Your Stationeers server is controlled by a single configuration file: default.ini. This guide explains what every important setting does — server name, ports, max players, autosave, world type, seed and difficulty — so you can tune your server exactly how you want, whether you self-host or run a managed server.
Key settings reference
| Setting | Default / value | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| ServerName | text | Name in the server browser |
| ServerPassword | blank | Blank = public; set to lock it |
| ServerVisible | true / false | List publicly or join by IP |
| ServerMaxPlayers | number | Slot limit (smaller runs smoother) |
| GamePort | 27015 | UDP game traffic — forward this |
| UpdatePort | 27016 | UDP Steam query — forward this |
| AutoSave | true | Save so a crash doesn’t wipe the station |
| SaveInterval | 300 | Autosave frequency in seconds |
| WorldType | Mars, Moon… | The planet your station is on |
| WorldSeed | number | Generates the terrain |
| Difficulty | preset | Hazards & resource scarcity |
Where default.ini lives
The file sits in your dedicated server directory. Open it in any text editor, change the values, save, and restart the server for the changes to take effect. See our dedicated server setup guide for the full install process. Prefer not to edit files? A managed Stationeers server exposes all of this in a control panel.
Server settings
- ServerName — the name shown in the in-game server browser; make it searchable for your community.
- ServerPassword — leave blank for a public server, or set a password to keep it private.
- ServerVisible —
truelists your server publicly;falsehides it (join by direct IP). - ServerMaxPlayers — the player slot limit. Because Stationeers’ simulation is heavy, smaller well-resourced servers run smoother than large crowded ones.
- GamePort (default 27015) and UpdatePort (default 27016) — the UDP ports for game traffic and the Steam query/browser; these are the ports you forward on your router.
- AutoSave — set
trueso a crash doesn’t wipe your station. - SaveInterval — how often (in seconds) the autosave runs; 300 (5 minutes) is a sensible default.
- UPNPEnabled — automatic port mapping if your router supports it (manual forwarding is more reliable).
World settings
- WorldType — the planet or moon your station is built on (Moon, Mars, Europa, Vulcan and more). Each has its own atmosphere, temperature and gravity — see our world types guide.
- WorldSeed — the number that generates your terrain; change it for a different map, keep it to reproduce the same one.
- Difficulty — controls hazards and resource scarcity.
- RespawnConditions / StartingCondition — how players spawn and what they start with.
Frequently asked questions
What ports does a Stationeers server use?
GamePort 27015 (game traffic) and UpdatePort 27016 (Steam query/browser), both UDP. Forward both to the host machine in your router. Mismatched or unforwarded ports are the top reason players can’t find or join your server.
How do I make my Stationeers server private?
Set a ServerPassword in default.ini and optionally ServerVisible=false so it doesn’t list publicly — players then join by direct IP with the password. Save the file and restart the server (or change it in the panel on a managed host).
How often should a Stationeers server autosave?
Keep AutoSave=true and a SaveInterval of about 300 seconds (5 minutes). That’s frequent enough that a crash costs little progress without saving so often it stutters a heavy simulation. Lower it if you’re doing risky atmospherics work.
On a managed XGamingServer plan these settings are in the control panel, so you change them in a few clicks. Stationeers hosting from $8.50/month — 30% off with code XGAMEON.
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