By default, your Satisfactory server runs on the Stable (public) branch, the same version most players are on. If you want to test upcoming features early, you can switch your server to the Experimental branch instead directly from your MintServers panel. This guide covers switching branches and switching back.
Experimental is a testing branch for Coffee Stain Studios, not a stable place to keep your main world. It can be less stable and may not work correctly with all mods. Back up your world through the Backups tab before switching, just in case.
Step 1: Set the Branch
experimental to switch to the Experimental branch, or leave it blank for the default Stable branch.Step 2: Enable Automatic Updates and Validate Server Files
Setting the Branch Name alone isn't enough to switch an already-installed server, both of these need to be turned on as well:
Checks for updates on startup and installs them if needed.
Validates every server file against Steam when Automatic Updates is on. This is what actually forces the switch to the new branch, but it significantly increases startup time, so it's worth turning back off once you've confirmed the switch worked.
Step 3: Start Your Server
With the Branch Name set and both toggles enabled, start your server. It'll validate and update against the new branch during this startup, which will take noticeably longer than a normal boot.
If the branch still doesn't seem to switch after starting the server, the Reinstall Server option under Settings re-runs installation from scratch against your current Branch Name setting. Your worlds, plugins, mods, and configurations are typically preserved, but back up through the Backups tab first regardless.
If your players can't connect after a branch switch, double-check that everyone's game client is on the same branch as the server. A client on Stable can't connect to a server running Experimental, and vice versa.
Switching Back to Stable
Clear the Branch Name field, keep Automatic Updates and Validate Server Files enabled, then start your server the same way. Once you've confirmed you're back on Stable, feel free to turn Validate Server Files back off for faster future startups.
Related Guides
Help if a branch switch doesn't take effect or your server won't start afterward.
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