Icarus Dedicated Server: Easy 7-Step Setup Guide (2026)

An Icarus dedicated server lets you and your friends play the survival game Icarus in a persistent world that stays online 24/7, even when the original host logs off. No one has to keep their own PC running, and every player gets a smoother, more stable session.

In this guide, you will learn what an Icarus dedicated server is, the hardware you need, the ports to open and a simple step-by-step setup with SteamCMD. We also cover server settings, admin commands, maintenance tips and quick fixes for common problems.

What Is an Icarus Dedicated Server?

Icarus is a multiplayer PvE survival game developed by RocketWerkz. Players drop onto a hostile planet, gather resources, craft gear and complete missions called prospects. By default, one player hosts the session from their own PC. When that player quits, the world goes offline for everyone.

An Icarus dedicated server solves this problem. It runs the game world on a separate machine that is always on. Players connect to the server directly, so the session no longer depends on one person’s computer or internet connection.

You can run the server on your own Windows PC, on a Linux machine or on a rented dedicated server in a data center.

Benefits of Hosting an Icarus Dedicated Server

Here are the main reasons groups move to an Icarus dedicated server.

1. Continuous Gameplay

Your world runs around the clock. Friends in different time zones can jump in and out whenever they like, without waiting for the host.

2. Better Stability and Lower Lag

A dedicated machine gives the game its own CPU, RAM and bandwidth. This reduces lag, rubber-banding and crashes compared to peer-to-peer hosting on a gaming PC.

3. Full Customization

You control the server name, passwords, player limits, save frequency and prospect settings. You can tune the experience for a casual group or a hardcore squad.

4. Safer Progress

Automatic saves and backups protect hours of progress. If something breaks, you can roll back to an earlier save.

5. Freedom for the Host

The host can turn off their own PC, play other games or travel while the server keeps running.

Icarus Dedicated Server Requirements

Icarus is a heavy game, and its server is demanding too. Use the table below as a guide for a smooth experience.

Fast single-core CPU speed matters a lot for game servers. If you need help choosing parts, read our guide to server hardware components.

Icarus Server Ports

Players cannot connect unless the right ports are open in your firewall and router.

How to Set Up an Icarus Dedicated Server in 7 Steps

Follow these steps to set up an Icarus dedicated server on Windows. The same process works on Linux with SteamCMD and a launch script.

Step 1: Choose Where to Host Your Server

You have two main options:

• Self-host on your own PC. It is free, but your PC must stay on, and your home internet must handle the traffic.
• Rent a dedicated server. You get data center hardware, a fast network, DDoS protection and 24/7 uptime. This is the best option for active groups.

HostNOC dedicated gaming servers give you full root or admin access, so you can install Icarus and any other game you like.

Step 2: Install SteamCMD

SteamCMD is Valve’s official command-line tool for downloading game servers. Create a folder such as C:\SteamCMD, download SteamCMD from Valve and extract it into that folder. Run steamcmd.exe once so it can update itself.

Step 3: Download the Icarus Server Files

Open SteamCMD and run these commands:

force_install_dir C:\IcarusServer
login anonymous
app_update 2089300 validate
quit

The app ID 2089300 is the Icarus dedicated server. You do not need to own the game on the server account, because the anonymous login works.

Step 4: Configure ServerSettings.ini

Start the server once so it creates its config files, then stop it. Open the ServerSettings.ini file and edit the settings under the [/Script/Icarus.DedicatedServerSettings] section.

For more tips on tuning a fresh machine, see our guide to server configuration.

Step 5: Create a Launch Script

Create a file called start.bat in your server folder and add a launch command like this:

IcarusServer.exe -log -Port=17777 -QueryPort=27015 -SteamServerName="HostNOC Survivors"

Common launch parameters include -log to show the console, -Port and -QueryPort to set ports, and -MaxPlayers to cap the session size. Double-click the file to start your Icarus dedicated server.

Step 6: Open Your Firewall and Router Ports

Allow UDP ports 17777 and 27015 in Windows Defender Firewall. If you host at home, forward the same ports on your router to your server’s local IP address. On a rented server, simply allow the ports in the server firewall.

Step 7: Connect and Start Playing

Launch Icarus, open the Dedicated Servers tab and search for your server name. Enter the join password, pick your character and start a prospect. Share the server name and password with your friends so they can join too.

Icarus Admin Commands

Once your Icarus dedicated server is running, log in as admin through the in-game chat. Type /AdminLogin followed by your admin password, then use these commands:

Managing an Icarus Dedicated Server

A little regular care keeps your Icarus dedicated server fast and stable.

• Back up your saves. Copy the prospect save files to another drive or cloud storage at least once a day.
• Update after every patch. Run app_update 2089300 validate in SteamCMD after each game update, or players on the new version cannot join.
• Watch CPU and RAM use. Large bases and many players raise resource use. Upgrade before lag becomes a problem.
• Schedule restarts. A daily restart clears memory leaks and keeps performance steady.
• Use strong passwords. Protect both the join and admin passwords.

Our guide to server maintenance covers more best practices.

Self-Hosted vs Rented Icarus Dedicated Server

If your group plays often or has more than a few members, a rented server is usually the better choice.

Icarus Game Modes You Can Run

Your server can host the main Icarus game modes. You can set the mode at launch with the -GameMode parameter.

• Prospect: Timed missions where players drop to the surface, complete objectives and return to orbit before the timer ends.
• Outpost: A relaxed building mode with no mission timer. It is great for practicing base design.
• Open World: A persistent world where your group can build, explore and survive for as long as you like. This mode benefits most from a dedicated server.

Difficulty and hardcore options are set inside the CreateProspect value in ServerSettings.ini, with difficulty levels from 1 to 4.

Tips to Boost Icarus Server Performance

Small changes can make a big difference to how smooth your world feels.

• Use NVMe storage. Fast drives cut loading and save times.
• Pick a nearby location. Host the server close to most players to lower ping.
• Close background apps. On a home PC, stop other programs while the server runs.
• Limit huge builds. Very large bases add load on the CPU and RAM.
• Keep Windows updated. Updated drivers and system patches improve stability and security.

If you want even more power, compare options in our dedicated server guide.

Best Icarus Server Specs by Group Size

The right hardware depends on how many people play and how big your bases get. Use this quick guide to size your Icarus dedicated server.

Large Open World saves grow over time and need more memory as your bases expand. If players report lag late in a long session, adding RAM or moving to a faster CPU usually fixes it. When you rent a server, choose a plan that lets you upgrade without moving your files.

Icarus Dedicated Server Security Tips

Any server that is open to the internet can attract unwanted attention. Follow these simple rules to keep your Icarus dedicated server safe:

• Set a join password. Private servers keep out random players and griefers.
• Use a unique admin password. Never reuse your Steam, email or Windows password.
• Open only the ports you need. Allow UDP 17777 and 27015 and keep everything else closed.
• Use a non-admin Windows account. Run the server under a limited user to reduce risk if something goes wrong.
• Turn on DDoS protection. Game servers are common DDoS targets. Data center hosting usually includes network-level protection.
• Keep remote access locked down. If you manage a rented server through RDP, use strong passwords and limit access by IP address.

How to Back Up and Restore Icarus Saves

Your prospect saves are the most valuable files on the server. Losing them means losing every base, item and hour of progress. Here is a simple backup routine:

1. Stop the server or wait until it is empty, so files are not changing while you copy them.
2. Find the saved prospects folder inside the server’s Saved directory.
3. Copy the folder to a second drive, a NAS or cloud storage.
4. Name each backup with the date, so you can find the right version fast.
5. Keep at least seven days of backups, and delete older copies to save space.

To restore, stop the server, replace the prospect files with your backup copy and start the server again. You can automate the whole process with a scheduled task in Windows or a cron job on Linux.

Common Icarus Server Problems and Fixes

Server Not Showing in the List

Check that UDP 17777 and 27015 are open, and that the server finished loading. Try searching by the exact server name.

Players Cannot Join

Make sure the server and players run the same game version. Update the server with SteamCMD and restart it.

Lag and Rubber-Banding

High CPU use or a weak upload connection usually causes lag. Lower the player count, restart the server or move to stronger hardware.

Server Crashes on Startup

Run app_update 2089300 validate to repair missing files. Also check that your ServerSettings.ini has no typos.

Other Game Servers You Can Host

If your group enjoys survival games, the same hardware can run many other titles. Explore our guides to Conan Exiles server hosting, Valheim server hosting, Palworld server hosting and ARK dedicated server setup.

Conclusion

An Icarus dedicated server gives your group a world that never sleeps. Install the files with SteamCMD, open the right ports, set up ServerSettings.ini and launch the server. Then keep it updated and backed up.

Self-hosting works for small groups, but a rented dedicated server gives you 24/7 uptime, better performance and protection from attacks. Did this guide help you set up your Icarus server? Share your feedback in the comments below.