> ## 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 Switch Your Satisfactory Server to the Experimental Branch

> Switch a Satisfactory dedicated server to Experimental with Game branch on the Game settings page, update it, and put your game on Experimental in Steam.

To switch a FREAKHOSTING Satisfactory server to the experimental branch, back it up, open **Game settings**, set **Game branch** to **Experimental**, save and restart with **Update the server automatically** on, so the server downloads the experimental build. Every player must also switch their game to Experimental. A save made on Experimental cannot be loaded on Stable, so keep a backup of your stable save.

| Fact | Value |
| - | - |
| Panel setting | **Game settings** > **Updates and reports** > **Game branch** |
| Options | **Stable** (default), **Public**, **Experimental** |
| Startup variable | **\[Advanced] Branch Name** (`public`, `experimental` or empty) |
| Needs | **Update the server automatically** on |
| Saves | A save from a newer branch cannot be loaded by an older one |

## Before you start

* Make a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md). It is your way back to Stable.
* Make sure every player is willing to switch. Players on Stable can't join an Experimental server.

## How to switch the server to Experimental

**1. Stop the server**

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

**2. Change Game branch**

Open **Game settings** under **GAME SETTINGS**. Under **Updates and reports**, set **Game branch** to **Experimental**. The panel warns: "Switching branch needs the server to be reinstalled or updated, and a save from a newer branch cannot be loaded by an older one."

**3. Check automatic updates**

Leave **Update the server automatically** on. The **Startup** page notes that **Automatic Updates** and **\[Repair] Validate Server Files** must be set to `1` to switch branches on a server that is already installed.

**4. Turn on file validation for one start**

On the **Startup** page, set **\[Repair] Validate Server Files** to `1`. It makes the start much slower, so clear it again after the switch.

**5. Save and start**

Review and save the change, then start the server. Watch the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) while SteamCMD downloads the experimental build.

## How to switch your game to Experimental on Steam

1. In your Steam library, right-click **Satisfactory** and choose **Properties**.
2. Open the **Betas** tab and select the experimental branch.
3. Let Steam update the game, then connect through the Server Manager as usual.

## How to go back to Stable

Set **Game branch** back to **Stable**, validate the files once as above and restart. Then [restore the backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) you made before the switch, or upload a stable save. Saves made on Experimental will not load on Stable. Switch your game back in Steam's **Betas** tab too.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the difference between Stable and Public?

Both run the normal release of the game. **Public** is the name of that branch on Steam; choose **Stable** or **Public** unless you want Experimental.

### Why can't my friends join after I switched?

Their game is still on Stable. Everyone must use the same branch and version as the server. See [connection problems](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/satisfactory/satisfactory-server-connection-problems.md).

### Do mods work on Experimental?

Often not. Mods are built for a game version and may stop working until they are updated. See [install mods](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/satisfactory/how-to-install-mods-on-a-satisfactory-server.md).

### Can I load my Experimental save on Stable later?

No. A save from a newer branch cannot be loaded by an older one. Keep your stable save or backup.

## Related guides

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

> [card] [Server settings explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/satisfactory/satisfactory-server-settings-explained.md)
>
> Every setting on Game settings.

> [card] [Save not loading](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/satisfactory/satisfactory-save-not-loading-on-server.md)
>
> Branch and version problems with saves.

> [card] [Startup variables](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-configure-startup-variables.md)
>
> Validate Server Files and Branch Name.

> [card] [Backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md)
>
> Your way back to Stable.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 2 November 2026 (Satisfactory 1.2 dedicated server, stable branch). 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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