Alchemy Factory Server Troubleshooting: Joining, Progress, Server List

Most problems with an Alchemy Factory server come down to one of four causes: a missing or wrong server password, a version mismatch after a game update, the missing save on stop or a disabled server list. The table shows you the quick fix, the sections below explain the details.

The most common problems at a glance

Problem	Most common cause	Fix
Friends can’t join	Password missing, wrong address or outdated server version	Share the password, use IP:Port from the panel, restart the server
”invalid version” message	The game was updated, the server not yet	Restart the server while nobody plays, it updates on start
Progress lost after a restart	The server doesn’t save on stop	Autosave mode 1, wait until everyone has left before stopping
Server missing from the server list	Server list off or Steam session not yet established	Check the toggle, wait a moment, use IP or join code instead

Why can’t my friends join?

Go through these points in order:

1. Password: If you’ve set a server password in the startup variables, all players need it. Check for typos and whether you restarted after changing it.
2. Version: After an Alchemy Factory update, an outdated server rejects players with the message “invalid version”. Restart the server once nobody is playing. It fetches the update automatically on start.
3. Address: Use exactly the IP:Port shown in the panel. Pay particular attention to the port, the default port 9877 doesn’t necessarily apply on our servers.
4. Join code: If the IP doesn’t work, try the join code from the server console. Look for the line [ServerConfig] join address: ... join code: ....
5. Player count: Check in the startup variables that Max players is high enough, and restart. At RespawnHost 1 to 6 players are possible.

Why is my progress gone after a restart?

The Alchemy Factory server does not save when it shuts down. If you stop or restart it, everything since the last autosave is lost.

This is how you prevent it:

• Keep autosave mode at 1 (every 5 minutes). That’s the default.
• Keep pause when empty on. The server then saves automatically when the last player leaves.
• Before every stop or restart, wait until everyone has left. That also applies if you only changed a setting.

If someone set autosave_mode to 3 (never), the server doesn’t save automatically at all. Check the Autosave mode in the panel under Server → Settings → Startup variables. All details are in the guide Upload & back up your save.

Why doesn’t my server show up in the server list?

1. Check the toggle: In the startup variables, “Show in server list” (server_public) must be set to 1. Restart after changing it.
2. Wait a moment: According to the developer, setting up the network session can take several attempts. The server retries automatically, fixed at every 10 seconds with us (session_retry_seconds).
3. Connect another way: Until the server is listed, you can get in via IP:Port or join code. Both work independently of the server list.

Can I use Workshop blueprints on the server?

No. The server can’t download Workshop content. Each player uses blueprints from the Steam Workshop in their own game.

What does “experimental” mean for my server?

Since version 1.0, developer D5 Copperhead explicitly calls the dedicated server experimental. For you that means:

• Updates can change how the server behaves. Create a backup before every update.
• There is no RCON and no REST API. You manage the server through the panel, the console and the in-game chat commands (/admin, /help).
• If something behaves differently than described in this guide, first check that server and game are on the same version, and otherwise contact our support.

Frequently asked questions

What does “invalid version” mean when joining? Server and game are on different versions, restarting the server fetches the update.

Why is the progress gone after a restart? The server doesn’t save on stop, only the last autosave is kept.

How long does it take for my server to appear in the list? That depends on how many attempts the session setup needs, the server retries it automatically.

Do I need to forward ports for Alchemy Factory? No, RespawnHost sets up the ports.

Is there RCON for Alchemy Factory? No, the dedicated server has neither RCON nor a REST API.

Further reading

• Server setup: startup variables, join code and admin
• Upload & back up your save: autosave and backups

No server yet? Alchemy Factory server hosting at RespawnHost.