How to Upgrade Your Factorio Server to a New Version

Keeping your Factorio server up to date is important. When Factorio releases a new version, players who update their game client will no longer be able to connect to a server running an older version. Updating your server from the RiverHosting panel takes only a few steps and does not require any technical knowledge.

Before you start

• Make sure you have a recent backup of your server before updating. If something goes wrong after the update, you can restore your save from the Backups tab.
• Let your players know the server will be briefly offline during the update so they are not caught mid-game.
• Check the official Factorio release notes to understand what changed in the new version, especially if it is a major update.

1. How to update your Factorio server version

The RiverHosting panel handles version updates through the Startup tab. This is where the server version is set, and you can switch to a newer release from there.

1. Log in to the RiverHosting panel at panel.riverhosting.com.
2. Select your Factorio server from the server list.
3. Stop the server by clicking the Stop button at the top of the page. Wait for the server to fully stop before continuing.
4. Click Startup in the left-hand menu.
5. Look for the version field. This is where the Factorio server version is defined. Update the value to the version number you want to run, such as the latest stable release.
6. Save your changes if prompted.
7. Click Start to restart the server. The panel will pull and apply the updated version automatically.

2. How to verify the update was successful

Once your server has started, it is worth confirming it is running the version you expect before sending your players the all-clear.

1. Click Console in the left-hand menu.
2. Look at the startup log output. Factorio prints the server version near the top of the log when it starts. Confirm it matches the version you set.
3. Try connecting to the server from your Factorio game client to make sure everything works correctly.

3. What to do if you have mods installed

If your Factorio server is running mods, a game version update can sometimes cause mod compatibility issues. Mods are tied to specific Factorio versions and may not work correctly after a major update.

1. After updating, check the console output carefully for any mod-related errors.
2. If a mod reports a version mismatch, go to Mods in the left-hand menu to review your installed mods.
3. Check whether updated versions of those mods are available and update them to match the new game version.
4. If a mod has not yet been updated by its author, you may need to disable it temporarily until a compatible version is released.

Troubleshooting

• The server fails to start after the update: Open the Console and look for error messages at the top of the log. A mod conflict or an incorrect version number in the Startup tab is the most common cause.
• Players cannot connect after the update: Make sure all players have also updated their Factorio game client to the same version as the server. Factorio requires an exact version match between client and server.
• The version did not change: Double-check that you saved the change in the Startup tab before restarting the server. If the field reverted, try setting it again and saving before clicking Start.
• Your save file is not loading: Some major Factorio updates change save file compatibility. If this happens, restore your backup and check whether a migration step is needed.

Need help?

If your server is still not behaving as expected after the update, the RiverHosting support team is happy to help. You can reach the team through the support page and a member of staff will look into it with you.