Hosting Your Own Bots & Automation Server: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

Welcome, fellow automation enthusiast! If you're looking to take your Bot & Automation experience to the next level by hosting your own dedicated server, you've come to the right place. Hosting your own server offers unparalleled control, consistent performance, and the freedom to customize your game world exactly how you like it. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right hosting plan to getting your friends connected.

Why Host a Dedicated Bots & Automation Server?

While playing on public servers or using in-game hosting options can be convenient, a dedicated server provides significant advantages:

• Performance & Stability: Dedicated resources mean less lag, fewer disconnects, and a smoother gameplay experience for everyone.
• Uptime: Your server runs 24/7, even when you're offline, allowing friends to play whenever they want.
• Control & Customization: You dictate the rules, install specific mods, manage player access, and tailor the game world to your community's preferences.
• Persistence: Your builds, progress, and automation networks are always saved and accessible.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Hosting Plan

Bots & Automation, especially with complex factories and many players, can be resource-intensive. When selecting a server, you'll primarily be looking at CPU, RAM, and storage. Here's what to consider for 2026:

• CPU: A high clock speed is often more beneficial than a high core count for game servers. Look for modern processors like Intel Xeon E-2300 series or AMD Ryzen 5000/7000 series equivalents.
• RAM: This is crucial. For a small server (2-4 players) with moderate automation, 8GB RAM might suffice. For 4-8 players and complex builds, aim for 16GB. If you plan for 8+ players, extensive modpacks, or massive factories, 32GB or more is highly recommended. Always err on the side of more RAM.
• Storage: SSD or NVMe storage is essential for fast load times and smooth world saving. A minimum of 100GB is usually enough for the game and several save files, but consider 200GB+ if you plan to keep many backups or host multiple instances.
• Bandwidth: While less critical than CPU/RAM for most game servers, sufficient bandwidth ensures smooth data transfer. Most reputable hosts offer ample bandwidth.

ServerPrism offers various plans tailored for different game types and player counts. For Bots & Automation, we recommend starting with a plan that includes at least 16GB of RAM for a balanced experience, upgrading as your factory grows.

Step 2: Deploying Your Bots & Automation Server with ServerPrism

This is where ServerPrism shines, making the process incredibly straightforward. We've streamlined server deployment to be as simple as a few clicks.

1. Sign Up & Choose Your Plan: Head over to the ServerPrism website and select the Bots & Automation hosting plan that best fits your needs based on the recommendations above.
2. Instant Deployment: Once your payment is processed, your server will be deployed instantly. You'll receive an email with your server's IP address, port, and control panel login details.
3. One-Click Installation: Navigate to your ServerPrism control panel. You'll find a dedicated section for Bots & Automation. With our one-click installer, simply select 'Bots & Automation Dedicated Server' and click 'Install'. Our system handles the download, setup, and initial configuration of the server files for you.
4. Runtime Switching: ServerPrism also allows for easy runtime switching. If new stable versions or experimental builds of Bots & Automation are released, you can often switch between them directly from your control panel, ensuring your server stays up-to-date or on your preferred version without manual file transfers.

Step 3: Initial Server Configuration

After installation, you'll want to fine-tune your server settings. Access your server's files via the ServerPrism control panel's file manager or an SFTP client (details provided in your welcome email). The primary configuration file you'll be looking for is typically ServerSettings.ini or similar, located in the main server directory.

Here are some common settings you'll want to adjust:

• ServerName: My Awesome Automation Hub (This is what players will see in the server browser).
• ServerPassword: your_secure_password (Optional, but highly recommended for private servers).
• MaxPlayers: 8 (Set this to match your hosting plan and desired player count).
• SaveGameInterval: 300 (Seconds between automatic saves. 300 is 5 minutes, a good balance).
• WorldSeed: 123456789 (Leave blank for a random seed, or enter a specific one).
• Difficulty: Normal (Adjust as desired: Easy, Normal, Hard).
• AllowCheats: False (Generally keep this False for fair play).

Example ServerSettings.ini snippet:

[ServerSettings]
ServerName=ServerPrism's Automation Hub
ServerPassword=YourSuperSecretPassword
MaxPlayers=8
SaveGameInterval=300
WorldSeed=
Difficulty=Normal
AllowCheats=False

Important: Always save your changes and restart your server from the ServerPrism control panel for the new settings to take effect. Always make backups of your ServerSettings.ini before making major changes.

Step 4: Managing Mods and Custom Content

Bots & Automation has a thriving modding community. Installing mods can significantly enhance your gameplay.

1. Find Compatible Mods: Look for mods on official community hubs or dedicated modding websites that are compatible with your server's current Bots & Automation version.
2. Server-Side vs. Client-Side: Some mods are purely client-side (visuals, UI tweaks) and don't need to be on the server. Others are server-side (new items, gameplay mechanics) and must be installed on both the server and all connecting clients.
3. Installation: Typically, you'll upload mod files (often .pak files or folders) to a specific directory on your server, such as a Mods or Paks folder within your game server directory. Consult the mod's documentation for exact installation paths.
4. Configuration: Some mods might have their own configuration files that need editing after installation. Always check the mod's instructions.

ServerPrism's file manager makes uploading mod files straightforward. For complex modpacks, our one-click modpack installer feature (if available for your chosen modpack) can save you hours of manual work.

Step 5: Connecting to Your Server

Once your server is running and configured, it's time to connect!

1. Launch Bots & Automation: Start the game on your PC.
2. Multiplayer Menu: Navigate to the 'Multiplayer' or 'Join Game' section.
3. Direct Connect: Look for a 'Direct Connect' option. Here, you'll enter your server's IP address and port number. Your ServerPrism welcome email provides this information, typically in the format IP_ADDRESS:PORT (e.g., 192.168.1.100:7777).
4. Enter Password (if applicable): If you set a ServerPassword in your ServerSettings.ini, you'll be prompted to enter it.
5. Join Game: Click 'Connect' or 'Join' and you should be in your new automation world!

Practical Tips and Common Pitfalls

• Backups are Your Best Friend: Regularly back up your world saves. ServerPrism often includes automated backup solutions, but manual backups before major changes (like mod installations) are always wise.
• Firewall Configuration: Ensure your server's firewall (if you're self-hosting, though ServerPrism handles this for you) allows inbound connections on the game's default port (often 7777 for Bots & Automation, but verify your specific server port).
• Monitor Resources: Keep an eye on your server's CPU and RAM usage via the ServerPrism control panel. If performance dips, it's a sign you might need to optimize your factory, reduce player count, or upgrade your hosting plan.
• Server Splitting: For very large communities or extremely resource-intensive automation, consider server splitting. This involves running the game server on one machine and potentially a dedicated database server (if the game supports external databases for saves) on another. ServerPrism supports this advanced configuration for ultimate scalability, allowing you to allocate resources precisely where they're needed.
• Stay Updated: Keep your server and game client updated to the latest stable versions to ensure compatibility and benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes.
• Community Support: The Bots & Automation community is vast and helpful. Don't hesitate to check forums or Discord for specific mod issues or advanced configurations.

Hosting your own Bots & Automation server is a rewarding experience that puts you in complete control of your gameplay environment. With ServerPrism's instant deployment, one-click setup, and robust infrastructure, you'll be building epic factories with your friends in no time. Happy automating!