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NolimitHost

How to Enable Experimental Mode on Your Space Engineers Server

Last updated: September 18, 2026

Experimental mode unlocks features that are otherwise restricted on dedicated servers - most importantly, mods and in-game scripts. It also removes the hard CPU-frequency limit the game otherwise enforces.

When You Need It

  • You want to run Steam Workshop mods or the Mod.io equivalent.
  • You want players to use programmable blocks and in-game scripts.
  • Your player count or other settings have pushed the server into needing it - some setups enable it automatically.

Step 1: Stop the Server

In the NolimitHost Game Panel, select your Space Engineers server and stop it from the Console page.

Step 2: Enable It in the Dedicated Config

  1. In the left sidebar, click Files and open SpaceEngineers-Dedicated.cfg.
  2. Find the ExperimentalMode element and set it to true: 
    <ExperimentalMode>true</ExperimentalMode>
  3. Use all lowercase letters with no extra spaces, then save.

Step 3: Enable It in the World (Existing Saves)

If your world already exists, the dedicated config no longer controls session settings, so you must also change the world file:

  1. Open Saves/<world>/Sandbox_config.sbc.
  2. Set the experimental mode value to true there as well.
  3. Save the file, then start the server again.
Important: The dedicated config only seeds a new world. Once a world exists, the server reads session settings from its Sandbox_config.sbc, which is why editing only the dedicated config commonly appears to do nothing. For mods, keep the setting consistent across the dedicated config, Sandbox.sbc, and Sandbox_config.sbc.

Mods and Experimental Mode

  • Steam Workshop mods require experimental mode. Add them to the Mods list in the dedicated config or the world file as ModItem entries with a published file ID.
  • Steam Workshop mods only work when Crossplay is disabled. With crossplay enabled the server uses Mod.io mods instead.
  • After changing the mod list, restart the server so it reloads the list.
Note: Many hosting panels turn experimental mode on by default, precisely so mods and scripts work. Check your panel's settings before editing the file by hand, since panel values can override the config.
Tip: Verify the change took effect by joining and checking that the world shows the experimental tag, or by testing a programmable block. See Connect to Your Server.