What happens the first time you start your Factorio server

A new PlayNHost Factorio server already has the newest stable Factorio build and a first map, gamesave.zip, made when it was installed. Click Start and watch the Console: when it prints a line beginning with Hosting game at, the badge turns Online and players can join with the Server Address from Overview.

Start it

1. Open your server in the panel. The badge near the name says Offline.
2. Click Start. The badge changes to Starting.
3. Open the Console tab. The first lines start with [pnh-update]: the panel checks the Space Age setting and looks for a newer Factorio build.
4. Wait for the game's line Hosting game at IP ADDR:({0.0.0.0:<your port>}). The badge turns Online and the server accepts players.

What do the [pnh-update] lines mean?

They come from the panel, before Factorio itself starts:

• [pnh-update] Space Age is on: players need the Space Age DLC to join. The expansion is switched on, which is the default. See How to turn Space Age on or off on your Factorio server.
• [pnh-update] Factorio 2.1.24 (stable) is already installed. Nothing to download. The server already runs the newest stable build that factorio.com lists (2.1.24 on 2 November 2026).
• [pnh-update] Downloading Factorio ... followed by Updated to Factorio ... Saves and mods were not touched. A newer build came out and the server installed it before starting.

Is "Matching server connection failed: Missing token" a problem?

No. A new server prints it because it tries to list itself in Factorio's public server browser and has no factorio.com account yet. The server still runs and players join by address. To be listed, follow How to list your Factorio server in the public server browser.

What does a new server already have?

• A map. The install made gamesave.zip in the saves folder with the Map Preset default and a random seed. It is listed on the Saves page with the badge In use.
• Server Name: A PlayNHost Factorio Server. Server password: empty, so anyone with the address can join. Change both first: How to change the server name and password of your Factorio server.
• Space Age: on. Every player needs the Space Age expansion.
• Auto-update server: on, following the stable build, so the server stays on the version players' games update to.
• Auto Save Interval: 10 minutes, and Stop or Restart save the game as the server shuts down.
• Pause when empty: on, from Factorio's own settings file. The factory stands still while nobody is connected, so belts and trains are where players left them.
• Daily restart: a schedule that restarts the server early every morning so it picks up Factorio updates: How to restart your Factorio server on a schedule.
• Mods: none. Add them on the Modding tab: How to add mods to your Factorio server.

The Overview page may show a card called Finish setting up your server asking for a Server Username and Server Token. It is optional: players can join without it. It only decides whether the server appears in the public list and whether the Modding tab can download mods.

Already have a world?

You do not have to play the new map. Upload your own save on the Saves page and choose it: How to upload your own Factorio world. To start a different kind of map, see How to start a new world on your Factorio server.

Next steps

1. Join your server.
2. Make yourself admin.
3. Invite your friends.

If Hosting game at never appears, see Factorio server problems and fixes and How to fix a server that will not start. Plans and locations are on the Factorio server hosting page.