Space Station 14 is free, so players never buy anything to join your server. They need the free launcher and, with the PlayNHost default, a free Space Station 14 account. Below are short answers to the other questions people ask, each with a link to the full guide.
Is Space Station 14 free?
Yes. The official FAQ answers "Is the game free?" with "Yes, and it will always be." Your players only need the launcher from spacestation14.com.
Do players need an account?
With Authentication at 1, the PlayNHost default, yes: a free Space Station 14 account. Set it to 0 to also let guests in. How to control who can join your Space Station 14 server.
Which platforms can join? Is there crossplay?
Everyone uses the same launcher, on Windows, Linux or macOS, so all of them play together on your server. The Steam playtest is the same game: the official FAQ says the Steam and standalone versions are "functionally identical". There is no console version.
How do players join?
In the launcher, on Home, they click Direct connect to server and paste your Server Address with its port. How to join your Space Station 14 server.
How many players can join?
Up to Slots on the Overview page, which your plan caps. The panel writes Slots into both player lines of server_config.toml, max_connections and soft_max_players, before every start. How to change the player limit on your Space Station 14 server.
How do I become admin?
Put your username in login_host_user in server_config.toml and restart, then join. Keep Authentication at 1 while you do. How to become admin on your Space Station 14 server.
Why is my server not on the server list?
A new server does not advertise to the public hub: advertise = false under [hub]. Turn it on after you read the hub rules. How to list your Space Station 14 server on the public hub.
Can I set a server password?
No. Space Station 14 has no join password; use the whitelist instead. How to control who can join your Space Station 14 server.
Can I add mods or custom content?
Not on the official build. The official hosting guide says: "The only modifications you can do to a packaged server build is with the server_config.toml file." Custom content needs your own build of the game's code. Everything the config file allows: Space Station 14 server settings reference.
Does my server update itself?
No. It keeps the build it was installed with, and players can still join it because the launcher downloads that same build. To get the newest build, click Update and reinstall under Settings, Game Settings. The panel takes a backup first and keeps server_config.toml and data. How to update your Space Station 14 server.
Where are characters and playtime saved?
In the server's database, a built-in SQLite file in the data folder under Files. Backups include it. How to back up and restore your Space Station 14 server.
Do I need a database from the Databases page?
No. The server uses its built-in SQLite file, which the official guide calls "sufficient for local testing and small servers". The official guide adds that MySQL and MariaDB are not supported.
How much RAM does it need?
An empty server used about 700 MB in PlayNHost's test, measured in the first 90 seconds after a start. Players and a busy round add to that. How much RAM does a Space Station 14 server need?
Does a restart lose anything?
The round in progress ends. Saved data such as characters and playtime stays. How to restart your Space Station 14 server every day.
Can I move my existing server here?
Yes, by bringing the data folder and your config settings. How to move your Space Station 14 server to PlayNHost.
Something not working: Space Station 14 server problems and fixes.
