> ## 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 Install Mods on a Satisfactory Dedicated Server

> Install mods on a Satisfactory dedicated server with Satisfactory Mod Manager over SFTP: add it in Manage Servers, pick server mods and match every client.

To install mods on a FREAKHOSTING Satisfactory server, stop the server, open Satisfactory Mod Manager (SMM) 3 or later on your PC, click **Manage Servers** and add your server with an SFTP address from the Game Panel. Select the server, install server-compatible mods from ficsit.app, start the server and give every player the same mods. SMM does the work; the panel has no mod page.

| Fact | Value |
| - | - |
| Tool | Satisfactory Mod Manager 3.0.0 or later (free, from ficsit.app) |
| Connection | SFTP (details in the Game Panel) |
| Mods to use | Only those with a tick in the **Server** column on ficsit.app |
| Players | Must have the same mods as the server |
| Server state | Stopped while you change mods |

## Before you start

* Make a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md).
* Install Satisfactory Mod Manager from [ficsit.app](https://ficsit.app).
* Get your SFTP address, username and port from the panel; see [connect via SFTP](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-connect-via-sftp.md).
* Mods are made by the community, not by Coffee Stain Studios or FREAKHOSTING. Check each mod's page for the game version it supports.

## How to add your server to Satisfactory Mod Manager

**1. Stop the server**

[Stop the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). A running server locks mod files.

**2. Open Manage Servers**

In SMM, under **Other** in the left panel, click **Manage Servers**.

**3. Enter the SFTP address**

Choose SFTP and enter your details in this form: `sftp://username:password@203.0.113.10:port/`. Replace the parts with the SFTP details from the panel. Point it at the root folder of your server; SMM's file browser finds the right folder.

**4. Select the server**

Your server now appears in SMM's **Game Version** list. Select it to manage its mods like a local install.

## How to install mods on the server

**1. Pick server-compatible mods**

On ficsit.app, open a mod and check the **Latest Version** table. A tick in the **Server** column means it supports dedicated servers. In SMM, the compatible filter shows only server-compatible mods while you manage a server.

**2. Install**

Install the mods on the server in SMM.

**3. Install the same mods on your game**

Switch SMM to your own game and install the same mods. Use separate SMM profiles for the server and your game. Don't copy your game's mod folder to the server; files built for the client don't work on a dedicated server.

**4. Start and test**

Start the server, check the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) for errors and join through the Server Manager.

## What to do when a modded server won't let players join

1. Check that every player has exactly the same mods and versions as the server.
2. Remove all mods from the server and your game and check the server works without them.
3. Add the mods back a few at a time to find the one causing the problem.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do mods break when the game updates?

They can. Mods are built for a game version and may need an update after a Satisfactory patch. **Update the server automatically** on **Game settings** keeps the server on the latest version, so check your mods after every game update.

### Can players without mods join a modded server?

No. Players need the same mods as the server, or the game blocks the join.

### Do all mods work on a dedicated server?

No. Only mods with a tick in the **Server** column on ficsit.app support dedicated servers. Some mods exist only for the client or only for the server.

### Can I use FTP instead of SFTP?

SMM supports FTP, but its documentation recommends SFTP. Use the SFTP details from the panel.

## Related guides

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

> [card] [Connect via SFTP](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-connect-via-sftp.md)
>
> Your SFTP address and login.

> [card] [Connection problems](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/satisfactory/satisfactory-server-connection-problems.md)
>
> When players can't join.

> [card] [Experimental branch](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/satisfactory/switching-to-the-satisfactory-experimental-branch.md)
>
> Mods and game versions.

> [card] [Backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md)
>
> Back up before installing mods.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Checked against the official [Satisfactory Modding documentation](https://docs.ficsit.app/satisfactory-modding/latest/ForUsers/DedicatedServerSetup.html)** on 2 November 2026; SFTP details from our Game Panel. Steps may change with new versions of Satisfactory Mod Manager.

> [!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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