# Setting Up an Icarus Server

> Set up an Icarus dedicated server: how it differs from session hosting, choosing a prospect, adjusting server settings and joining. Keep your world alive permanently.

**Short answer:** 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.

| | |
| --- | --- |
| Game | Icarus |
| Category | Configuration |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Reading time | 7 min |
| Last updated | 2026-06-21 |
| Language | en |
| Source | https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/icarus-server-einrichten |
| Other language | https://agrarchaoten.com/guides/icarus-server-einrichten |

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## Contents

- [Overview](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/icarus-server-einrichten#ueberblick)
- [Dedicated server vs. session hosting](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/icarus-server-einrichten#dedicated-vs-session)
- [Setting up the server](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/icarus-server-einrichten#einrichten)
- [How players join](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/icarus-server-einrichten#beitreten)
- [Recommended settings](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/icarus-server-einrichten#einstellungen)
- [Common problems](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/icarus-server-einrichten#probleme)
- [Tips](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/icarus-server-einrichten#tipps)
- [FAQ](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/icarus-server-einrichten#faq)

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## 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](https://agrarchaoten.com/gameserver/icarus)) 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

**1. 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.

**2. 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.

**3. 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.

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## Frequently asked questions

**Q: What's the difference between a dedicated server and session hosting?**
A: 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.

**Q: Which port does an Icarus server use?**
A: Port 17777 by default. On rented servers it's already open.

**Q: Do characters and talents carry over?**
A: Yes. Characters, talents and blueprints are tied to your account and persist across prospects, including on a dedicated server.

**Q: What happens when switching prospects?**
A: A new prospect starts a new world. Existing builds are per prospect — back up important saves via FTP beforehand.

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## About this guide

This guide was written by Agrar Chaoten — a German game server host specialising in Icarus.
Rent a server: https://agrarchaoten.com/gameserver

*Source: https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/icarus-server-einrichten*
*Agrar Chaoten — https://agrarchaoten.com*
*Support: support@agrarchaoten.com | Discord: https://discord.gg/YgredRdvY6*