[Request] Allow /permissions configuration via RCON or server config file
Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2026 5:06 am
Problem
Currently, the /permissions command only works through the in-game GUI. This means:
- Headless servers cannot configure permission groups without a player manually connecting and setting them through the GUI
- RCON does not support /permissions, so automation is impossible
- Using /silent-command with game.permissions Lua API permanently disables achievements for the save
- Mods also disable achievements
This creates a situation where automated servers that reset maps on a schedule cannot enforce permission restrictions (e.g., disabling
blueprints) while keeping achievements enabled.
Use Case
I run a speedrun-focused Factorio server that:
- Automatically resets the map on a schedule (multiple times per week)
- Needs achievements enabled (speedrun achievements are the whole point)
- Needs to restrict blueprint usage for fair play
Every time the map resets, an admin must manually connect and configure permissions through the GUI before opening the server to players. This
cannot be automated.
Proposed Solutions (any one would solve this)
1. RCON support for /permissions — Allow setting permission group actions via RCON commands, e.g.:
/permissions set-action Default import_blueprint_string false
2. Config file-based permissions — Load permission groups from a JSON file (e.g., server-permissions.json) on server start, similar to how
server-settings.json works
3. Non-achievement-breaking Lua API access — Allow game.permissions calls without disabling achievements, at least for server admins via RCON
Why This Matters
Factorio has a great headless server and RCON system, but permissions being GUI-only is a gap that prevents full server automation. Option 2
(config file) would be the cleanest solution and consistent with how other server settings already work.
Thank you for considering this!
Currently, the /permissions command only works through the in-game GUI. This means:
- Headless servers cannot configure permission groups without a player manually connecting and setting them through the GUI
- RCON does not support /permissions, so automation is impossible
- Using /silent-command with game.permissions Lua API permanently disables achievements for the save
- Mods also disable achievements
This creates a situation where automated servers that reset maps on a schedule cannot enforce permission restrictions (e.g., disabling
blueprints) while keeping achievements enabled.
Use Case
I run a speedrun-focused Factorio server that:
- Automatically resets the map on a schedule (multiple times per week)
- Needs achievements enabled (speedrun achievements are the whole point)
- Needs to restrict blueprint usage for fair play
Every time the map resets, an admin must manually connect and configure permissions through the GUI before opening the server to players. This
cannot be automated.
Proposed Solutions (any one would solve this)
1. RCON support for /permissions — Allow setting permission group actions via RCON commands, e.g.:
/permissions set-action Default import_blueprint_string false
2. Config file-based permissions — Load permission groups from a JSON file (e.g., server-permissions.json) on server start, similar to how
server-settings.json works
3. Non-achievement-breaking Lua API access — Allow game.permissions calls without disabling achievements, at least for server admins via RCON
Why This Matters
Factorio has a great headless server and RCON system, but permissions being GUI-only is a gap that prevents full server automation. Option 2
(config file) would be the cleanest solution and consistent with how other server settings already work.
Thank you for considering this!