---
title: "Getting started with your Space Engineers server"
description: "Navigate your first boot, assign admin rights using the Administrators list, and configure AutoSave and backups to protect your builds."
url: "https://www.gameserverkings.com/knowledge-base/space-engineers/getting-started-with-your-server/"
category: "Space Engineers"
category_url: "https://www.gameserverkings.com/knowledge-base/space-engineers/"
published: "2026-03-26T02:23:43.640Z"
updated: "2026-08-07T21:07:36.577Z"
source_format: "markdown"
site: "GameServerKings"
---

# Getting started with your Space Engineers server

Space Engineers is a sandbox engineering and physics game, and your server can run in creative or survival mode. Setup on your [managed Space Engineers server](/games/space-engineers-hosting/) is straightforward; the heaviest lifting is in scenario and mod selection.

This guide covers first boot, in-game admin, performance, and backups. For the rest:

- [Configuring your Space Engineers server](/knowledge-base/space-engineers/configuration-overview/) for the full `SpaceEngineers-Dedicated.cfg` reference and world management
- [How to install Space Engineers Workshop mods](/knowledge-base/space-engineers/how-to-install-mods/) for Steam Workshop mods
- [Torch Server](/knowledge-base/space-engineers/how-to-install-torch/) for the advanced server framework with plugins

## First Boot

1. Open your Space Engineers server in the panel.

2. Click **Start**.

3. First boot downloads the dedicated server (about 8 GB), which takes 10 to 15 minutes.

4. When you see `Server started` in the console, you can connect.

To connect in Space Engineers:

1. Main menu > **Join Game**.

2. Filter by **Dedicated**.

3. Find your server or add it via **Direct Connect** using the IP and port from the **Address** at the top left of your panel.

## In-Game Admin

Once you are listed in the `<Administrators>` section of the config (see [Configuring your Space Engineers server](/knowledge-base/space-engineers/configuration-overview/)), you have access to:

- The **Admin Menu** via Alt+F10
- Spectator mode (Ctrl+Space)
- Block delete and copy-paste in survival
- Teleport via Alt+F11

> [!WARNING] These tools are powerful
> Use them carefully on shared servers.

## Performance

The single biggest CPU eater in SE is large grids with many subgrids (turrets, doors, rotors). Set a reasonable PCU limit in your config:

```xml
<TotalPCU>200000</TotalPCU>
<PiratePCU>50000</PiratePCU>
<BlockLimitsEnabled>PER_PLAYER</BlockLimitsEnabled>
```

PCU caps per player keep things sane. For deeper performance management (grid concealment, mining resets), see [Torch Server](/knowledge-base/space-engineers/how-to-install-torch/).

## Backups

Space Engineers auto-saves to the world's `Backup/` folder every 5 minutes (or whatever `AutoSaveInMinutes` is set to). On top of that:

- Use the panel's **Backups** tab daily.
- Before installing any new mod, snapshot manually.

> [!IMPORTANT] A recent backup is essential
> Mod conflicts and bad block placements can corrupt worlds. See [How to install Space Engineers Workshop mods](/knowledge-base/space-engineers/how-to-install-mods/) for why mod changes especially warrant a backup first.

## Common Issues

- **Players cannot connect**: Confirm `OnlineMode` is `PUBLIC` and the port is open. See [Configuring your Space Engineers server](/knowledge-base/space-engineers/configuration-overview/).
- **High CPU after a few hours**: Players have built grids with many subgrids. Apply PCU limits or install the Concealment mod (see [How to install Space Engineers Workshop mods](/knowledge-base/space-engineers/how-to-install-mods/)) or the Torch Concealment plugin (see [Torch Server](/knowledge-base/space-engineers/how-to-install-torch/)).
- **World corrupted after a crash**: Restore from the `Backup/` folder inside the world, or from a panel backup.
- **Server stuck at "loading world"**: Often a mod conflict. See [How to install Space Engineers Workshop mods](/knowledge-base/space-engineers/how-to-install-mods/) troubleshooting.

## What to Read Next

- [Configuring your Space Engineers server](/knowledge-base/space-engineers/configuration-overview/) for the full config file and world management
- [How to install Space Engineers Workshop mods](/knowledge-base/space-engineers/how-to-install-mods/) for Workshop mods
- [Torch Server](/knowledge-base/space-engineers/how-to-install-torch/) for advanced administration and plugins

---

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