Reset or Wipe a Satisfactory Server Save Safely

Updated 9 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Resetting a Satisfactory dedicated server save lets you start a fresh world; restoring a backup can recover a world that was accidentally overwritten or damaged. Before changing files, stop the server and make a separate copy of its save folder. The exact folder location depends on the operating system and how the server was installed.

What You’ll Need

Access to the server’s files, either directly or through its hosting provider’s file manager or control panel.
Permission to stop and start the dedicated server.
Enough storage for a backup of the current save.
The intended save file, if you are restoring or replacing a world. Check that it is a Satisfactory save file and that you know which world it contains.

Step-by-Step

Tell players and identify the right server. Ask everyone to leave the world and announce the downtime. If you operate more than one server, record its name, address, and installation or instance so you do not alter the wrong save.
Stop the server cleanly. Use the hosting panel’s stop command or the method you normally use to shut down the dedicated server. Wait until the panel reports it is stopped, or the server process has exited. Do not delete or move save files while the server is running: it may still be writing progress to disk.
Locate the save directory. Open the server’s configured save location. For a typical dedicated server, saves are stored under the server’s user data in a FactoryGame/Saved/SaveGames folder; the precise path varies with operating system, account, installation method, and configuration. On a hosted server, use its file manager or ask the provider where saves are stored. Look for folders or files associated with the world and server, and confirm their dates and sizes before proceeding.
Make and verify a backup. Copy the entire relevant save directory to a different folder or download it to your computer. Name the copy with the server and date, such as server-backup-2026-11-08. Confirm the copy contains the expected save files and is not empty. If the provider offers snapshots, create one as well; do not treat a snapshot as your only backup.
Choose reset, wipe, or restore. A reset can mean loading a different existing world; a wipe means removing the active world so a new one can be created; a restore means putting a saved copy back. Decide which outcome you want before deleting anything. If unsure, rename or move the active save folder rather than permanently deleting it.
For a clean new world, move the old save out of the active location. With the server stopped, rename the relevant save folder to something unmistakable, such as old-world-do-not-load, or move it outside the server’s save directory. Do not delete the whole Saved or server data directory: it may contain settings, logs, or other worlds. If your server panel has a reset-world option, read its confirmation text and check whether it deletes one world or all saves.
For a replacement world, place the intended save correctly. Copy the selected save into the server’s expected save location, preserving its required folder structure and filename. Avoid overwriting the only copy of another save. If the server uses a configuration setting to select a session or save, check it against the server’s documentation or panel; do not guess at a name or path.
Start the server and verify the result. Start it using the normal control panel or service. Check the server log or panel for a successful startup and any save-loading errors. Connect to the server and confirm that it opens the intended world, with expected progress and player access. If it loads the wrong world, stop it again before making further changes.
Keep the backup until the new world is confirmed. Once you have checked the world and reconnecting players can join, keep the old save for a few days or until everyone confirms the reset was intentional. Delete backups only after verifying that the new save works and that you no longer need the old one.

Common Mistakes

Removing files while the server is live: the server may recreate, overwrite, or corrupt data during shutdown or saving. Stop it fully first.
Deleting the wrong directory: server installations can contain several save locations or multiple worlds. Check names, timestamps, and the configured server instance before changing files.
Assuming “reset” has one meaning: a panel button might reset configuration, restart the process, or delete world data. Read its description and make a backup before using it.
Restoring only part of a save: moving a single file when the save depends on a containing folder or related data can prevent it from loading. Copy the save in its existing structure.
Overwriting a backup: keep the safety copy separate from the active save directory and give it a distinct name.

Tips

Make a fresh backup before every planned wipe or restore, even if you already have an older backup.
Write down the active save’s name and location before changing it. This makes a rollback quicker.
For a shared server, agree on a reset time and tell players whether the old world will be kept or permanently removed.
Use your provider’s documented controls for hosted servers. Providers can use custom paths and reset workflows, so generic file paths may not apply.
Keep separate copies of worlds you may want to revisit. Do not rely on a save remaining recoverable after a hosting plan or server instance is removed.

Troubleshooting

The server starts in the old world. Stop it and check whether another copy of the save remains in the active directory, or whether the server is configured to load a different session. Rename only the confirmed active save, then restart and inspect the log. Ask the host where the instance reads its saves if the location is unclear.

The server will not start or the world fails to load. Stop it and avoid repeated edits to the only copy. Restore the backup to the original save location, keeping the same folder structure, then start the server again. Check the log for file or permission errors. If the backup also fails, contact the host with the log and a copy of the save rather than deleting more files.

The save is missing from the file manager. Confirm you are viewing the correct server instance, user account, and directory. Check whether the provider hides files until the server is stopped. If you cannot identify the save safely, pause and ask the provider for the configured save path.

Players cannot connect after the reset. Confirm the server has finished starting and is advertising the intended world. Check the server’s connection settings and share the correct address with players. If the server log shows a startup or save error, fix that before changing player settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will wiping the save uninstall the dedicated server?
No. Removing or moving a world save normally affects that world, not the server installation. Avoid deleting the broader installation or user data folders.

Can I reset the world without losing the old one?
Yes. Stop the server, back up the save, then move or rename the old world outside the active save location before starting a new one.

Can I restore a save while the server is running?
Do not. Stop the server first so it cannot write to the files while you replace them.

Where are Satisfactory server saves stored?
They are generally under the server user’s saved game data, in a FactoryGame/Saved/SaveGames location. The exact path varies by system, installation, and host.

What should I do if I deleted the wrong save?
Stop the server immediately and check your separate backup, provider snapshots, or downloaded copies. Restore a copy only after confirming the correct server and save location.

Do all players need to reset anything on their own computers?
Usually the reset is made on the server. Players should connect to the correct server and follow any prompt it displays; avoid deleting local files unless you have a specific reason and a separate backup.

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