Dedicated servers for Open World prospects

Icarus Server Hosting

Name: Icarus Server Hosting
Brand: Gaming Deluxe
Price: 5.83 USD
Availability: InStock

Icarus server hosting for crews who want an Open World prospect that is waiting for them on the next drop, not stuck on one player's PC. Run outposts, campaigns and long-term bases on Olympus, Styx, Prometheus or Elysium with up to eight prospectors.

Choose your server Test your ping

Excellent on Trustpilot Hosting since 2004 9 locations 24/7 support in 9 languages

Choose your drop team

Icarus Server Hosting: Plans & Pricing

Icarus sessions hold up to 8 players, so the plans stop at 8 slots: 4 for a duo or a small team, 8 for a full crew. The 8 slot plan also comes with more memory, up to 20GB, for big, long-running Open World saves. Longer billing cycles lower the monthly price.

4player slots

8GB RAM
A duo or a four-person drop teamLowest price
- 8GB of RAM included
- Missions and a first Open World
- Lowest monthly price
$5.83/moMonthly, no contract

Order 4
8player slots

12GB RAM
A full 8 player crew, the Icarus maximumFull 8 player crew
- 12GB for a shared Open World
- Every seat Icarus allows
- Room for big bases and tames
$22.90/moMonthly, no contract

Order 8
8player slots

16GB RAM
8 players with extra memory
- 16GB for a sprawling base
- Long-running Open World saves
- Space for several prospects
$28.56/moMonthly, no contract

Order 8
8player slots

20GB RAM
8 players, very large saves
- 20GB of memory
- Heavy automation and farms
- Big multi-biome outposts
$34.22/moMonthly, no contract

Order 8

Every plan: NVMe 7500MB/s · 5.0GHz · Up to 100GB. No setup fee. Upgrades and details

In short

Gaming Deluxe hosts Icarus dedicated servers from $5.83/mo, with plans of 4 to 8 slots and 8GB to 20GB of RAM; Icarus itself allows up to 8 players in a session. Servers run the official Icarus Dedicated Server on 5.0GHz CPUs and NVMe disks in 9 locations in the UK, mainland Europe, the US and Australia, and are built automatically after payment.

Key facts checked against our order form, updated October 15, 2026.

Up to 8 prospectorsThe official cap on every plan
8GB to 20GB RAMMore memory on each bigger plan
9 locationsSame price in the UK, EU, US and Australia
Server lobbyLaunch, resume or switch prospects in game
Bring your prospectMove a local Open World save across
Weekly patchesSteam Update keeps the server in step
DDoS protectionIncluded at all 9 sites
24/7 support in 9 languagesRunning game servers since 2004

Mission control

Manage Icarus Server Hosting from the Game Panel

Icarus does a lot from its own server lobby, and our web panel covers the rest: files, launch options, updates and restarts, all in a browser.

Gaming Deluxe game panel with the service menu, connection and SFTP details and the Stop and Restart buttons

The Gaming Deluxe game panel (here with a Windrose server). Icarus servers use the same panel.

Configuration Files

Open ServerSettings.ini to set the join password, admin password, player count and what happens when the server is empty.

Commandline Manager

Set the server's browser name with -SteamServerName, or launch straight into a chosen prospect at start-up.

File Manager and SFTP

Drop a prospect file from your PC into the server's Prospects folder, or download a copy of the Open World before a risky mission.

Steam Update

Icarus patches most weeks. Pull the new dedicated server build so players who updated can still connect.

Scheduled restarts

Restart at a quiet time of day so a long-running prospect starts fresh.

Statistics and logs

Check CPU and memory use against your plan, and read the log when a prospect refuses to load.

Where Icarus is now

Icarus in 2026: Dangerous Horizons and Weekly Updates

Icarus launched on Steam in December 2021 and RocketWerkz has patched it almost every week since, reaching Week 253 on 8 October 2026. The biggest change this year was the Dangerous Horizons expansion and the free Kepler update in March.

Release3 December 2021Dangerous Horizons5 March 2026LatestWeek 253 · 8 October 2026

Dangerous Horizons and Elysium

Released on 5 March 2026, the expansion adds Elysium, an 8 by 8 km map of desert, tundra, geothermal and volcanic land with the game's first NPC encampment, new creatures, tames and a world boss.

Kepler, free for everyone

Launched alongside it, the free Kepler update brought new resources, a new tech tier and missions with humanoid NPCs on all the existing maps.

A patch most weeks

Weekly updates add things like tameable kiwis, breeding and phenotypes, and new radiation effects on Elysium. Every one means a server update, so keep Steam Update handy.

Match the server to the game

When the game updates before the server does, players cannot join. Update the server from the panel, restart, and the lobby is back.

Modes & platform

Game Modes and Platforms on Icarus Server Hosting

Icarus has three ways to play and RocketWerkz recommends dedicated servers for one of them in particular: the persistent Open World. On platforms it keeps things simple, as a Windows game on Steam.

Game modes

Open World

A persistent prospect with no time limit, where the crew builds a permanent base. The Steam store says dedicated servers are recommended for Open World sessions.

Missions

Limited-time drops with objectives and a timer. They run on a dedicated server too, and can also be played as operations inside Open World.

Outposts

Creative bases for building projects, without a mission clock. Good for the time between drops.

Platform & access

Steam only

Icarus is sold on Steam for Windows, so every player on the server joins from the Steam version through the in-game server browser.

Expansions and DLC

New Frontiers added Prometheus, Dangerous Horizons added Elysium, and Great Hunts brought campaigns. Check which maps the crew owns before you create a prospect on one.

Password or open

Set JoinPassword to keep the server to your crew, or leave it empty so anyone browsing dedicated servers can drop in.

SteamWindows

Memory, sized for you

RAM for Icarus Server Hosting: What Each Plan Includes

RocketWerkz's server documentation gives no memory figures, so this is our own sizing from running Icarus prospects: 8GB on 4 slots, and 12GB up to 20GB on 8 slots. Because Icarus caps every session at 8 players, the bigger memory sizes are really about how big and how old your Open World has become.

Missions or a fresh Open World, up to 4 players
Plan: 4 Slots

RAM included: 8GB

When to add more: Once the base spreads and the crew grows, step up to 12GB.
Shared Open World, up to 8 players
Plan: 8 Slots

RAM included: 12GB

When to add more: If memory use sits near the limit in the panel, move to 16GB.
Mature Open World, many tames and machines
Plan: 8 Slots

RAM included: 16GB

When to add more: Heavy farming and electricity networks may want 20GB.
Large bases on several biomes
Plan: 8 Slots

RAM included: 20GB

When to add more: Plenty for most long-term saves. The order form goes up to 32GB.

RAM tiers on the order form: 8GB, 12GB, 16GB, 20GB, 24GB and 32GB. Upgrade from the client area whenever you like; your prospects stay on the server.

Low ping, worldwide

Icarus Server Hosting Locations and Ping Test

There are 9 locations to choose from in the UK, France, Germany, the United States and Australia. Run the ping test on the PC you play Icarus on and pick the site with the lowest figure for most of the crew.

LondonUnited Kingdom · Europe -

ParisFrance · Europe -

FrankfurtGermany · Europe -

New York (Buffalo)United States · North America -

DallasUnited States · North America -

Los AngelesUnited States · North America -

ChicagoUnited States · North America -

MiamiUnited States · North America No test

SydneyAustralia · Oceania -

In every drop pod

What Icarus Server Hosting Includes

No setup fee, and nothing extra needed to start your first prospect. This is what comes with every Icarus plan, per our order form.

Server softwareThe official Icarus Dedicated Server, kept current with Steam Update
Player slots4 or 8 (Icarus allows up to 8 in a session)
Memory8GB on 4 slots up to 20GB on 8 slots; tiers up to 32GB at checkout
Storage100GB NVMe at 7,500MB/s, with 14,000MB/s drives and up to 200GB as upgrades
CPU5.0GHz included; 5.2GHz+ and 5.6GHz+ available
Locations9, all at one price
ProspectsOpen World, Missions and Outposts, launched from the server lobby
FilesFile Manager and SFTP for prospect uploads and downloads
BackupsOffsite copies kept for 7 days
Protection and helpDDoS filtering at every site and 24/7 ticket support

Optional upgrades

Added at checkout, billed with your plan.

Memory AllocationTiers up to 32GBtiered
Hard DiskNVMe 14,000Mb/sfrom $7.06
CPU Clock Speed5.2GHz+ - 5.6GHz+from $7.06
CPU PriorityHigh CPU Priority - Realtime CPU Priorityfrom $7.06
VIP Ticket Priority SupportPrioritise My Ticket Pleasefrom $2.82
Disk SpaceUp to 120GB - Up to 200GBfrom $9.89

Every plan runs the official Icarus Dedicated Server with the same hardware and locations; only the slot count and bundled RAM change. RAM tiers up to 32GB are on the order form. All 9 locations cost the same, so choose the one nearest your crew. Prices read from our order form on October 14, 2026. Taxes, if any, are shown at checkout.

Built for prospectors

Icarus Server Hosting Features

What a dedicated server changes for an Icarus crew.

An Open World that waits

Your persistent prospect is on the server, ready whoever drops first.

Lobby control

Create, load and resume prospects from the server lobby without touching a file.

Move a solo save

Copy a prospect file from your PC and carry on with friends.

Admin by password

/AdminLogin with your admin password unlocks lobby and prospect commands.

Weekly update ready

Steam Update pulls each new server build in a click.

5.0GHz and NVMe

Fast cores and storage for big bases and busy electricity networks.

Before your first drop

Icarus Server Hosting Essentials

Five settings to get right before your first drop.

Set an admin password
If AdminPassword is empty, anyone who types /AdminLogin becomes an admin. Set one before you share the server.
Stop the empty shutdown
ShutdownIfEmptyFor and ShutdownIfNotJoinedFor default to 300 seconds. A negative value keeps the server running indefinitely.
Resume on start
ResumeProspect is on by default, so after a restart the server reopens the last prospect it ran.
Who can launch prospects
Anyone in the lobby can create or load prospects unless you switch AllowNonAdminsToLaunchProspects off. Deleting is admin-only by default.
Ports are open
Icarus uses a game port (17777 by default) and a Steam query port (27015 by default). Ours are already reachable.

Answers

Icarus Server Hosting Questions

Answers to what Icarus server owners ask us most.

Getting started

How quickly can we start playing?

The server is installed automatically once payment clears and the panel login is emailed to you. Most crews are in the server lobby within a few minutes.

How do players find my Icarus server?

In game, open the HAB menu, choose Join Session, flip the toggle at the top right to dedicated servers and pick your server. The browser name is set with -SteamServerName.

Can I move my existing Open World to the server?

Yes. Copy the prospect's .json file from Icarus\Saved\PlayerData\your Steam ID\Prospects on your PC into the server's PlayerData\DedicatedServer\Prospects folder. Back it up first and never rename it.

How do I make myself an admin?

Set AdminPassword in ServerSettings.ini, then type /AdminLogin and the password in chat or in the lobby. Without a password set, anyone can log in as admin.

Players and prospects

How many players can join an Icarus server?

Up to 8. RocketWerkz caps MaxPlayers at 8, so our plans stop at 8 slots. For large saves, pick the 8 slot plan with more RAM, up to 20GB.

Can the server run Open World, Missions and Outposts?

Yes. From the server lobby you can create or load any of them, or start one automatically with the CreateProspect, LoadProspect or ResumeProspect options.

Why did my server shut down when everyone left?

Icarus shuts the dedicated server down 300 seconds after it empties by default. Set ShutdownIfEmptyFor to a negative number in ServerSettings.ini to keep it running.

Can I stop other players starting new prospects?

Yes. Set AllowNonAdminsToLaunchProspects to false and only logged-in admins can create or load prospects. AllowNonAdminsToDeleteProspects is already false by default.

Updates and saves

What do I do when Icarus updates?

Run Steam Update in the panel and restart. Icarus patches most weeks, and players on the new build cannot join an older server.

Where are prospects saved on the server?

In Saved/PlayerData/DedicatedServer/Prospects, one .json file per prospect. Download a copy before a risky mission; we also keep offsite backups for 7 days.

Billing

How much does Icarus server hosting cost?

The 4 slot plan with 8GB starts at $5.83 a month. The plans table lists every plan for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months; longer terms are cheaper per month.

Can I upgrade later?

Yes. Add RAM or move to a bigger plan from the client area. Your prospects stay on the server.

Is there a minimum term?

No. Monthly billing renews month to month and can be cancelled at any time. 3, 6 and 12 month terms are paid upfront at a lower monthly price.

The complete guide · 5 min read

Icarus Server Hosting: The Complete Guide

A working guide to Icarus dedicated servers: how prospects and the server lobby fit together, the ServerSettings.ini file, keeping the server online, creating prospects from the command line, admin access, moving a save and staying current with weekly updates. Written for the prospector who ends up holding the admin password.

By Matthew Griffin, Owner, Gaming DeluxePublished October 14, 2026 · Updated October 15, 2026

In this guide

Prospects, the Lobby and Why a Server Helps
ServerSettings.ini, Setting by Setting
Keeping the Server Online
Creating and Loading Prospects
Admin Access and Lobby Commands
Moving a Prospect from Your PC
Weekly Updates and Expansions
What to Compare Before Renting an Icarus Server
Icarus Server Glossary
Icarus Server Help

Prospects, the Lobby and Why a Server Helps

Everything in Icarus happens on a prospect: a drop onto one of the planet's maps, saved as its own file. Missions are prospects with objectives and a clock, Open World is a prospect with no clock at all, and Outposts are persistent creative bases. When you host from your own PC, the prospect only runs while you do.

A dedicated server holds the prospects instead. Players join through the in-game server browser, and if no prospect is running they land in the Server Lobby, where they can pick one to launch. RocketWerkz describes dedicated servers as free to run and recommended for Open World, because a persistent base is exactly the thing you do not want tied to one person's evening.

A rented server adds fast hardware, steady bandwidth, DDoS filtering and a panel for files and updates, so the person with the strongest PC no longer has to be the host.

ServerSettings.ini, Setting by Setting

The dedicated server reads Saved/Config/WindowsServer/ServerSettings.ini. Open it from Configuration Files in the panel with the server stopped. These are the settings RocketWerkz documents.

Setting	Default	What it does
JoinPassword	Empty	Password to join; empty means open
MaxPlayers	Max 8	Players at once, from 1 to 8
AdminPassword	Not set	Password for /AdminLogin; empty lets anyone in
ResumeProspect	True	Reopen the last prospect on start-up
LoadProspect / CreateProspect	Not set	Load or create a named prospect on start-up
ShutdownIfNotJoinedFor	300	Seconds to wait for a first player before shutting down
ShutdownIfEmptyFor	300	Seconds after the last player leaves before shutting down
AllowNonAdminsToLaunchProspects	True	Whether anyone in the lobby can start prospects
AllowNonAdminsToDeleteProspects	False	Whether anyone in the lobby can delete prospects

Keeping the Server Online

The two shutdown timers are the setting that catches most new owners. They were designed for players who start a server for a session and want it to tidy up afterwards, so by default the server closes 300 seconds after it empties, or 300 seconds after starting if nobody joins.

Set both to a negative number and the server keeps running with nobody online, which is what a hosted Open World wants.
Leave ResumeProspect on so a restart or an update brings the same prospect straight back.
Schedule a daily restart in the panel at a quiet hour; with ResumeProspect on, the crew will not notice.

Creating and Loading Prospects

Most crews create prospects from the lobby menu, but the server can also start one by itself. The CreateProspect option takes four parts in quotes: the prospect type, a difficulty from 1 (easy) to 4 (extreme), true or false for hardcore, which turns off respawning, and a save name. The save name is required for outposts.

Look up the prospect type name for the map and mode you want in RocketWerkz's prospect name list.
Add -CreateProspect with the four values in the Commandline Manager, or set CreateProspect in ServerSettings.ini.
Start the server once so the prospect is created, then switch to ResumeProspect so later restarts load it instead of making a new one.
Use LoadProspect with a save name to swap between several prospects you keep on the server.

Hardcore prospects remove respawns, so agree on it as a crew. And because Icarus prospects are just files, keeping a Missions run and a long-term Open World side by side on one server is easy.

Admin Access and Lobby Commands

Admin rights in Icarus come from a password rather than a list of IDs. Put a strong AdminPassword in ServerSettings.ini, then type /AdminLogin and the password in chat; in the lobby the slash is optional, and a backslash works as well.

Once logged in, an admin can run the prospect commands LoadProspect, CreateProspect and ResumeProspect from the lobby or over RCON. Combined with AllowNonAdminsToLaunchProspects set to false, that stops a new crew member from accidentally starting a fresh prospect over your Open World.

Moving a Prospect from Your PC

An Open World started in single player can carry on on the server. RocketWerkz's migration steps come down to copying one file without changing it.

Back up the prospect file. Renaming it or editing its JSON corrupts the save permanently.
On your PC, find it under AppData\Local\Icarus\Saved\PlayerData, in the folder named after your Steam ID, then Prospects.
Stop the server and upload the file with SFTP into Saved/PlayerData/DedicatedServer/Prospects.
Start the server and load the prospect from the lobby, or set it in LoadProspect.

Going the other way is the same copy in reverse, which is also the simplest backup of a precious Open World.

Weekly Updates and Expansions

Icarus is one of the most frequently patched survival games around: RocketWerkz numbers its updates by week and reached Week 253 on 8 October 2026, with hotfixes in between. The game will not connect to a server on an older build, so updating the server is part of the routine.

Expansions add maps rather than replacing the game. New Frontiers brought Prometheus, and Dangerous Horizons brought Elysium on 5 March 2026 together with the free Kepler update. Before you create a prospect on an expansion map, check that the crew can play it.

What to Compare Before Renting an Icarus Server

Icarus servers are simple to run once a few details are right. These are the ones worth checking.

Honest player countsIcarus allows 8 players in a session whatever the slot count, so compare plans on RAM and hardware rather than slots.
File access for prospectsMoving a prospect needs direct file access. Look for SFTP and a file manager, not upload-by-ticket.
Config accessYou need to edit ServerSettings.ini yourself, especially the shutdown timers and admin password.
Quick updatesWith weekly patches, a one-click Steam update matters more than raw CPU.
LocationTest ping from where the crew lives and choose the closest data centre.
Contract termsCheck for setup fees and whether you can cancel a monthly plan at any time.

Icarus Server Glossary

Prospect: A single drop onto the planet, saved as its own file: a mission, an Open World or an outpost.
Open World: A persistent prospect without a time limit, where a crew builds a lasting base.
Outpost: A creative, persistent base on a chosen map.
Server Lobby: Where players land on a dedicated server that is not running a prospect.
HAB: The orbital station menu where players choose Join Session.
ServerSettings.ini: The dedicated server's settings file for passwords, players and prospects.
/AdminLogin: The chat command that grants admin rights with the admin password.
Hardcore: A prospect option that turns off respawning.
Elysium: The 8 by 8 km map added by the Dangerous Horizons expansion.

Icarus Server Help

Official documentation and our guides.

How this guide was made: researched from RocketWerkz's dedicated server documentation, the Icarus Steam store page and RocketWerkz's Steam news, drafted with AI assistance, checked against our live order form for every plan, price and location, and reviewed by Matthew Griffin before publishing. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Sources, checked October 15, 2026:

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