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.
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
How often autosaves occur is not an Engine.ini setting. It is the game's Autosave Interval option, which the game describes as "the amount of time in minutes for the autosave interval" (the FG.AutosaveInterval console variable on the server). A mAutosaveInterval= line under [/Script/FactoryGame.FGSaveSession], which some guides suggest, is not read from the file: that section only reads mNumRotatingAutosaves.
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
The Engine.ini part of the backup configuration is a single line. The game ships it as mNumRotatingAutosaves=3:
[/Script/FactoryGame.FGSaveSession]
mNumRotatingAutosaves=25
Saving when a player disconnects is the Auto-Save on Player Disconnect server setting in the Server Manager (FG.DSAutoSaveOnDisconnect), not an ini key.
Understanding the Settings
| Setting | Purpose | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
mNumRotatingAutosaves |
Number of backup files to keep | 20-30 |
Autosave Interval (game option, FG.AutosaveInterval) |
Minutes between autosaves | 10 to 15 |
Auto-Save on Player Disconnect (server setting, FG.DSAutoSaveOnDisconnect) |
Save when a player disconnects | On |
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?
- Check the game's Autosave Interval option (in minutes)
- 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
Protect your industrial masterpiece with reliable Satisfactory hosting featuring automated backups, enhanced security, and expert support to keep your factory running smoothly.