Most problems with an Abiotic Factor server come down to a few causes. Start with the one that matches what you see.
The server does not show up in the in-game server browser
Why: The browser can lag behind, and a server on an older game version than the player's is not listed.
Fix: Join with Direct Connect using the Server Address from the Overview page, or close the game and find the server in Steam's own server browser. Also restart the server with Auto Update on so it is on the current version.
Players cannot join right after the server starts
Why: The server first loads a short loading level and then the full facility, which takes a little while.
Fix: Wait until the Console tab stops printing loading messages and the server shows as running, then try again.
Changes to the sandbox settings file have no effect
Why: The settings are read when the server starts, and the server reads the file in AbioticFactor, Saved, Config, WindowsServer, not a copy inside the world folder.
Fix: Stop the server, edit SandboxSettings.ini in that folder (it must begin with [SandboxSettings]) and start the server again.
An uploaded world does not load and the server starts with a new world
Why: Our server loads only the world folder named Cascade, and a PS5, Xbox or Windows Store save cannot be used.
Fix: Rename the uploaded world folder to Cascade, place it in Worlds inside AbioticFactor, Saved, SaveGames, Server while the server is stopped (after removing or renaming the old Cascade folder), and use a Steam save.
You added yourself to Admin.ini but have no admin options in the game
Why: The SteamID64 may be wrong, the line may be outside the [Moderators] section, or the server was running while you edited the file. This method does not work for PS5 or Xbox accounts.
Fix: Check the number and the line Moderator=76561198000000000 (with your own SteamID64) under [Moderators], then restart the server and rejoin.
The panel refuses to save a Server Name or Server Password
Why: The name is limited to 64 characters and the password to 30, and neither may contain double quotes or backslashes.
Fix: Shorten the value and remove quotes and backslashes.
Joining players see a warning pop-up before they connect
Why: The game warns when a server allows more than 6 players or when the sandbox settings are extremely modified.
Fix: The warning is harmless, players can accept it and join. Return the sandbox values to something closer to the defaults if you want it gone.
Still stuck?
Open a ticket in the category that fits and include the last 50 to 100 lines of the console. See How to open a support ticket and How to fix a server that will not start.
