Satisfactory Server Updates: Experimental vs Stable and How to Switch Safely
A Satisfactory server and its players must run the same game version, so after a game update you update the server too. There are two branches: the stable one and Experimental. If you want to be on Experimental, the server and every player have to be on it.
This guide covers updating on ChicagoServers, the SteamCMD commands for people who run their own machine, and how to switch branches without losing a save. It was checked on 2026-11-15 against the community Satisfactory wiki, plus one hosting guide for the save-compatibility warning. On ChicagoServers the panel handles the install, so some of this is reference. Not everything is documented, so back up before any change.
- On ChicagoServers, click Update now on the Steam update bar and then restart. Validate checks the files if something looks wrong.
- Stop the server before updating. Error
0x606usually means it was still running. - On SteamCMD, the Experimental branch is
-beta experimentaland stable is-beta public. Removing the Experimental flag alone may not switch you back. - A save from a newer version may not load on an older one, so back up before switching.
- Server and clients must be on the same branch and version.
On this page
Update the server on ChicagoServers
- Back up
On Backups, choose World and settings (or Whole server) and click Back up now. Save in the game first. See the saves and backups guide.
- Stop the server
Click Stop and wait until it is offline.
- Update
Use Update now on the Steam update bar. If you suspect damaged files, use Validate instead.
- Start and check
Click Start, then confirm in Server Manager that your session loaded. Players need the same game version to join.
Stable vs Experimental
| Stable | Experimental | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The default branch. | A separate branch, selected with its own flag. |
| SteamCMD flag | -beta public | -beta experimental |
| Who can join | Players on the stable build. | Players on Experimental. |
| Compatibility | Saves and mods built for stable. | Saves and mods may not be compatible with stable. |
Everyone must be on the same branch and version. If your group uses mods, check that they support the branch first. See the Satisfactory mods guide.
If you run your own machine
These commands are for a server you manage yourself, not for ChicagoServers. The Satisfactory dedicated server's Steam app ID is 1690800. Shut the server down, then rerun the install command:
steamcmd +force_install_dir <path> +login anonymous +app_update 1690800 validate +quitsteamcmd +force_install_dir <path> +login anonymous +app_update 1690800 -beta experimental validate +quitsteamcmd +force_install_dir <path> +login anonymous +app_update 1690800 -beta public validate +quit- The wiki says that dropping the Experimental flag alone may not switch a server off Experimental. Use
-beta publicto be sure. - With the Steam client, you choose the branch on the game's Betas tab in its properties.
- Stop the server before updating. Error
0x606usually means it was still running, and rebooting the host can fix it if it persists.
Switch branches without losing a save
- Take a backup and keep a copy of the
.savfiles somewhere else. - Check that your mods support the branch you are moving to.
- Switch the server, start it and load your session.
- Have players update or switch their game to the same branch before they join.
Troubleshooting updates
| Problem | Likely cause and fix |
|---|---|
| Players cannot join after an update | They are on a different version or branch. Match the server and the clients. |
| Update fails with 0x606 | The server was still running. Stop it, then update again. |
| Still on Experimental after removing the flag | Use -beta public explicitly. |
| The session does not load | Restore your pre-update backup and check the log on the Console tab. |
| Mods stop working | They may not support the new version yet. See the mods guide. |
For the first-time install and claim, see the setup guide. Looking for a host? See Satisfactory server hosting.
Frequently asked questions
How do I update a Satisfactory dedicated server?
Stop the server, then update it. On ChicagoServers click Update now on the Steam update bar. On your own machine rerun the SteamCMD command with +app_update 1690800 validate.
How do I switch a Satisfactory server to Experimental?
On SteamCMD add -beta experimental to the app_update command. On ChicagoServers contact support to change the branch.
How do I switch back to stable?
Use -beta public in the SteamCMD command. The wiki says removing the Experimental flag alone may not switch the branch.
What does Satisfactory error 0x606 mean?
It usually means the server was still running during the update. Stop it and update again.
Can I load an Experimental save on stable?
A save from a newer version may not load on an older one, so back up first and keep the old backup.