Linux.
SteamCMD commands for each branch
Public (stable) branch
Run this from Command Prompt, PowerShell, or a Linux shell, replacing <server_directory> with the existing installation path:
#1 Best Overall
- Durable Carbon Steel: Rack mount screws and cage nuts are made of high-quality carbon steel with a black finish for high strength and dependable durability.
- Easy Installation: Clear metric threads and uniform pitch for better grip. Nylon washers help secure screws and protect equipment surfaces.
- Organized Storage: All parts are packed in a portable storage box for easy organization and access.
- Wide Compatibility: Fits most square-hole racks and cabinets—ideal for server racks, network cabinets, equipment enclosures, and A/V gear.
- 20-Set Kit: Includes 20 mounting screws with nylon washers (M6 x 20 mm) and 20 square cage nuts—40 pieces in total—meeting daily install and replacement needs.
steamcmd +force_install_dir <server_directory> +login anonymous +app_update 1690800 validate +quit
There is deliberately no beta argument in this command. Omitting -beta experimental selects the normal public branch.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Experimental branch
Use this command only when the server and its players are intentionally following Experimental:
steamcmd +force_install_dir <server_directory> +login anonymous +app_update 1690800 -beta experimental validate +quit
The branch choice is part of the server’s compatibility contract. A server on Experimental can be ahead of the public client, while a public server will not receive Experimental builds.
What each argument does
| Argument | Purpose | Operational note |
|---|---|---|
+force_install_dir |
Selects the installation directory. | Point it at the directory already used by the server service or launch script. |
+login anonymous |
Logs in with SteamCMD’s anonymous account. | Standalone dedicated-server distribution supports anonymous download. |
+app_update 1690800 |
Updates the Satisfactory dedicated-server application. | 1690800 is the dedicated-server app ID; it is not the game-client app ID. |
-beta experimental |
Selects the Experimental branch. | Include it only for an Experimental server; leave it out for public. |
validate |
Checks installed files and reacquires missing or damaged files. | Validation can take longer than a simple download, especially on a large or slow disk. |
+quit |
Closes SteamCMD after the update job completes. | Automation should wait for this process to exit before launching the server. |
Windows instructions
Run the update manually
- Stop the Windows service, scheduled task, or server process that launches Satisfactory.
- Back up the save and configuration directories used by that installation.
- Open Command Prompt or PowerShell with the account that can read and write the server directory.
- Run the public or Experimental command shown above. If the path contains spaces, put the entire path in quotation marks.
- Wait until SteamCMD reports that the update and validation have finished and the process returns to the prompt.
- Start the same service or launch command you stopped in step one.
Keep the SteamCMD update directory identical to the directory referenced by the Windows service. Updating one folder and starting another is a common reason an administrator still sees an old server version.
Recommended Free Tools
Windows permissions and paths
The account running SteamCMD needs write access to the installation directory and enough access to create or update SteamCMD’s metadata. If the command reports access denied, stop the service that may still have files open, verify the account’s NTFS permissions, and run the update from the account that owns the server files. Quote paths with spaces; an unquoted path is parsed as multiple arguments.
Linux instructions
Run the update manually
- Stop the Satisfactory service or foreground process.
- Create a separate backup of saves and server configuration.
- Switch to the Linux account that owns the installation files, or otherwise ensure the account running SteamCMD has write permission.
- Run the appropriate command with an absolute path or a path relative to that account’s home directory.
- Wait for SteamCMD to finish validation and exit.
- Start the server service again and check that it reaches its normal ready state.
Using the file-owning account avoids a split-permission installation in which some files belong to the service user and later updates fail. An absolute path is easier to audit in a service definition; a home-relative path is supported when the service account’s home directory is known and stable.
Backups: what to preserve before changing files
A SteamCMD update is intended to update the application files, not to delete your world. A backup is still an operational requirement because an interrupted write, a mistaken directory, a permissions change, or an incompatible branch can make the server appear to have lost its data.
- Save files: copy the current worlds while the server is stopped so the copy is internally consistent.
- Server configuration: preserve settings, administrator data, and any configuration files your launch process depends on.
- Launch and service definitions: retain the Windows service or Linux unit, update script, and branch argument so you can reproduce the known-good start command.
- Location record: write down the exact installation directory used by the running service. This prevents an update from being applied to an unused duplicate folder.
Do not overwrite the backup with a post-update copy until you have connected successfully and confirmed that the expected worlds and settings are present.
Rank #3
- High quality cabinet cage nuts and screws
- Package includes: cage nuts x 100pcs screws x 100pcs Washers x 100pcs
- Material: Metal Zinc-plated
- Size: M6 x 16
- Fit all square hole racks server rack or cabinet
Public versus Experimental: choose one deliberately
| Decision | Public branch | Experimental branch |
|---|---|---|
| SteamCMD command | Uses +app_update 1690800 validate. |
Adds -beta experimental before validate. |
| Who should use it | Players who want the normal released server build. | A group that has intentionally opted into Experimental and accepts its compatibility risk. |
| Client alignment | Players must use the corresponding public client build. | Players must use the matching Experimental client build. |
| Operational rule | Do not add a beta flag accidentally. | Keep the beta flag in every manual or automated update command. |
A branch mismatch commonly presents as a version or connection error after a seemingly successful update. Check the server command, the branch selected by each player, and the installation directory before attempting repairs.
Automate recurring updates
Automation reduces missed updates, but it also makes the order of operations critical: SteamCMD must finish before the dedicated server starts. The official documentation describes different service patterns for Linux and Windows.
Linux with systemd
The documented systemd pattern invokes SteamCMD whenever the service starts or restarts, then launches the Satisfactory server. Configure the unit so the update command uses the same installation directory and branch as the server process. A restart therefore performs an update, waits for SteamCMD to return, and only then starts the game server.
- Use the service account that owns the installation files.
- Keep the public command and Experimental command distinct; do not let an old unit file silently select the wrong branch.
- Make sure the unit’s working directory and launch path refer to the same directory passed to
+force_install_dir. - Review the service log after a restart to confirm that SteamCMD completed before the server process began.
Because a service restart now includes a download and validation phase, allow extra time during maintenance and avoid repeatedly restarting the unit while SteamCMD is still working.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Windows with NSSM
The documented Windows approach uses NSSM to run the server as a service and an update batch file that calls SteamCMD. The batch file must wait for SteamCMD to finish before it starts or hands control back to the server service.
Rank #4
- Threaded hole hardware kit - 50 each #12-24 screws
- Fastens equipment to threaded hole rack mount rails
- Compatible with all #12-24 threaded hole racks
- Stop the server service before the batch file changes its files.
- Call the correct branch command in the batch file.
- Do not launch the service until SteamCMD has returned a successful completion status.
- Keep the service’s executable directory and the batch file’s
+force_install_diridentical. - Test the batch file interactively during a maintenance window before relying on unattended restarts.
Whether you use systemd or NSSM, automation should preserve the same pre-update backup policy used for a manual update. A scheduled task that downloads files without stopping the server can create a harder failure than a missed update.
Verify the server after SteamCMD exits
- Confirm that SteamCMD finished without a download, validation, or permission error.
- Start the server using the normal service or launch mechanism, not a second copy in a different directory.
- Watch the startup output until initialization completes.
- Connect with one client on the same branch as the server.
- Check that the expected world, administrator access, and important server settings are present.
- Only then invite the rest of the players back and remove the maintenance notice.
If the server starts but clients cannot join, treat branch alignment and client version as the first checks. If the expected world is missing, stop the server, verify the save path and installation directory against your backup, and restore only after identifying which path the service actually uses.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhere the dedicated-server files can come from
The dedicated-server software is distributed through SteamCMD, is available as a tool in the Steam client, and is offered as a free add-on in the Epic Games Store. Steam and Epic game clients can connect to dedicated servers regardless of where the server binaries were downloaded. The download source therefore does not, by itself, determine which client storefront your players must use.
This does not remove the need for branch compatibility. A SteamCMD installation still has to track the same public or Experimental branch as the clients connecting to it.
Windows host requirements and network considerations
| Specification | Minimum Windows requirement | Recommended Windows requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10, 64-bit | Windows 11, 64-bit |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Storage | 20 GB available space | 20 GB available space and an SSD |
| Processor | Not stated in the listing | Six-physical-core-class CPU |
These figures come from the Epic Games Store’s 2025 Windows listing. They describe the listed dedicated-server requirements, not a guarantee of a particular player capacity or performance level.
Best Value
- 【Wide Application】 XOOL M6 Rack Mount Screw Kit is great for mounting your rack server cabinets, server shelves, A/V device enclosures, and more. These M6 cage nuts and screws are universally compatible with all square-hole racks and cabinets. Easily mount your equipment using this convenient kit, which comes with everything you'll need to get the job done. These self-locking cable ties are perfect for computer, appliance and electronic cord organization, wire management and storage.
- 【Superb Quality】 The cage nuts and screws is made of high quality Carbon Steel. The Carbon Steel material features strength and offers good corrosion resistance in bad environment like high temperature, cold weather, and high humidity areas. They have superior rust resistance and the excellent of oxidation resistance, which can ensure long time using and prolong screws and nuts lifespan. Wear resistant feature make the cage nuts and screws more durable and solid.
- 【Standard Metric】 Our M6 screws and cage nuts accord with standardized metric system. And the average error is less than 0.01mm. The screw thread is very sharp, clean and accurate without burr. The compact and force uniform screw thread is not easy to out of shape and slid in the process of rolling and installation. The deep and clear flat cross head can make your working more easily and improve your work efficiency.
- 【Safety and Eco-Friendly】 XOOL M6 screws and cage nuts use high quality Carbon Steel raw material, which is environmental protection and non-poisonous. In the process of using, there are no toxic substances releasing, which will ensure your safety. After heat treating, carbon steel has good mechanical properties of ductility, hardness, yield strength, or impact resistance.
- 【Thoughtful Design】 We add self-locking Nylon cable ties on our package. The CABLE TIES is good for home, office, garage, workshop and more. And the screw is very easy to insert with hand.
The official documentation also describes Linux support. Home hosting may require a broadband connection plus port forwarding or a VPN, depending on how players reach the machine and how the network is configured. If you do not want to maintain port forwarding, update automation, and uptime yourself, a managed dedicated-server host can be considered; verify that it supports the public or Experimental branch you intend to run before signing up.
Manual versus automated updating
| Method | Best fit | Advantages | Risks to control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual SteamCMD run | Occasional updates or a small private server | Visible progress, easy branch selection, and a deliberate backup window | Someone must remember to stop the server and restart it after validation. |
| Linux systemd integration | Linux hosts that already use systemd | Restarting the service can update first and then launch the server consistently. | A mistaken unit file can update the wrong directory or branch; logs must be checked. |
| Windows NSSM plus batch file | Windows hosts operated as services | Separates the update script from the service and supports unattended restarts. | The batch file must wait for SteamCMD and stop the service before modifying files. |
| Managed hosting | Operators who do not want to maintain the machine or network | May reduce work for uptime, networking, and update scheduling. | Branch support, backup policy, and update timing vary by provider and must be verified. |
Troubleshooting an update that did not work
SteamCMD downloads to the wrong place
Compare the path in +force_install_dir with the path configured in the service or launch script. Correct the command, restore nothing yet, and rerun the update against the directory that the server actually starts.
“Access denied” or files remain locked
Stop the server and any wrapper service, then run SteamCMD as the account that owns the files. On Windows, check NTFS write permissions; on Linux, check ownership and directory permissions. Do not delete files just to bypass a lock.
Validation repeatedly fails or the download stops
Leave the installation intact, check available disk space and network stability, and run the same command again after the interruption is resolved. The validate argument is designed to reacquire missing or damaged files. If the process never reaches completion, capture the SteamCMD error and resolve that error before starting the server.
Players report a version mismatch
Confirm that the server and every affected client use the same branch. A public server must be paired with public clients; an Experimental server requires clients on the matching Experimental build. Also verify that the server was started from the directory you just updated.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The world or settings appear to be missing
Stop the server immediately and compare its active save and configuration paths with the pre-update backup and the service definition. This symptom often indicates a different installation or data directory rather than SteamCMD deleting a save. Restore the backup only after you know which path the running service should use.
The server starts but cannot be reached from outside the home network
Updating the binaries does not configure network access. For home hosting, review broadband availability, port forwarding, or the VPN arrangement documented for your network. Test from an external connection rather than assuming that a successful local startup means the server is publicly reachable.
Quick Recap
A repeatable maintenance checklist
- Record whether this server is public or Experimental.
- Tell players when connections will be unavailable.
- Stop the dedicated-server process and confirm it is no longer running.
- Back up saves, configuration, and service definitions.
- Use app ID
1690800and the existingforce_install_dir. - Include
-beta experimentalonly when Experimental is intentional. - Run
validateand wait for SteamCMD to exit. - Start the server from the same directory you updated.
- Join with a client on the matching branch and verify the expected world.
- Keep the pre-update backup until the server has operated normally.
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.
