How to Host a Fika Server for Co-op Tarkov (SPT): Port Forwarding, VPN & Dedicated

Fika is the SPT (Single-Player Tarkov) mod that turns Escape From Tarkov into a co-op PvE experience — you and your friends progress through quests, share loot, and fight AI-controlled PMCs, Scavs and bosses together, all on your own server with no BSG wipe hanging over you. The one catch: someone has to host the server, and that’s where most co-op groups get stuck. This guide walks through every way to host a Fika server and how to pick the right one.

The four ways to host a Fika server

Per the official Project Fika wiki, there are four hosting methods, and the right choice depends entirely on your network:

1. Port forwarding

You open a port on your router so friends can connect straight to the machine running your server. It’s the best-performing option — a direct connection with no middle-man software. The downsides: you need access to your router’s configuration, your local IP can change and silently break the rule (fixable with a static IP reservation), and if your ISP uses CGNAT / a shared public IP you simply can’t port forward at all. That last one blocks a huge number of players.

2. VPN

A virtual private network (Hamachi, Radmin, ZeroTier and similar) puts everyone on one virtual LAN, so no port forwarding is needed and setup is easy. The trade-off is that all traffic routes through a central server, which adds latency and depends on that third-party service staying up.

3. NAT punching

Fika supports NAT punching, which lets players connect without manual port forwarding by using a “punch” server to broker the connection. It’s a great middle ground when you can’t port forward but don’t want a full VPN — though it’s less reliable than a clean direct connection.

4. Headless client (dedicated hosting)

The Headless Client is Fika’s dedicated-server model: the server runs the raid itself, so nobody has to be the host player. This is the option that gives you a true 24/7 always-on co-op server your group can drop into anytime — the same model a hosting provider runs for you.

Why self-hosting Fika gets frustrating fast

On paper, port forwarding on your own PC is free. In practice, co-op groups run into the same walls:

• CGNAT — if your ISP shares your public IP, port forwarding is off the table entirely.
• Your PC has to stay on. The moment the host closes the game or shuts down, the server is gone — no one else can play.
• Performance split. Hosting and playing on the same machine means your raids compete with the server for CPU.
• Dynamic IPs and router fiddling that break between sessions.

None of this is about the game — it’s about running a server on a home connection that was never designed for it.

The simple fix: a dedicated Fika server

A dedicated Stay in Tarkov (SPT/Fika) server runs the Headless-Client model for you on a machine that’s online 24/7. No port forwarding on your end, no CGNAT headaches, no “the host went to bed so raid’s over.” Your group connects whenever they want, profiles and progress persist, and the server isn’t fighting your game for resources. Setup is handled through the panel — our step-by-step docs cover connecting with the SPT launcher and Fika mod, installing server- and client-side mods, and configuring your server.

Which method should you pick?

• Just testing with one friend, and you can port forward? Port forwarding is fine for a quick session.
• Can’t port forward (CGNAT) but hosting occasionally? NAT punching or a VPN will get you connected.
• Want a persistent co-op server your whole group can join any time? A dedicated headless server is the only option that’s actually always on — and it removes every networking headache above.

Fika is a community project for SPT. For the full technical reference, see the official Project Fika wiki.