DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

How to Edit Sandbox Settings on an Abiotic Factor Server

A practical guide to editing Abiotic Factor server sandbox settings, including conflicting file paths, required INI syntax, restart order, difficulty-number warnings, backups, and troubleshooting.
Length9 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To edit an Abiotic Factor server’s sandbox rules, stop the server, back up the world and configuration files, open the world’s SandboxSettings.ini, ensure its first line is [SandboxSettings], add or change key=value entries, save the file, and start the server again. Most community guides use AbioticFactor/Saved/SaveGames/Server/Worlds/<WorldName>/SandboxSettings.ini, but another hosting layout uses AbioticFactor/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/SandboxSettings.ini. Check which layout your installation actually uses before editing.

What SandboxSettings.ini controls

SandboxSettings.ini is the plain-text configuration file used for world-level sandbox options on a dedicated Abiotic Factor server. It is separate from general server configuration files such as GameUserSettings.ini and Admin.ini. The file consists of a section header followed by settings written as one key=value pair per line.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Community documentation is not fully consistent about the location, automatic creation, or numeric values of particular settings. No official Deep Field Games dedicated-server page currently confirms every path and key described by hosting guides, so treat file names, defaults, and accepted values as patch-sensitive. The procedure below is the safest common method: make a backup, edit while the process is stopped, and verify the result after a restart.

Prepare the server before touching the file

Stop the server completely

Use the stop control in your host panel or stop the dedicated-server process on the machine. Wait until the process is gone before opening the file. A running server can keep sandbox values in memory and write those values back when it shuts down, replacing your edit. Editing during a live session therefore risks losing the change even if the text editor reports a successful save.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Gaoye Blue Light Blocking Glasses
  • BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES: Our blue light glasses for women boast UV400 protection, blocking harmful blue rays from computer screens. With these bluelight glasses women, you can enjoy gaming, reading, or watching TV with no worries of eye strain.
  • EYE RELIEF: Our blue light glasses are engineered to reduce blurry vision or strain caused by prolonged screen time. These womens blue light glasses aid in better sleep by preventing blue light from disrupting your natural sleep cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep, making them the perfect christmas present.
  • COMFORTABLE: Crafted from durable material, our trendy blue light glasses for woman or blue light glasses men ensure long-lasting comfort. The high-transmittance lenses accessories, gamer gifts for men, help keep your eyes relaxed. Perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for gamers men, christmas gifts for men, halloween costumes.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT: These clear blue light glasses feature a lightweight frame, meaning they’ll stay comfy for long-term wear. Perfect as blue blockers glasses for women or mens blue light glasses, these non-prescription fake glasses for men can be worn throughout the day. The blue light blocking glasses women feature polycarbonate HD lenses, which are anti-reflective and restore true color.
  • WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: If you experience any issues, our support team is ready to assist you quickly. These are the perfect costume glasses for cosplay dressing up.

Back up the world and configuration

Create a dated copy before making a large change. At minimum, preserve:

  • The entire world directory for the world you intend to change.
  • SandboxSettings.ini, if it already exists.
  • GameUserSettings.ini.
  • Admin.ini.

Keep the backup outside the active save directory so the server cannot mistake it for another world. If a new setting causes a boot failure or undesirable gameplay, stop the server, restore the original files, and start it again.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Have the right access and editor

You need file-manager, FTP/SFTP, or local filesystem access to the dedicated-server installation and permission to write the configuration directory. Use a plain-text editor rather than a word processor. Preserve the filename exactly, including the .ini extension; some systems hide extensions and can accidentally create SandboxSettings.ini.txt.

Find the correct SandboxSettings.ini location

There are two locations in current community guidance. They may reflect different server packages, host layouts, or game versions rather than two files that should always be edited together.

Rank #2
Windex Gaming Cleaning Wipes, Pre-Moistened Wipes to Instantly Clean all Gaming Gear and Electronics, Resealable Packaging for a Freshness Lock, 25 count (Pack of 1)
  • WINDEX GAMING WIPES: effortlessly clean all your gaming gear and gaming electronics in one easy step with our new Windex Gaming Wipes
  • AMMONIA FREE: our ammonia-free formula is safe to use on all of your favorite gaming equipment like consoles, headsets, controllers, screens, keyboards, and more
  • PRE-MOISTENED WIPES: each wipe instantly removes dust, dirt, and stubborn smudges and fingerprints leaving a streak-free shine
  • ANTI-STATIC: great for cleaning and wiping down your gaming gear and electronics leaving behind no visible residue
  • COMPACT RESEALABLE PACKAGE: store your pack of Windex Gaming Wipes anywhere in your home for whenever a quick and easy wipedown is needed
Layout reported by guides Path How to use it
World-save layout AbioticFactor/Saved/SaveGames/Server/Worlds/<WorldName>/SandboxSettings.ini Look inside the folder whose name matches the world loaded by the server. The fan wiki and Supercraft describe this as the usual per-world location.
WindowsServer configuration layout AbioticFactor/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/SandboxSettings.ini Doomhosting places the server rules here rather than under an individual world directory. Use this layout only when that file is the one your installation actually reads.

Do not assume that a path copied from another host applies to your machine. Search the installation for an existing file named SandboxSettings.ini, inspect the active world directory, and check your host’s documented file tree. If both locations exist, change one at a time and restart so you can determine which file is authoritative; do not maintain conflicting values in both files until you know how your package resolves them.

If the file does not exist

Reports conflict on whether the game generates a sandbox file automatically. GameServerKings says a file is created for each world save, while another host guide says no automatic SandboxSettings.ini appears. The safe response is to create a new plain-text file in the location used by your server, then add the required section header as its first line. If your host panel has a configuration editor, make sure it is editing the same physical path rather than generating a separate template.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Create or edit the file correctly

Keep the required section header

The first line should be exactly:

[SandboxSettings]

One hosting guide warns that entries can be ignored when this header is missing. Avoid placing a blank line, another section, or explanatory text before it. Save the file as ordinary text.

Add one key-value pair per line

Use an equals sign with no need for JSON, commas, braces, or quotation marks. A minimal example is:

Rank #3
Sale
LISEN Cell Phone Stand Phone Holder for Desk, Office Decor Gadgets for Men
  • Ergonomic & Adjustable Design: Fight "text neck" and improve your posture. Designed for comfort, it offers an adjustable height (7.1in-8.5in) (1.4in adjustable range) and angle (5°-85°) Please note: cell phone stand is only 9 inches tall—the length of a standard pencil
  • Without blocking subtitles Perfect for office desk Tiktok Face Time Zoom video—this is the ultimate kitchen desk essential for phones! Perfect viewing experience while reducing neck back strain, A must-have for gamers streamers desk, and anyone who values both style and support!
  • Sleek & Stable Design fits Otterbox Case: Say goodbye to bent cables, tangles, and tip-overs! LISEN’s stylish adjustable desk phone holder features a built-in charging hole and smart cable management, keeping your phone secure and your workspace clutter-free cool gadgets for men
  • ANTI-SLIP DESIGN free hands: The under 10.00 items easy gadgets back and the bottom of this kitchen essentials for women are fully covered by anti-skid silicone, which LISEN stand up desk decor can provide maximum protection device from any scratches and slides
  • Your Perfect Viewing Companion:If your product arrives damaged or breaks within 365 days, reach out to LISEN for a quick and hassle-free solution. Struggling with assembly, like tightening the screw? We’ve got your back! Your experience matters to us. (Product including: phone Holder stand*1, screw*1, hexagon screwdriver*1, specification*1)
[SandboxSettings]
LootRespawnEnabled=False
EnemySpawnRate=1.0

LootRespawnEnabled=False and EnemySpawnRate=1.0 are examples published in community guides, not a complete list of supported options. Copy key spelling and value format exactly from documentation for your game build. A misspelled key may be ignored without an obvious error, while a value outside the accepted range may be rejected or produce unpredictable results.

Change only the lines you understand

If the file already contains settings, edit the existing line instead of adding a second line with the same key. Duplicate entries make it unclear which value the server will use. Keep a copy of the original text so you can identify the exact change during troubleshooting. Do not paste settings from a different game version without checking that the key still exists.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Apply the edit with a controlled restart

  1. Save the file and close the editor or release the remote file transfer so the final contents are committed.
  2. Confirm that the active server process is still stopped. If it restarted automatically after a crash, stop it again before continuing.
  3. Start the server from the host panel or launch command you normally use.
  4. Wait for the server to finish loading, then join the affected world and test the changed behavior.
  5. If the result is unchanged, stop the server and re-check the path, header, key spelling, and value format before trying another edit.

Community guides generally say a server restart is required. The fan wiki distinguishes a reload for local saves from a restart for servers; a dedicated server should therefore be restarted whenever you change its sandbox file.

Changing difficulty safely

Difficulty is the most error-prone sandbox option because community sources disagree about its numeric mapping. Legion Hosting maps Normal to 0 and Hard to 1. Other guides use 1 for Normal, 2 for Hard, and 3 for Apocalyptic, while a fan-wiki sample uses GameDifficulty=1 as the default. These mappings cannot all be correct for the same build.

Rank #4
Ledagic IC+RGBW USB Powered Led Light Bar with App & Remote Control, 2 Pack
  • Easy Installation: Our gaming lights have been designed to enhance your entertainment experience. Simply position the led light bar next to your TV or game console to create a game room environment with ease. They come with USB power and a 60 inch cord for direct mounting and mobility
  • Audio Syncing & Extensive Mode: The built-in high-sensitivity music sensor allows you to sync the TV led lights to your favorite music. Lights react and move to the beat of music, film and game audio, creating an incredible immersive sound and light experience – and all without the need for an additional hub. You can choose from 64+ patterns, including strobe, illusion, jump, energy, gradient, running, chasing, fluttering mode etc. Each mode can be applied to different scenes
  • 64+ Chasing IC+RGB & W Effect: The independent control design of IC+RGB and white all-in-one multifunctional rgbw led bar lights monitor backlight allows you to easily switch the led lights for desk between IC+RGB and white to enjoy a variety of lighting effects, you can choose white lighting mode with high brightness for better illumination when working, etc. Choose IC+RGB lighting mode when you need to create an entertaining atmosphere for the light show, 16 million colours of Color changing rgb light bar let you dance to the beat and create a dynamic party atmosphere
  • Dynamic and Dimmable Lights: 1%-full brightness free brightness adjustment gives you the flexibility to adjust dimmable led light bar for room decorations or a variety of occasions
  • USB Powered: USB light bars for room can be powered by powernank, usb charger, TV, Monitor, laptop PC mainframe, making behind TV led lighting bar easy to install in any location.TV led lights are powered by the TV usb interface / PC mainframe, can be turned on/off synchronously with TV / PC
Question What is established Safe action
Does the key exist? Community examples use GameDifficulty. Check the file generated by your own server or the documentation for its exact build.
What does each number mean? Published mappings conflict: one uses 0/1, others use 1/2/3. Do not rely on a universal number-to-label table. Confirm the in-game difficulty label after restarting.
Will an existing world accept it? A single Steam discussion reports a setting that did not stick on a server-created world. Test on a backup or disposable world first. Treat the report as an anecdote, not a guaranteed limitation.

A reliable difficulty test

  1. Back up the current world.
  2. Record the difficulty label shown in the game before editing.
  3. Change only the difficulty entry, using the value documented for your server build.
  4. Restart the server and join the same world.
  5. Confirm the displayed label and a gameplay effect associated with the new difficulty.
  6. If the label does not change, restore the backup and verify that you edited the authoritative file rather than a similarly named file in another directory.

If you need a known-good baseline, create a world through the regular game, confirm its difficulty there, and only then evaluate whether the dedicated server accepts the copied world and its settings. The Steam discussion suggesting this workaround is a single user report, so regard it as a diagnostic option rather than an official procedure.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Useful sandbox entries and how to validate them

Loot respawn

The example LootRespawnEnabled=False is intended to disable loot respawn. Before using it on a public world, decide whether players expect existing containers to behave differently and test with a backup. If the line has no effect, check capitalization and whether your build still supports the key; the community material does not establish a universal default or a complete list of loot-related values.

Enemy spawn rate

The example EnemySpawnRate=1.0 demonstrates a decimal value. It should be treated as a syntax example, not proof that every server accepts every decimal or that 1.0 represents a particular percentage. Change one value at a time and observe the result after a full restart. Record the prior value so you can revert without guessing.

Unlisted options

Do not invent keys based only on a setting name seen in a forum post. Key names, ranges, and defaults can change with patches. If a guide does not identify the game version or in-game label, verify the option on a test world and keep the original file available for rollback.

Best Value
Sale
HUANUO FlowLift™ Dual Monitor Stand, Fully Adjustable Gaming Monitor Desk Mount for 13–32″ Computer Screens, Full Motion VESA 75x75/100x100 with C-Clamp & Grommet Base, Each Arm Holds 4.4 to 19.8 lbs
  • Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
  • Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
  • Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
  • Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
  • Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.

Why a change may appear not to work

Symptom Likely cause Recovery
The server starts with the old value. The process was running during the edit and wrote its in-memory settings back at shutdown. Stop it fully, restore the intended line, save, and perform a clean restart.
Every line is ignored. The file lacks the exact [SandboxSettings] header or is not plain text. Make the header the first line, remove formatting, and save as SandboxSettings.ini.
One option is ignored but others work. The key spelling, value format, or option support differs in your patch. Compare the line with a guide for the same build, test one key at a time, and remove duplicate entries.
You cannot find the file at the world path. Your host uses the WindowsServer configuration layout, or the game did not generate the file. Search for the filename, inspect Saved/Config/WindowsServer, and create the file with the required header if it is absent.
The edit affects no players. You changed a different world directory from the one the server loads. Match <WorldName> to the active server world and make a backup before moving or copying files.
Difficulty remains unchanged. The numeric mapping differs by version, or the existing world did not accept the change. Confirm the in-game label, test a backup or newly created world, and restore the previous file if necessary.
A host panel shows no console command for sandbox options. The fan wiki states that sandbox settings cannot be changed through the server console. Edit the file while the server is stopped; do not expect a console command to substitute for the configuration file.

Backups, rollback, and safe experimentation

Use a reversible change sequence

  1. Copy the world folder and the three configuration files to a dated backup location.
  2. Change a single sandbox key.
  3. Restart and test the result with a small group before changing another key.
  4. Write down the old and new values in your server-maintenance notes.
  5. Keep the last known-good backup until players have confirmed that the new behavior is acceptable.

Restore after a bad edit

Stop the server, replace the active SandboxSettings.ini with the backed-up copy, and start the server again. If the world itself was damaged or unexpectedly regenerated, stop it once more and restore the entire world directory rather than only the configuration file. Never overwrite the only backup with a file whose behavior you have not verified.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What is and is not confirmed about current server layouts

The common procedure—stop, edit, and restart—is consistent across the available community guidance. The unresolved parts are the authoritative path for every host, whether the file is auto-created, the numeric difficulty mapping, and whether all existing worlds accept every change. These are practical differences between installations, not instructions to maintain multiple competing files.

Before changing a production world, identify which file your server reads, check the option’s spelling for your game version, and validate the result in-game. That approach avoids the two most expensive mistakes: editing a file the server never loads and discovering after shutdown that an untested change cannot be reversed.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How to Set Up a RedM (RDR2) Server in 2026: License Key, txAdmin and server.cfg, Step by StepBlog11min
  2. Best RedM (RDR2) Server Hosting in 2026: Comparing Four Hosts on Slots, Memory and PriceBlog10min
  3. How to Host a Mindustry Server in 2026: server-release.jar, Port 6567 and the Commands That MatterBlog7min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.