Managing Your Factorio Server Files Through FTP

Running a dedicated Factorio server eventually means digging into its files. Mods, world saves, custom configs, all of these live somewhere on disk, and FTP is how you reach them. The HolyHosting panel ships with built-in FTP access, and you can also use a desktop client like FileZilla when you need to move heavier data around. Both approaches work, both have quirks, and getting comfortable with the directory layout pays off the first time you need to swap a mod or restore a save.

How FTP Access Works on a Factorio Server

There are two routes for opening an FTP session on your server. The first uses the file manager inside the HolyHosting control panel, which only asks for your password and syncs automatically with the server. The second relies on an external client like FileZilla or Cyberduck, which needs the full set of credentials: FTP address, port, username, and password. All of those values live in the panel and can be copied straight from there.

Each option has a clear use case. The web file manager is fast for browsing, editing single configs, and small uploads. External clients shine when you need to move large packs of mods, big world files, or batches of assets, since they sidestep the size caps that come with browser uploads.

Using the Web File Manager

The simplest path is staying inside the panel. Once you log in, the web manager exposes the entire server tree and lets you view, edit, upload, download, and even zip files in place. For routine tasks it covers everything most owners need. The catch is the upload size limit, which makes it impractical for hauling around large archives. If your transfer keeps timing out, that is your sign to switch tools.

Steps:

1. Open your server's control panel and click the FTP / file manager option in your panel sidebar.

1. Type your password into the field and press Login.

1. You now have full access to view, upload, download, or edit files. Make sure the correct server instance is selected before making changes.

Using an External FTP Client

For anything heavy, point a desktop client at the server. FileZilla and Cyberduck are both free, widely used, and reliable. The trade-off is that most clients handle transfers only and lack an in-app text editor, so you will still bounce back to the web panel for quick config tweaks.

Steps:

1. Install FileZilla (or another client of your choice) from its official site.

1. Launch the application once installation finishes.

1. In the HolyHosting panel, open the FTP / file manager section.

1. Copy the FTP Address, Username, Port, and Password.

1. Paste those values into the corresponding fields in your client.

1. Press Quickconnect (or the equivalent button) to initiate the session.

1. When the handshake completes, the server's file tree appears and you can start transferring.

Folders You Will Want to Know

Once you are inside, the file count alone can feel intimidating. Most of it you will never touch. A handful of directories handle the bulk of customization work, and getting to know them first saves a lot of guessing later. There is also a config files section in the panel for general settings and a server settings area with shortcuts for common tweaks, but the underlying files all sit in the same place if you prefer editing by hand.

The `…/saves` folder holds every world hosted on the server. Backing up means copying these files to your local machine. Deleting them wipes the worlds permanently, so treat this directory carefully. Many owners pull periodic copies down purely as a safety net.

Mods live in `…/mods`. By default this folder is empty until you upload something. Adding mod files here, ideally through an external client given the volume mod packs tend to reach, makes them available on the next server start. Removing files here is also how you uninstall mods, so the directory cuts both ways.

Troubleshooting

Failed connections are almost always a credentials problem. Double-check the FTP address, username, port, and password as written in the panel, paying special attention to any trailing whitespace when copying. A flaky internet connection can also cause sporadic drops during long transfers.

If browser uploads keep failing partway through, the most likely culprit is the size limit. Bundling files into a single archive with 7-Zip or WinRAR sometimes helps if the result fits under the cap. Otherwise, fall back to an external client for that specific transfer. The panel also includes built-in zip tools for the reverse case, so pulling down large batches stays manageable.

Missing files after an upload usually trace back to two things. Either the wrong server instance is active, which would have routed your files into a separate directory, or the upload landed in the wrong subfolder by accident. Verify the active instance in the panel before moving large numbers of files, and consider zipping the batch first to keep its structure intact.

Related Reading

• Additional FTP guidance
• Installing mods on a Factorio server
• Uploading singleplayer worlds to a Factorio server
• Granting admin access on your Factorio server
• More Factorio guides