> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Set Up an Icarus Dedicated Server (Getting Started)

> How to set up an Icarus dedicated server on FREAKHOSTING: name it on Startup, create ServerSettings.ini with passwords, start it, join and launch a prospect.

To set up an Icarus dedicated server on FREAKHOSTING, start it once, set **Server Name** on **Startup**, then create `Icarus/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/ServerSettings.ini` in **Files** with a join and admin password. Restart, open **Join Session** in Icarus, switch the browser to dedicated servers and join. The first start takes about 3 minutes.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel pages |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 15 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Icarus server | **Startup**, **Files**, **Console** |

## Before you start

* Log in to the [Game Panel](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-login-and-access-the-game-panel.md).
* Every player needs Icarus on Steam. Styx prospects also need the Icarus: Styx Expansion DLC.

## How to start your Icarus server for the first time

**1. Start the server**

Open your server in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com) and click **Start**. The server files (about 10 GB) are already installed.

**2. Wait for the ready lines**

Open **Console**. After about 3 minutes you see these two lines, which mean the server is ready:

```text theme={null}
LogNet: GameNetDriver SteamNetDriver_… IpNetDriver listening on port 17777
LogGameMode: Display: Match State Changed from EnteringMap to WaitingToStart
```

Many red error lines appear before this. They are normal: see [console errors explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/icarus/icarus-server-console-errors-explained.md).

**3. Stop the server**

Click **Stop**. Icarus shuts down in under 30 seconds.

## How to name your Icarus server

**1. Open Startup**

Click **Startup** in the sidebar.

**2. Change Server Name**

Type a name in **Server Name**, up to 32 characters. Spaces are fine, for example `Prospectors EU`. The panel saves when you click out of the field.

This is the name players see in the server browser. The `SessionName` key in `ServerSettings.ini` does nothing on current versions, so always use **Server Name**. Leave **\[REQUIRED] Server Query Port** as it is.

![Icarus Startup page in the FREAKHOSTING Game Panel with the Server Name, Server Query Port and AUTO\_UPDATE variables](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/4aP1F1KWZ9A3tmJI/images/games/icarus/icarus-startup.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=4aP1F1KWZ9A3tmJI\&q=85\&s=a9bd6135aa2cebfedd09c5d510fc61c3)

Startup page with Server Name, Server Query Port and AUTO\_UPDATE

## How to create ServerSettings.ini

Icarus keeps its server settings in a file the server does not create on its first start. You create it once.

**1. Open the WindowsServer folder**

Click **Files** and open `Icarus` > `Saved` > `Config` > `WindowsServer`. It contains only `GameUserSettings.ini` at first.

**2. Create the file**

Click **New file**, paste the text below, click **Create File**, type `ServerSettings.ini` as the **File Name** and click **Create File** again.

```ini theme={null}
[/Script/Icarus.DedicatedServerSettings]
SessionName=
JoinPassword=YourJoinPassword
MaxPlayers=
AdminPassword=YourAdminPassword
ShutdownIfNotJoinedFor=300.000000
ShutdownIfEmptyFor=300.000000
AllowNonAdminsToLaunchProspects=True
AllowNonAdminsToDeleteProspects=False
LoadProspect=
CreateProspect=
ResumeProspect=True
LastProspectName=
```

**3. Set your passwords**

Replace `YourJoinPassword` with the password players type to join, or delete it for an open server. Replace `YourAdminPassword` with your own admin password. Always set an admin password: when it is empty, anyone who types `/AdminLogin` becomes admin.

**4. Start the server**

Click **Start** and wait for the ready lines again.

Every key is explained in [ServerSettings.ini explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/icarus/icarus-serversettings-ini-explained.md).

## How to join your Icarus server

1. Start Icarus and select your character.
2. Click **Join Session** in the HAB menu.
3. Use the toggle in the top right corner to switch the browser to dedicated servers.
4. Find your **Server Name** and join. Enter the join password if you set one.

If you can't find it, see [not showing in the list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/icarus/icarus-server-not-showing-in-list.md).

## How to start your first prospect

A new server has no prospect (a mission, outpost or Open World), so the first player lands in the **Server Lobby**. From there you create a new prospect or load an existing one. By default any player in the lobby can do this. Log in as admin first with `/AdminLogin YourAdminPassword` if you set **AllowNonAdminsToLaunchProspects** to `False`.

After that, the server resumes the last prospect at every start. See [prospect settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/icarus/icarus-configuring-prospect-settings.md) and [resume prospects](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/icarus/resuming-prospects.md).

## Make your first backup

Once your prospect is running, make a [panel backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) and set up [automatic backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-set-up-automatic-backups.md).

## Frequently asked questions

### Why is there no ServerSettings.ini on my server?

Icarus does not create it on the first start. Create it yourself in `Icarus/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/` as shown above.

### Which ports does my Icarus server use?

The game port (17777 by default) and a Steam query port. Both are set up for you and shown on **Network**. Leave **\[REQUIRED] Server Query Port** as it is.

### Can I change the player limit?

Your player slots come from your plan. To get more, [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php).

### Why does the server go back to the lobby after a few minutes?

If nobody joins within 300 seconds of a prospect loading, or the server is empty for 300 seconds, Icarus returns to the lobby. See [stuck in the lobby](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/icarus/icarus-server-stuck-in-lobby.md).

## Related guides

> [card] [Icarus server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/icarus/icarus-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Every Icarus page in one place.

> [card] [ServerSettings.ini explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/icarus/icarus-serversettings-ini-explained.md)
>
> Every key and its default.

> [card] [Become admin](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/icarus/how-to-become-admin-on-your-icarus-server.md)
>
> AdminPassword and /AdminLogin.

> [card] [Upload a prospect](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/icarus/how-to-upload-a-prospect-to-your-icarus-server.md)
>
> Bring your local world.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (Icarus Dedicated Server). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** November 2026


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