You decide which services we may enable for analytics, personalization, and external content.
We use cookies and similar technologies on our website to personalize content, embed external media, and better understand how individual areas are used.
Necessary cookies
These entries support essential functions such as security, stability, and form processing.
Optional sections
Your data may be processed with your consent or on the basis of legitimate interests. In the cookie settings, you can reject or explicitly allow each optional category.
Some services process personal data in third countries. By consenting, you also agree to this transfer. You can find more information in our Privacy Policy.
You can reopen and change your selection at any time. · 1.0.2
The most common issues with your Space Engineers server on a VPS and how to solve them quickly, from mod crashes to lag → Learn more
Running your own Space Engineers server on a VPS is a lot of fun, but it also means taking responsibility when something goes wrong. Crashes, lag, and configuration issues are common challenges that every server owner encounters sooner or later.
To help you spend less time troubleshooting, we’ll show you the most common issues and how to resolve them quickly on your VPS.
FAQ
C:\ZapX-GameServers\space-engineers\logs\server.log. The detailed Space Engineers log is SpaceEngineersDedicated_*.log in the data\ folder. Restarts after crashes are listed in logs\supervisor.log.Space Engineers (space-engineers) - Start shortcut.Space Engineers (space-engineers) - Backup shortcut on your VPS. Your entire VPS is also backed up daily. With an active ZapX Pass, you can restore these backups yourself.Feedback
Was this article helpful?
Your feedback helps us prioritize and improve content.
0 of 0 Users found this article helpful.
Personal support
Need more help than the guide provides?
Our ZAP support team knows your product — briefly describe your issue and we'll help you personally.
Navigation
The causes of server issues are not always immediately obvious. The best place to start is the server output: if you set up Space Engineers using the Game Server Installer, you’ll find it at C:\ZapX-GameServers\space-engineers\logs\server.log. The detailed Space Engineers log is in the data\ folder as SpaceEngineersDedicated_*.log. Restarts after crashes are recorded by the installer in logs\supervisor.log.
If your server doesn’t appear in the server list, first check that it’s running and has finished loading the world. The first startup can take a few minutes while it builds the world. Check SpaceEngineersDedicated_*.log in the data\ folder. Then make sure the ports are open in the Windows Firewall and your VPS’s network firewall. For information about the ports Space Engineers needs, see Space Engineers: Set up a server on your VPS. Also make sure there are no active filters in the server list hiding your server.
Start the server via Remote Desktop using the Space Engineers (space-engineers) - Start shortcut and check server.log. Common causes include an error in the XML of data\SpaceEngineers-Dedicated.cfg (such as an unclosed element), a mod that no longer works, a port already in use by another program, or insufficient memory. If you changed the configuration, try reverting the change.
Nothing ends a good session faster than an unexpected crash. Causes can include an outdated server version, faulty mods, an overloaded VPS, or a misconfiguration. The installer automatically restarts your server after a crash. If it crashes several times in a short period, the installer gives up. You’ll then need to fix the cause and restart the server yourself.
An outdated server prevents players with a newer game version from connecting and can cause crashes. Updates are not installed automatically. Open the Game Server Installer again and select Space Engineers. It will then show Update. Alternatively, use the Space Engineers (space-engineers) - Update shortcut on your VPS.
Crashes are often caused by faulty or outdated mods, especially after a game update. As a test, remove additional mods from data\SpaceEngineers-Dedicated.cfg and start with a minimal configuration. If the issue goes away, add the mods back one at a time and test after each step. For instructions on adding mods, see Space Engineers: Install mods.
Issues such as lag or delays often occur when the configuration is unsuitable, the VPS doesn’t have enough resources, or additional content overloads the system.
Unsuitable settings can increase resource usage and cause lag. Check the values in data\SpaceEngineers-Dedicated.cfg and in your world settings (data\Saves\World\Sandbox_config.sbc), such as the player limit. Large constructions and many mods put additional strain on the server. Stop the server before editing the files.
Space Engineers requires at least 4 GB of memory. The operating system and other programs on the VPS need additional resources. You can check how heavily your VPS is loaded in the ZapX dashboard under Monitoring. If memory or CPU usage remains at full capacity, upgrading your VPS can help. Learn more in Upgrade, downgrade, renewal, and cancellation.
Ping spikes and lag are usually caused by limited VPS resources, a large number of players, or a server location far from your players. First, check resource usage under Monitoring. If you suspect routing issues, see Diagnose network issues with WinMTR/MTR. If you’re still having trouble, contact our support team.
Game servers are occasionally targeted by DDoS attacks that flood them with traffic. Your VPS is protected by our DDoS protection. You can view past attacks in the DDoS Manager for your VPS in the ZapX dashboard, if it’s available at your location. If you suspect an attack is causing issues, contact our support team.
Regular backups can save you a lot of stress. Use the Space Engineers (space-engineers) - Backup shortcut to back up your worlds and SpaceEngineers-Dedicated.cfg as a ZIP file at any time. Use Space Engineers (space-engineers) - Restore to restore them. Your entire VPS is also backed up automatically every day. With an active ZapX Pass, you can restore these backups yourself and create your own. Learn more in Daily backups, restoration, and restricted actions.
These steps should help you resolve your issue. If they don’t, don’t hesitate to contact our support team: simply start a support chat in your ZapX customer account. We’re here for you every day and happy to help! 🙂
© 2026 ZAP-Hosting GmbH
Preferred source on Google
