Mods can add useful tools and content to a Satisfactory factory. Before installing one, check that it supports your game version and branch, confirm its dependencies and client requirements, and protect your save.
The server owner can connect Satisfactory Mod Manager (SMM) to the server through the Mods area. SMM installs, removes, and updates server mods over SFTP. Check the mod author’s compatibility notes before changing your factory; mods can require particular game branches, versions, dependencies, or client files.
Connect Satisfactory Mod Manager
As the server owner, open Mods and use the displayed SFTP details in SMM. In SMM, choose Other → Manage Servers → SFTP and enter the connection values from MaximusHost. Set the installation path to the folder containing `FactoryServer.sh`, then use SMM to manage the mods you have checked for compatibility.
The SFTP credentials are visible to the server owner. Keep them private. If you regenerate the password in Mods, update the saved password in SMM; the previous password will no longer connect.
Check compatibility before changing a server
Before adding or updating anything, confirm all of the following:
- The mod supports the Satisfactory game version and branch used by the server.
- Required dependencies are installed at compatible versions.
- Players have every client-required mod and matching versions where the mod author requires them.
- The existing save is compatible with the proposed mod change.
- The mod author’s installation and update notes do not call for a different sequence.
Public and Experimental branches can differ. A mod that works on one branch may not be ready for the other, and a game update can temporarily invalidate a previously working set. Do not use a resource increase to try to solve an incompatible mod stack.
Make a safe change plan
Treat a mod change like a controlled maintenance task rather than a quick in-game toggle. Before altering a shared factory:
- Tell players when the server will be changed and which versions they need.
- Record the current game branch, installed mod versions, and any dependency versions.
- Create a manual save in the Satisfactory management area.
- Stop the game server from MaximusHost before changing its server-side mod files.
- Change one related group of mods at a time where practical.
Create a manual save before the change. Some mods alter save data or need a specific removal procedure, so follow the mod author’s instructions before removing one from an established factory.
Test before inviting the whole group
Start the server after the planned change and inspect its status and logs. First connect with one person who has the expected client setup. Then test the core actions that matter for your factory: loading the target session, joining, interacting with modded content, and saving.
If the test fails, check startup and runtime messages in Console and Logs. Compare the installed versions with the mod author’s requirements, then address one issue at a time.
Updating a working mod set
Game and mod updates are the time to be especially cautious. A safe update cycle is:
- Check release notes for the game branch, each mod, and dependencies.
- Create a manual save and record the known-good versions.
- Stop the server.
- Apply the smallest compatible update set through SMM.
- Start the server and test with a small group.
- Watch logs and verify the saved factory behaves as expected before inviting everyone back.
Avoid mixing a branch switch, large game update, and unrelated gameplay-mod update when you can stage them separately. It is much easier to diagnose one meaningful change than several combined changes.
Diagnose startup and connection failures
If the server does not start or players cannot join after a mod change, check the branch, missing dependencies, client/server versions, and whether the mod supports the active game build. Review the Satisfactory manager’s status and logs before changing resources.
To remove a problematic mod, follow its supported removal instructions and use the manual save you made before the change if you need to return to the earlier factory.
Next step
See Satisfactory hosting for server requirements, and follow the creation guide to get started. Test the modded factory with a small group before your full session.
