# Factorio Randomizer Setup Guide
## Required Software
##### Players
- [Factorio](https://factorio.com) - Needed by Players and Hosts
##### Server Hosts
- [Factorio](https://factorio.com) - Needed by Players and Hosts
- [Archipelago](https://github.com/ArchipelagoMW/Archipelago/releases) - Needed by Hosts
## Create a Config (.yaml) File
### What is a config file and why do I need one?
Your config file contains a set of configuration options which provide the generator with information about how it
should generate your game. Each player of a multiworld will provide their own config file. This setup allows each
player to enjoy an experience customized for their taste, and different players in the same multiworld can all have
different options.
### Where do I get a config file?
The [Player Settings](/games/Factorio/player-settings) page on the website allows you to configure
your personal settings and export a config file from them.
### Verifying your config file
If you would like to validate your config file to make sure it works, you may do so on
the [YAML Validator](/mysterycheck) page.
## Connecting to Someone Else's Factorio Game
Connecting to someone else's game is the simplest way to play Factorio with Archipelago. It allows multiple
people to play in a single world, all contributing to the completion of the seed.
1. Acquire the Archipelago mod for this seed. It should be named `AP_*.zip`, where `*` is the seed number.
2. Copy the mod file into your Factorio `mods` folder, which by default is located at:
`C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Roaming\Factorio\mods`
3. Get the server address from the person hosting the game you are joining
4. Launch Factorio
5. Click on "Multiplayer" in the main menu
6. Click on "Connect to address"
7. Enter the address into this box
8. Click "Connect"
## Prepare to Host Your Own Factorio Game
### Defining Some Terms
In Archipelago, multiple Factorio worlds may be played simultaneously. Each of these worlds must be hosted by a
Factorio server, which is connected to the Archipelago Server via middleware.
This guide uses the following terms to refer to the software:
- **Factorio Client** - The Factorio instance which will be used to play the game.
- **Factorio Server** - The Factorio instance which will be used to host the Factorio world. Any number of
Factorio Clients may connect to this server.
- **Archipelago Client** - The middleware software used to connect the Factorio Server to the Archipelago Server.
- **Archipelago Server** - The central Archipelago server, which connects all games to each other.
### What a Playable State Looks Like
- An Archipelago Server
- The generated Factorio Mod, created as a result of running `ArchipelagoGenerate.exe`
- One running instance of `ArchipelagoFactorioClient.exe` (the Archipelago Client) per Factorio world
- A running modded Factorio Server, which should have been started by the Archipelago Client automatically
- A running modded Factorio Client
### Dedicated Server Setup
To play Factorio with Archipelago, a dedicated server setup is required. This dedicated Factorio Server must be
installed separately from your main Factorio Client installation. The recommended way to install two instances
of Factorio on your computer is to download the Factorio installer file directly from
[factorio.com](https://factorio.com/download).
#### If you purchased Factorio on Steam, GOG, etc.
You can register your copy of Factorio on [factorio.com](https://factorio.com/). You will be required to
create an account, if you have not done so already. As part of that process, you will be able to enter your
Factorio product code. This will allow you to download the game directly from their website.
#### Download the Standalone Version
It is recommended to download the standalone version of Factorio for use as a dedicated server. Doing so prevents
any potential conflicts with your currently-installed version of Factorio. Download the file by clicking on the
button appropriate to your operating system, and extract the folder to a convenient location (we recommend
C:\Factorio or similar).
Next, you should launch your Factorio Server by running `factorio.exe`, which is located at: `bin/x64/factorio.exe`.
You will be asked to log-in to your Factorio account using the same credentials you used on Factorio's website.
After you have logged in, you may close the game.
#### Configure your Archipelago Installation
You must modify your `host.yaml` file inside your Archipelago installation directory so that it points to your
standalone Factorio executable. Here is an example of the appropriate setup, note the double `\\` are required:
```yaml
factorio_options:
executable: C:\\factorio\\bin\\x64\\factorio"
```
With all that complete, you are now able to...
## Host Your Own Factorio Game
1. Obtain the Factorio mod for this Archipelago seed. It should be named `AP_*.zip`, where `*` is the seed number.
2. Install the mod into your Factorio Server by copying the zip file into the `mods` folder.
3. Install the mod into your Factorio Client by copying the zip file into the `mods` folder, which is likely located
at `C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Roaming\Factorio\mods`.
4. Obtain the Archipelago Server address from the website's host room, or from the server host.
5. Run your Archipelago Client, which is named `ArchilepagoFactorioClient.exe`. This was installed along with
Archipelago if you chose to include it during the installation process.
6. Enter `/connect [server-address]` into the input box at the bottom of the Archipelago Client and press "Enter"
7. Launch your Factorio Client
8. Click on "Multiplayer" in the main menu
9. Click on "Connect to address"
10. Enter `localhost` into the server address box
11. Click "Connect"
## Allowing Other People to Join Your Game
1. Ensure your Archipelago Client is running.
2. Ensure port `34197` is forwarded to the computer running the Archipelago Client.
3. Obtain your IP address by visiting [this website](https://whatismyip.com/).
4. Provide your IP address to anyone you want to join your game, and have them follow the steps for
"Connecting to Someone Else's Factorio Game" above.
## Troubleshooting
In case any problems should occur, the Archipelago Client will create a file `FactorioClient.txt` in the `/logs`.
The contents of this file may help you troubleshoot an issue on your own and is vital for requesting help from other
people in Archipelago.
## Additional Resources
- [Alternate Tutorial by Umenen](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yZPAaXB-QcetD8FJsmsFrenAHO5V6Y2ctMAyIoT9jS4)
- [Factorio Speedrun Guide](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExLrmK1c7tA)
- [Factorio Wiki](https://wiki.factorio.com/)