Short answer
What's the difference between a dedicated server and session hosting?With session hosting the world pauses as soon as the host goes offline. A dedicated server runs 24/7 independently of the host — prospects and progress stay active permanently.
Icarus Server — Overview
Icarus is a survival game in which you complete missions as prospectors on an alien planet. By default, sessions only run while the host is online. With a dedicated server your world persists permanently — you can join, keep building and gather progress at any time, even if no one else is online. This guide shows you the complete setup.
What you need: An Icarus dedicated server (e.g. at Agrar Chaoten) and the game on your PC. The web interface is enough for adjustments; for fine-tuning use an FTP client.
Dedicated Server vs. Session Hosting
Icarus offers two ways to play together:
- Session hosting (in-game): Quick to start, but the world pauses as soon as the host goes offline. Good for spontaneous sessions.
- Dedicated server: Runs 24/7 independently of any host. Prospects stay active, progress and characters are preserved. The right choice for regular groups.
Setting Up the Server
Start the server & note your details
After ordering, your server is up and running. In the web interface you'll find the IP and port (default: 17777). Set a server name and optionally a join password.
Choose a prospect
In the server configuration, set the active prospect (mission world) or an open-world mode. The prospect determines the map and objectives — it is saved server-side.
Adjust server settings
Use the configuration file (ServerSettings) to control player count, difficulty and rules. Restart the server after changes so they take effect.
How Players Join
In-game, go to Play → Join via IP / Dedicated Server and enter the IP:Port combination. Password-protected servers ask for the password when joining. Players keep their character including talents and blueprints — these are account-bound and carry across prospects.
Progress persists: On the dedicated server, completed missions, talents and workshop items are preserved. That way you can tackle prospects one after another without starting from scratch.
Recommended Settings
For relaxed groups: Slightly reduce the oxygen and hunger rates — the focus shifts to building and exploring instead of constant resource management.
Respawn rules: Decide whether players lose their gear on death — it significantly affects the difficulty.
Common Problems
- Server unreachable: Check the IP and port
17777. On rented servers the port is already open. - Settings not applying: Restart the server after changing the configuration file.
- Character missing: Make sure you're connected with the same account — characters are account-bound.
- Switching prospects: Starting a new prospect resets the world — existing buildings are per prospect.
Tips
Backups: Back up your prospect and server files via FTP before starting a new prospect.
Make use of 24/7: The biggest advantage of a dedicated server is the persistent world — plan regular game nights, the world is waiting for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Your Icarus world — always available.
With a dedicated server your prospect runs around the clock, independently of any host. With us your Icarus server starts instantly, with open ports, DDoS protection and servers hosted in Germany.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a dedicated server and session hosting?
Which port does an Icarus server use?
Do characters and talents carry over?
What happens when switching prospects?
Personal support for our customers
Rent a Icarus server with us and you get real people, not a ticket system. Sebbo and Langnesi help you personally on Discord — with setup, mods and troubleshooting. We run these servers ourselves every day, so we know the pitfalls.
Last updated: 2026-06-21 · Written by the Agrar Chaoten team