Configure Server Backups
Proper backup configuration protects your factory progress from crashes, griefing, and corruption. Satisfactory creates automatic backups during each autosave, but by default only retains 3 backups. Learn to optimize backup frequency, retention, and storage to safeguard your industrial empire.
💾 Critical: Configure backups BEFORE you start major projects. A single corrupted save can cost hundreds of hours of gameplay.
Understanding Satisfactory Backup System
- Automatic Creation: Backups created during each autosave cycle
- Rotating System: Oldest backups automatically deleted when limit exceeded
- File Format: Each backup is a complete save file (.sav)
- Storage Location:
/.config/Epic/FactoryGame/Saved/SaveGames/server/
Recommended Backup Settings
| Server TypeNumber of Backups | Autosave Interval | Storage Usage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private (1-5 players) | 10-15 | 15-30 minutes | 1-3 GB |
| Public (6-20 players) | 20-30 | 10-15 minutes | 3-8 GB |
| Community (20+ players) | 40-50 | 5-10 minutes | 8-20 GB |
Step-by-Step Configuration
Step 1: Access Configuration Files
- Open your server's File Manager
- Navigate to the config directory:
/steamcmd/satisfactory/FactoryGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/ - Locate and right-click on Engine.ini
- Select Edit from the context menu
Step 2: Configure Backup Retention
Add or update the following block at the end of your Engine.ini file:
[/Script/FactoryGame.FGSaveSession]
mNumRotatingAutosaves=20
📊 Recommended Values
- 10 - Minimum for casual servers
- 20 - Recommended for most servers
- 30+ - Large active communities
Step 3: Configure Autosave Frequency
You can also adjust how often autosaves occur by adding:
[/Script/FactoryGame.FGSaveSession]
mAutosaveInterval=900 ; 900 seconds = 15 minutes
Step 4: Apply Changes
- Save the Engine.ini file
- Restart your server to apply new settings
- Verify configuration by checking save directory after first autosave
Advanced Backup Configuration
Complete Engine.ini Backup Section
For comprehensive backup configuration, use this complete block:
[/Script/FactoryGame.FGSaveSession]
mNumRotatingAutosaves=25
mAutosaveInterval=900
bAutoSaveOnDisconnect=true
bAutoSaveOnExit=true
Understanding the Settings
| Setting | Purpose | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
mNumRotatingAutosaves |
Number of backup files to keep | 20-30 |
mAutosaveInterval |
Seconds between autosaves (600-1800) | 900 (15 min) |
bAutoSaveOnDisconnect |
Save when players disconnect | true |
bAutoSaveOnExit |
Save when server shuts down | true |
⚡ Performance Note: More frequent autosaves provide better protection but may cause minor lag during save operations, especially on large factories.
Storage Planning
Estimated Storage Requirements
| Factory Size | Save File Size20 Backups | 40 Backups | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Game | 5-15 MB | 300 MB | 600 MB |
| Mid Factory | 25-50 MB | 1 GB | 2 GB |
| Large Factory | 75-150 MB | 3 GB | 6 GB |
| Mega Factory | 200+ MB | 4+ GB | 8+ GB |
Storage Management Tips
- Monitor Usage: Check your server's disk space weekly
- Clean Regularly: Manually delete old saves from early game phases
- External Backups: Download important saves for long-term storage
- Compression: Compress old saves before external storage
Troubleshooting
Backups not increasing?
- Verify Engine.ini file was saved correctly
- Check for duplicate settings in other ini files
- Ensure server restarted after configuration changes
- Verify file permissions on config directory
Excessive storage usage?
- Reduce mNumRotatingAutosaves value
- Increase autosave interval slightly
- Manually clean out old save files
- Consider moving old saves to external storage
Autosaves not triggering?
- Verify mAutosaveInterval is set correctly (in seconds)
- Check server console for error messages
- Ensure adequate disk space for saves
- Test with shorter intervals to verify functionality
Best Practices
🛡️ Production Server Guidelines
- Minimum 20 backups for any public server
- 15-minute intervals balance safety and performance
- Weekly external backups for critical servers
- Document settings for server administrators
- Test restores monthly to ensure backup integrity
Related Configuration
Don't forget to configure these related settings:
- Autosave Interval - Control save frequency
- Download Save - Manual backup management
- Restore Backup - Recovery procedures
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