Factorio: Managing Auto-Pause & Persistent Worlds
In Factorio, time is your most valuable resource. By default, most dedicated servers are set to **Auto-Pause** when no players are online to prevent biters from destroying your base while you sleep. However, for "Mega-Factory" builders, disabling this feature allows your factory to process resources 24/7.
1. Disabling Auto-Pause
Turning off auto_pause ensures your production lines never stop. This is ideal for accumulating millions of science packs or smelting massive amounts of ore overnight.
2. The Risk of Evolution
If the server is unpaused, Biter Evolution continues. Pollution spreads even when you're away, which can lead to your base being overwhelmed if your defenses aren't automated.
3. Space Age Logistics
In the Space Age expansion, keeping the server unpaused is critical for long-range Space Platform transit, which can take several real-world hours to complete.
How to Change Auto-Pause Settings
- Navigate to your Supercraft Panel and Stop the server.
- Open the File Manager and go to the
/config/directory. - Locate the
server-settings.jsonfile and click Edit. - Find the following line:
"auto_pause": true, - Change
truetofalseto keep the server running 24/7. - Click Save and Restart the server.
Benefits of a Persistent Factory
| Production Area | Benefit of 24/7 Run-time |
|---|---|
| Research | Complete infinite research tiers (Mining Productivity, etc.) while sleeping. |
| Accumulators | Ensure your power grid has a full day/night cycle to stabilize. |
| Ore Buffers | Fill massive train-loading chests so you never run dry during peak gameplay. |
| Space Age | Allow Space Platforms to reach distant planets while you are offline. |
Defense Tip: Before disabling auto-pause, ensure your perimeter is guarded by Laser Turrets or Gun Turrets with automated ammo belts. If you rely on manual reloading, you may return to a destroyed factory!
Keep the belts moving around the clock. Host your Factorio server with Supercraft and enjoy high-performance persistent worlds that never drop a tick.