Hosting an Eco server
Eco, from Strange Loop Games, gives a server a job most games don't: players build a civilisation together, with laws, elected governments and a player-run economy, while a meteor heads for the planet. On default settings it arrives 30 days after the world starts, so an Eco server is expected to stay online around the clock for weeks. The server simulates plants, animals, pollution and trade the whole time, even when nobody is logged in, which is why the hardware matters more than the player count suggests.
What an Eco server needs from a host
- Full file access. Eco's settings live in JSON files with the
.eco extension in the server's Configs folder: world size and generation, the meteor and other disasters, skill gain and collaboration difficulty. A host that only gives you a few panel toggles will limit what you can change.
- Mods in the server's Mods folder. Most Eco mods are server-side files, so check you can upload to that folder and restart cleanly after adding one.
- The web interface port. The Eco server runs a web page beside the game, with the map, laws, elections and economy data that players use between sessions. By default the game uses port 3000 and the web page port 3001. Confirm the host exposes both.
- Uptime and restarts. A server that goes down overnight pauses an economy players are running in real time. Look for automatic restarts after a crash and a host with support that answers quickly.
- Backups before every update. Eco updates can change crafting and world data. Take a backup first so a bad update does not cost you a month-old world.
- Memory headroom as the world grows. Bigger worlds and more buildings raise memory use over the life of a server, so leave room to upgrade the plan without moving hosts.
See the current Eco hosting deals for offers from listed providers. For a whole machine, see dedicated servers.
Eco server hosting FAQ
Why does Eco need a stronger server than it looks?
The server keeps simulating the ecosystem and the economy whether or not anyone is online, so it works around the clock.
How long does an Eco world last?
On default settings the meteor arrives 30 days after the world starts, and the server owner can change that timer or turn the meteor off in the disaster settings. Many communities keep a world running well past it.
Can I run mods on an Eco server?
Yes. Most are added to the server's Mods folder, so choose a host that gives you file access and lets you restart the server yourself.
What ports does an Eco server use?
By default, port 3000 for the game and 3001 for the web interface. Hosted servers set these up for you.
Can I host Eco myself for free?
Yes. The Eco server software is a free download through SteamCMD, so you can run it on your own PC. A host is the simpler choice when the world needs to stay up while your PC is off.
Can I rent an Eco server for PS4 or Xbox?
No. Eco is a PC game, so there are no PlayStation or Xbox Eco servers. Every host on this page runs servers for the PC version.
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