# How to Set Up Fika Co-op for Escape from Tarkov (SPT-Fika) (/docs/escape-from-tarkov/fika-co-op-setup)





import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

**Fika** is the mod that turns SPT (Single Player Tarkov) into co-op multiplayer, so you and your friends can raid Tarkov together — sharing quests and progression, looting, and fighting AI PMCs, Scavs and bosses as a team. This guide explains how SPT-Fika works and how to run it on an always-on XGamingServer server.

How SPT-Fika works (in plain terms) [#how-spt-fika-works-in-plain-terms]

* Escape from Tarkov has **no official dedicated servers** and no official co-op. SPT recreates Tarkov's server offline; **Fika** adds the networking that lets multiple players share one SPT server.
* Fika is a **BepInEx plugin** (client side) plus an **SPT server mod** (server side). It uses your SPT server as the backend and a Client ↔ Server ↔ Client model for raids.
* There's **no global matchmaking** — only players connected to *your* server can join your raids. Your group is private.
* **Everyone needs a legitimate copy of Escape from Tarkov** (Fika and SPT use your game's files).

<Callout type="info">
  The big advantage of an XGamingServer **SPT-Fika** server: it runs 24/7, so nobody has to leave their gaming PC on to host. Your group connects anytime, and progression is saved server-side.
</Callout>

What you need [#what-you-need]

1. A **SPT-Fika server** (rent one from [XGamingServer](https://xgamingserver.com/escape-from-tarkov-server-hosting) — it deploys in \~60 seconds).
2. Each player: a **legit copy of Escape from Tarkov**, plus a local **SPT + Fika client** install that matches the server's versions.

Setting up your server [#setting-up-your-server]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Deploy the server [#deploy-the-server]

    Order an Escape from Tarkov (SPT-Fika) server. It installs SPT and the Fika server mod automatically and starts within about a minute.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Set your basics [#set-your-basics]

    In the [panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com) **Startup** tab, set your server name and (optionally) a password, and choose your **Fika** and **SPT** versions. Note the server's **IP and port** from the panel — your group will use it to connect.

        <img alt="SPT-Fika server Startup tab in the XGamingServer panel, showing the Fika version, Fika mode and headless profile options" src={__img0} placeholder="blur" />
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Add mods (optional) [#add-mods-optional]

    Use the [built-in mod installer](/docs/escape-from-tarkov/install-mods) to add SPT mods. Read [server vs client mods](/docs/escape-from-tarkov/server-vs-client-mods) first — some mods must also be installed by every player.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Start the server [#start-the-server]

    Hit **Start**. Your SPT-Fika backend is now online 24/7.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Getting your group connected [#getting-your-group-connected]

Each player installs **SPT + Fika locally** (matching the server's SPT and Fika versions), then joins your server by IP. Full client steps are in our [connect guide](/docs/escape-from-tarkov/connect-to-your-server).

<Callout type="warn">
  **Version match matters.** Everyone's SPT version, Fika version, and any **required** client-side mods must match the server. A mismatch is the most common reason a player can't connect — see [server vs client mods](/docs/escape-from-tarkov/server-vs-client-mods).
</Callout>

Hosting without anyone hosting: the headless client [#hosting-without-anyone-hosting-the-headless-client]

Fika supports a **headless client** — a dedicated host that runs the raid so no player has to be the host. On a rented server this means smoother raids and true 24/7 co-op. See [Fika headless client](/docs/escape-from-tarkov/headless-client).

Next steps [#next-steps]

* [Connect to your SPT-Fika server](/docs/escape-from-tarkov/connect-to-your-server)
* [Install mods (server vs client)](/docs/escape-from-tarkov/server-vs-client-mods)
* [Fika headless client / dedicated host](/docs/escape-from-tarkov/headless-client)
* [Troubleshooting Fika](/docs/escape-from-tarkov/troubleshooting)