Kick or Ban Players on an Abiotic Factor Server

Updated 4 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide explains how to kick or ban players on your own Abiotic Factor dedicated server. You’ll learn the exact console commands, how to use them safely, and what to do when a player misbehaves. You’ll need access to the server console (either the window running the server or an admin panel if your host provides one).

What You’ll Need

Access to the server console (the terminal window where the server runs, or a web-based admin panel if you use a hosting service).
Administrator privileges on the server (you must be the server owner or have admin rights).
The player’s in-game name or Steam ID (to target the correct player).

Step-by-Step

Open the server console. If you run the dedicated server from a command line, the console window is where you see logs and can type commands. If you use a hosting panel (like on a game server rental site), look for a “Console” or “Command” tab.
Identify the player. Use the console command listplayers (or players in some versions) to see all connected players. Note their exact name and Steam ID (if shown). Example output: Player: JohnDoe (SteamID: 76561198012345678).
Kick a player temporarily. Type kick "PlayerName" (with quotes if the name has spaces) or kick SteamID. This disconnects them immediately. They can rejoin unless you also ban them.
Ban a player permanently. Type ban "PlayerName" or ban SteamID. This adds them to the server’s ban list, preventing them from joining again. The ban is stored in the server’s banlist.txt file (usually in the server folder).
Confirm the action. The console should show a confirmation message, like Kicked JohnDoe or Banned JohnDoe. If you don’t see it, check for typos.
Manage the ban list (optional). To see who is banned, type banlist. To remove a ban, type unban "PlayerName" or unban SteamID. This is useful if you made a mistake or want to give a second chance.

Common Mistakes

Typing the name wrong. Player names are case-sensitive and must match exactly. Use listplayers to copy the exact name.
Forgetting quotes. If the player’s name contains spaces, you must wrap it in double quotes: kick "Player Name".
Kicking instead of banning. A kick only removes them temporarily; they can rejoin. If you want to keep them out, use ban.
Using the wrong Steam ID. If you use a Steam ID, make sure it’s the 17-digit ID (not the profile URL or custom ID). You can find it in the server logs or by using a Steam ID lookup tool.
Not saving the ban list. Some server configurations require you to manually save the ban list. Check if there’s a save or writeconfig command in your server version.

Tips

Use Steam ID for bans. Bans by Steam ID are more reliable because players can change their display name.
Communicate first. If it’s a minor offense, consider kicking and sending a message explaining why. You can use say "Message" in the console to broadcast to all players.
Keep a record. Note down the Steam IDs of problematic players so you can re-ban them if they try to evade.
Use admin tools if available. Some hosting panels have a web interface with buttons for kick/ban, which can be easier than typing commands.
Test on a friend. Before you need to use it, test the commands with a friend so you’re comfortable with the syntax.

Troubleshooting

Command not recognized. If the console says “Unknown command,” make sure you’re typing it correctly. Check your server version’s documentation for the exact command syntax.
Player not found. If you get “Player not found,” the name or Steam ID might be incorrect. Re-run listplayers and copy the exact info.
Ban not working. If a banned player can still join, the ban list might not be saving. Try using writeconfig or save after banning. Also, check that the banlist file is in the correct location.
Console not accepting input. On some servers, you need to click on the console window first to focus it. If typing does nothing, click the window and try again.
No console access. If you don’t have console access (e.g., using a shared server), you may need to use an admin mod or plugin that provides in-game commands. Check your server’s modding options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I kick a player without banning them?

Yes, use the kick command. They will be disconnected immediately but can rejoin later. This is useful for temporary issues or warnings.

How do I find a player’s Steam ID?

Use the listplayers command in the console. It usually shows the Steam ID next to the player’s name. Alternatively, players can find their own Steam ID by viewing their Steam profile URL (the long number at the end).

What happens when I ban a player?

The player is disconnected and their Steam ID is added to the server’s ban list. They will be unable to join the server again unless the ban is removed.

Can I unban a player?

Yes, use the unban command followed by the player’s name or Steam ID. This removes them from the ban list, allowing them to rejoin.

Do bans expire?

No, bans are permanent unless you manually remove them. There is no automatic expiration.

Can I ban by IP address?

Abiotic Factor’s dedicated server does not have a built-in IP ban command. However, you can use firewall rules or server plugins to ban IPs if needed.

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