Host Factorio dedicated server in homelab #83

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opened 2026-05-23 20:54:39 +00:00 by coilysiren · 1 comment

coilysiren commented

2026-05-23 20:54:39 +00:00

Owner

Originally filed by @coilysiren on 2026-05-01T08:12:55Z - https://github.com/coilysiren/infrastructure/issues/77

Why

Factorio is the canonical homelab game: ~150MB Linux headless binary, runs forever, mod portal has a real API, persistent multiplayer, and it's already in heavy rotation (520h+ on Steam).

What

Stand up a Factorio dedicated server somewhere on the homelab (k3s pod likely, kai-server alternative). Expose via Tailscale so friends can join without opening ports.

Acceptance

Container image picked (factoriotools/factorio is the standard)
Persistent volume for saves and mods
Save backup strategy (rotate saves, off-cluster copy)
Mod loading via server-settings.json or mod-list.json from a config volume
Tailscale exposure (or wildcard domain via existing ingress)
Auto-restart on crash
Decide: vanilla server first, or start with a mod stack (Space Age, K2, SE)

Open questions

k3s pod vs systemd unit on kai-server vs docker compose on a worker
Where to store saves long-term (local disk + restic to S3?)
One server or multiple (vanilla + modded namespaces)

_Originally filed by @coilysiren on 2026-05-01T08:12:55Z - [https://github.com/coilysiren/infrastructure/issues/77](https://github.com/coilysiren/infrastructure/issues/77)_ ## Why Factorio is the canonical homelab game: ~150MB Linux headless binary, runs forever, mod portal has a real API, persistent multiplayer, and it's already in heavy rotation (520h+ on Steam). ## What Stand up a Factorio dedicated server somewhere on the homelab (k3s pod likely, kai-server alternative). Expose via Tailscale so friends can join without opening ports. ## Acceptance - [ ] Container image picked (factoriotools/factorio is the standard) - [ ] Persistent volume for saves and mods - [ ] Save backup strategy (rotate saves, off-cluster copy) - [ ] Mod loading via server-settings.json or mod-list.json from a config volume - [ ] Tailscale exposure (or wildcard domain via existing ingress) - [ ] Auto-restart on crash - [ ] Decide: vanilla server first, or start with a mod stack (Space Age, K2, SE) ## Open questions - k3s pod vs systemd unit on kai-server vs docker compose on a worker - Where to store saves long-term (local disk + restic to S3?) - One server or multiple (vanilla + modded namespaces)

coilysiren commented

2026-05-30 05:43:20 +00:00

Author

Owner

Iceboxed in the 2026-05-29 backlog burn-down: Factorio dedicated server hobby toy. Reopen anytime if it becomes real.

coilysiren closed this issue

2026-05-30 05:43:20 +00:00