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How to install torch and setup plugins

Updated July 03, 2026
Space Engineers
Space Engineers: Torch Server | GameServerKings KB

Space Engineers: Torch Server

Torch is a community server framework that wraps Space Engineers with a managed process, plugin loading, a web UI, and a command system. It is the standard for serious SE server administration. This guide covers what Torch adds and how to use it. Complete Getting Started first.

What Torch Provides

Vanilla Space Engineers dedicated servers are functional but minimal. Torch adds:

  • A managed wrapper that can auto-restart on crash
  • Plugin loading (a rich ecosystem of admin and performance plugins)
  • A web UI for remote management
  • A command system for in-game and console administration
  • Better logging and profiling

If you run a public SE server of any size, Torch is worth using.

Enabling Torch

  1. In the Startup tab, set the Server Type to torch (if your egg supports it; otherwise contact our support team to confirm the option).
  2. Restart. Torch downloads itself and replaces the wrapper around the SE server.
  3. Plugins go in the Plugins/ folder and load automatically on boot.

Torch reads the same world saves and largely the same config as the vanilla server, so switching to Torch does not require rebuilding your world.

  • Concealment: Pauses inactive grids to save CPU. This is the single most effective performance plugin for SE, and Torch's version is very capable
  • Block Limits: Enforce per-player or per-faction block and PCU limits beyond what the vanilla config offers
  • Mining Reset: Automatically restock depleted asteroids so the world stays minable over a long-running server
  • GridProtection: Anti-grief protection for player builds
  • Essentials: A broad plugin adding many admin commands and utilities (a common first install)

Plugins are typically distributed through the Torch website and the SE community. Download the plugin and place it in Plugins/, then restart.

Torch vs Vanilla Performance

The combination of Concealment (pausing idle grids) and Block Limits (capping runaway builds) addresses the two biggest SE performance problems: idle grids still consuming simulation, and oversized subgrid-heavy builds. A Torch server with these plugins handles far more players and grids than a vanilla server on the same hardware.

See Getting Started for baseline performance behavior, then expect Torch with Concealment to push those numbers further.

A Note on Update Timing

Torch is community-maintained. When Keen pushes a Space Engineers update, Torch sometimes lags behind by a few days while the maintainers update it. During that window, a Torch server may fail to start on the new SE version.

If your Torch server will not boot right after an SE update:

  • Check the Torch community for a compatibility update
  • Consider temporarily switching back to the vanilla server type until Torch catches up
  • Avoid forcing the SE update immediately if Torch stability matters for your community

Common Issues

  • Torch will not start after an SE update: Torch has not yet been updated for the new SE build. Wait for the Torch update or revert to vanilla temporarily.
  • Plugin not loading: Confirm it is in the Plugins/ folder and is compatible with your Torch version. Check the Torch log for the failure reason.
  • Web UI unreachable: The Torch web UI port is not exposed or not open. Confirm the port in the panel Network tab and Torch's config.
  • High CPU even with Torch: Confirm Concealment is actually enabled and configured. An idle-grid-heavy world without Concealment running will still struggle.
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