Change Abiotic Factor Server Name: Step-by-Step

Updated 4 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide shows you how to rename your Abiotic Factor dedicated server so the new name appears in the server browser and in-game. You’ll need access to the server’s configuration files, either through a file manager provided by your hosting provider or directly on the machine running the server. The process takes about five minutes and requires a server restart to take effect.

What You’ll Need

Access to the server’s file system (FTP, SFTP, or a hosting control panel file manager).
The server’s configuration file, typically named ServerSettings.ini or Game.ini, depending on your setup.
A text editor (Notepad, Visual Studio Code, etc.) to edit the file.
Permission to restart the server (either via the hosting panel or command line).

Step-by-Step

Locate the configuration file. For a dedicated server, the file is usually in the server’s root directory or in a Saved/Config/WindowsServer folder. If you’re using a hosting provider, check their documentation or file manager for the exact path. Common names: ServerSettings.ini, Game.ini, or Engine.ini.
Open the file with a text editor. Do not use a word processor like Microsoft Word; use a plain text editor to avoid introducing formatting issues.
Find the line that sets the server name. Look for a key like ServerName= or SessionName=. It might be under a section header like [ServerSettings] or [/Script/Engine.GameSession]. If you don’t see it, search for “name” using your editor’s find function (Ctrl+F).
Change the value. Replace the text after the equals sign with your desired server name. For example, if the line is ServerName=My Abiotic Server, change it to ServerName=My Cool New Name. Keep the name under 64 characters to avoid issues with the server browser.
Save the file. Ensure you save it with the same encoding (usually UTF-8) and the same filename. If your editor asks about encoding, choose UTF-8.
Restart the server. This is essential for the change to take effect. Use your hosting panel’s restart button, or if you’re running the server manually, stop the process and start it again. Wait for the server to fully boot up.
Verify the change. Open the server browser in Abiotic Factor and look for your server. The new name should appear. You can also join the server and press Tab to see the session name.

Common Mistakes

Editing the wrong file. Some setups have multiple .ini files. Make sure you’re editing the one that the server actually reads. When in doubt, check the server’s startup log for the config file path.
Using a rich text editor. Copying text from a word processor can embed invisible formatting characters that break the config file. Use a plain text editor.
Forgetting to restart. The server name is loaded at startup. Simply saving the file won’t change it until the server is restarted.
Leaving the old name in the browser cache. The server browser may cache the old name for a few minutes. Wait a bit and refresh the list.
Using special characters. Some characters like <, >, &, or quotes can cause issues. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and basic punctuation like hyphens or underscores.

Tips

Back up the config file before editing. If something goes wrong, you can restore the original.
Use a descriptive name that includes the server’s purpose, e.g., “[EU] Friendly PvE Server” so players know what to expect.
If you’re using a hosting panel, there might be a dedicated field for the server name in the panel’s settings. In that case, edit it there instead of the file.
Check the server’s log after restart to confirm the name was applied. Look for a line like “ServerName: Your New Name”.
For a LAN game, the host can change the session name in the game’s host settings before starting. This guide is for dedicated servers.

Troubleshooting

The server name didn’t change after restart. First, confirm you edited the correct file. Check the server’s startup log to see which config file it loaded. Also, ensure you saved the file before restarting. If the file is read-only, change its permissions.

The server won’t start after editing. This usually means the config file has a syntax error. Restore the backup you made, then carefully re-apply your changes using a plain text editor. Double-check for missing equals signs or stray characters.

The name shows the old one in the browser. The server browser may take a few minutes to refresh. Also, ensure you’re looking at the correct server (same IP/port). If you’re using a query port, the server may need to be fully reachable.

I can’t find the config file. If you’re using a hosting provider, consult their knowledge base or support. For a local server, check the server’s installation folder, often under AbioticFactor/Saved/Config/WindowsServer.

The name appears with weird characters. This is likely due to encoding issues. Save the file as UTF-8 without BOM. Avoid using non-ASCII characters like emojis or accented letters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the server name without restarting?

No. The server reads the configuration at startup, so a restart is required for the change to take effect.

Where exactly is the ServerSettings.ini file located?

For a dedicated server, it’s usually in the Saved/Config/WindowsServer folder inside the server’s installation directory. If you’re using a hosting provider, the path may be different; check their file manager or documentation.

What is the maximum length for a server name?

The game client may not display names longer than 64 characters, so it’s best to keep it under that limit.

Can I use spaces and punctuation in the name?

Yes, spaces, hyphens, underscores, and periods are generally safe. Avoid special characters like <, >, &, and quotes.

Will changing the name affect player data or world saves?

No. The server name is independent of world saves. Your world and player data remain unchanged.

I’m using a hosting panel; is there a simpler way?

Most hosting panels have a “Server Name” field in the server settings. Use that instead of editing the file directly, as the panel will handle the config correctly.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.