# Fika Headless Client — Dedicated SPT-Fika Hosting (/docs/escape-from-tarkov/headless-client)



By default in Fika, one of the players acts as the **host** of each raid. The **headless client** changes that: it's a dedicated, player-less client that hosts raids on its own, so no one in your group has to be the host. On an always-on server this is the closest SPT-Fika gets to a true dedicated Tarkov server.

Why use a headless client [#why-use-a-headless-client]

* **No host advantage / host burden** — nobody has to "be the server", and no one's raid ends because the host left.
* **Smoother raids** — the headless client handles AI and networking; with good server hardware (like XGamingServer's AMD Ryzen 9 7950X), performance is consistent for everyone.
* **True 24/7 co-op** — combined with a hosted SPT-Fika server, your group drops into raids any time.

How it works [#how-it-works]

The headless client is a special, stripped-down SPT-Fika client that logs into your SPT server and waits to host raids. It runs alongside your SPT-Fika server rather than on a player's gaming PC.

<Callout type="warn">
  **The #1 headless client gotcha:** the headless client is **very sensitive to mods**. Do **not** install the same client mods you run normally — the headless client is heavily modified and most client plugins will crash it or make it unstable. Keep its plugin set minimal.
</Callout>

Common headless client issues [#common-headless-client-issues]

* **"Use Headless Host" is greyed out** → the headless client is unavailable. Usually an unsupported mod in the headless client, or a networking issue. Check `BepInEx/LogOutput.log` for incompatible-mod warnings.
* **Headless client crashes on start** → remove client-side mods from it; rebuild with a minimal plugin set.
* **AI mods (e.g. SAIN) behaving oddly on headless** → some client AI mods need specific handling on the headless host; verify the mod supports headless use.

<Callout type="info">
  On an XGamingServer SPT-Fika server you get the hardware and always-on uptime that make a headless host worthwhile. If you'd like help wiring up a headless client, open a ticket from the [panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com) and our team can guide you.
</Callout>

Related [#related]

* [How to set up Fika co-op](/docs/escape-from-tarkov/fika-co-op-setup)
* [Server vs client mods](/docs/escape-from-tarkov/server-vs-client-mods)
* [Troubleshooting Fika](/docs/escape-from-tarkov/troubleshooting)