How to Host a Starbound Server: Step-by-Step

Hosting your own Starbound server lets you and your friends explore the universe together in a persistent world that stays online even when you are not playing. This guide walks you through setting up a dedicated server on Windows, macOS, or Linux, covering everything from installation to configuration and troubleshooting. You will need a copy of Starbound, a computer that can run the server, and optionally port forwarding on your router if you want friends outside your local network to join.

What You’ll Need

• A copy of Starbound (the game) – the server files are included free with the game.
• A computer with at least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended) and a stable internet connection.
• Steam client installed (for downloading the dedicated server tool).
• Optional: A router with access to its admin panel to set up port forwarding.

Step-by-Step

1. Install the Dedicated Server Tool
   1. Open Steam and log in to your account.
   2. Go to Library and select Tools from the dropdown menu (not Games).
   3. Find Starbound Dedicated Server in the list. If you don’t see it, use the search bar at the top.
   4. Click Install and wait for the download to finish. The server files will be placed in your Steam common folder, typically C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Starbound Dedicated Server on Windows or ~/Library/Application Support/Steam/steamapps/common/Starbound Dedicated Server on macOS.
2. Launch the Server for the First Time
   1. Navigate to the server folder and run the executable:
      • Windows: StarboundServer.exe
      • macOS/Linux: starbound_server (you may need to run it from the terminal with ./starbound_server)
   2. The server will generate a storage folder containing configuration files and the universe data. This first launch may take a few minutes.
   3. Once you see Server started on port 21025 in the console, the server is running. Press Ctrl+C to stop it.
3. Configure the Server
   1. In the storage folder, open starbound_server.config with a text editor (like Notepad or VS Code).
   2. Key settings to review:
      • "serverName" – the name that appears in the server list.
      • "maxPlayers" – set the maximum number of players (default is 8).
      • "port" – the port the server listens on (default 21025).
      • "password" – set a password to restrict access (optional but recommended for public servers).
      • "allowAdminCommands" and "allowAdminCommandsFromAnyone" – keep these as false unless you know what you are doing.
   3. Save the file and close it.
4. Run the Server
   1. Start the server again using the same executable as before.
   2. Leave the console window open. It shows player connections and server messages.
   3. To keep the server running even when you log off your computer, consider using a tool like screen on Linux or a Windows service wrapper, but that is optional for a small group.
5. Connect to Your Server
   1. Launch Starbound on your gaming computer.
   2. Click Multiplayer and select Join.
   3. Enter your server’s IP address. If you are on the same machine, use localhost or 127.0.0.1.
   4. If you set a password, enter it when prompted.
6. Allow Friends to Join from the Internet (Port Forwarding)
   1. Find your public IP address by searching “what is my IP” in a web browser.
   2. Access your router’s admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 – check your router’s manual).
   3. Log in with your admin credentials.
   4. Look for a section called Port Forwarding, Virtual Server, or NAT.
   5. Create a new rule:
      • Service name: Starbound
      • Protocol: TCP (and UDP if available)
      • External port: 21025
      • Internal port: 21025
      • Internal IP: the local IP of the computer running the server (e.g., 192.168.1.50)
   6. Save the rule and restart the router if prompted.
   7. Share your public IP and the port (e.g., 123.45.67.89:21025) with friends. They will enter this in the multiplayer join screen.

Common Mistakes

• Using the game client instead of the server tool. The server is a separate executable; you cannot host a dedicated server from the game client.
• Not allowing the server through the firewall. Windows or macOS may block the server. Add an exception for the server executable or the port 21025.
• Port forwarding to the wrong IP. Your internal IP can change if DHCP assigns a new address. Set a static IP for your server computer to avoid this.
• Forgetting to set a password. An open server on the internet can be discovered and joined by strangers. Always set a password if you only want friends.
• Editing the config while the server is running. Changes only take effect after a restart.

Tips

• Back up your storage/universe folder regularly. This contains all world data and player progress.
• Use a static IP for your server machine to keep port forwarding stable.
• If you play with mods, both the server and all players must have the same mods installed. The server will reject clients with mismatched mods.
• For better performance, run the server on a computer with a solid-state drive (SSD) and at least 8 GB of RAM.
• Check the server console for error messages; it often tells you exactly what is wrong.

Troubleshooting

• Server won’t start or crashes immediately.
  • Check that you are running the correct executable.
  • Look at the console output for error messages. Common issues include missing files or corrupted configuration. Delete the storage folder and restart to regenerate defaults (this will erase your world).
• Friends can’t connect.
  • Verify the server is running and reachable from your own computer via localhost.
  • Check that your firewall allows inbound connections on port 21025.
  • Confirm the port forwarding rule is correct. Test with an online port checker tool (search “port checker” and enter your public IP and port 21025).
  • Ensure your friends are using the correct IP and port format.
• Players get disconnected frequently.
  • This often indicates network instability or the server computer’s resources are insufficient.
  • Reduce maxPlayers if the server is lagging.
  • Check if your internet upload speed is sufficient (at least 1 Mbps per player is a rough guideline).
• Can’t find the config file.
  • It is created on the first run in the storage folder. If you don’t see it, run the server once and then stop it.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I host a server on the same computer I play on? Yes, but it will use more resources. For a few friends, it’s fine, but for larger groups, a separate machine is better.
• Do all players need to own Starbound? Yes, each player needs their own copy of the game to connect.
• Can I run the server without Steam? The server files are downloaded via Steam, but once installed, the server can run without Steam being open (as long as you don’t need Steam authentication for mods).
• How do I give someone admin rights? In the server console, type admin add <player name>. The player must be online. To remove, use admin remove <player name>.
• Can I use a hosting service instead? Yes, many game server providers offer Starbound hosting, which handles port forwarding and uptime for you. This guide is for self-hosting.
• Why does my server show as “offline” in the server list? The server list is updated via the master server. If your server is behind a strict NAT or not port-forwarded correctly, it may not appear. Players can still join via direct IP.

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