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Getting started with your Space Engineers server

Updated July 03, 2026
Space Engineers
Space Engineers: Getting Started | GameServerKings KB

Space Engineers: Getting Started

Space Engineers is a sandbox engineering and physics game, and your server can run in creative or survival mode. Setup on our panel 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:

  • Configuration for the full SpaceEngineers-Dedicated.cfg reference and world management
  • Mods for Steam Workshop mods
  • Torch Server 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). 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 your IP and port.

In-Game Admin

Once you are listed in the <Administrators> section of the config (see Configuration), 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

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.

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 Backups tab daily.
  • Before installing any new mod, snapshot manually.

Mod conflicts and bad block placements can corrupt worlds. A recent backup is essential. See 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 Configuration.
  • High CPU after a few hours: Players have built grids with many subgrids. Apply PCU limits or install the Concealment mod (see Mods) or the Torch Concealment plugin (see Torch Server).
  • 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 Mods troubleshooting.
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