A dedicated Starbound server requires a 64-bit OS (Windows, Linux, or macOS), 2+ GHz dual-core CPU, 4GB RAM (8GB recommended for mods), and 10GB of storage. A stable internet connection with 5+ Mbps upload speed is essential for multiplayer. Port 21025 must be open for TCP/UDP traffic. Virtual Private Servers (VPS) or home setups both work.
What Is Dedicated Hosting and How Does It Work?
How to Install Starbound Server Files via SteamCMD?
Download SteamCMD for your OS, create a directory, and run “steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir /starbound +app_update 211820 +quit“. This installs server files. Verify installation by checking for “starbound_server” in the folder. Linux users may need to execute “chmod +x linux/starbound_server” to grant permissions.
How to Configure Starbound Server Settings?
Edit “starbound_server.config” to set server name, max players, and password. Adjust “queryAllPlayers” to “true” for visibility. Modify “gameServerBind” to “*” for multi-IP support. Customize “allowAssetsMismatch” for mod compatibility. Always back up config files before changes to prevent crashes.
Advanced users can fine-tune performance by adjusting “maxThreads” to match CPU core count. For roleplaying servers, enable “allowAdminCommands” for in-game moderation tools. Consider these additional parameters:
| Parameter | Purpose | Recommended Value |
|---|---|---|
| maxTilesPerPacket | Reduces lag in dense areas | 500 |
| playerTimeout | Disconnects inactive players | 600 seconds |
| worldGeneratorThreads | Improves chunk loading | CPU cores -1 |
How to Forward Ports for Starbound Server Connectivity?
Access your router settings, navigate to Port Forwarding, and create a rule for port 21025 (TCP/UDP). Assign a static IP to your server machine to prevent IP conflicts. Test port openness via port checking tools. Firewall exceptions for StarboundServer.exe on all networks are mandatory.
How to Manage and Maintain a Starbound Server?
Use “screen” (Linux) or “tmux” (macOS) to run servers in the background. Schedule daily restarts via cron jobs or Task Scheduler. Monitor RAM/CPU usage with tools like htop or Task Manager. Update server files via SteamCMD weekly. Backup worlds from “/storage/universe” to prevent data loss.
How to Install Mods on a Dedicated Starbound Server?
Download mods from Steam Workshop or Chucklefish forums. Place “.pak” files in “/mods” and update “starbound_server.config” with “"allowAssetsMismatch": true“. Ensure mod versions match between server and clients. Use “starbound.log” to debug mod conflicts. Disable signature checks for non-Workshop mods.
When managing large mod collections, prioritize load order using numerical prefixes (e.g., 01_coremod.pak). For mod dependency resolution, use the following troubleshooting table:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Missing assets | Verify mod installation path |
| Version mismatch | Check mod creator’s patch notes |
| Infinite loading | Disable conflicting UI mods |
How to Troubleshoot Starbound Server Connection Issues?
Check port 21025 status via “telnet [IP] 21025“. Verify server logs for “Server started” messages. Disable IPv6 if clients can’t connect. Whitelist IPs in “serverwhitelist.config” for restricted access. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable if server crashes on launch.
How to Secure a Starbound Server Against Exploits?
Set “serverSecure": true” in config to enable VAC. Use “adminUsers” to restrict console access. Regularly audit mods for malware via VirusTotal. Block DDoS attacks via cloudflare tunneling or VPS firewalls. Avoid publicizing server IP on forums to minimize brute-force attempts.
Expert Views
“Dedicated Starbound servers thrive on consistency. Use Docker containers for environment isolation and rapid deployment. For large communities, split universes across multiple instances using
serverInstanceflags. Always test mod updates in a staging environment first.” – Industry Server Administrator
Conclusion
Setting up a Starbound server demands precise configuration, port management, and proactive maintenance. By following structured steps for installation, mod integration, and security hardening, players can host stable, high-performance servers for seamless cosmic exploration.
FAQ
- Can I run a Starbound server on a Raspberry Pi?
- No – ARM architecture lacks x86_64 support for Starbound binaries.
- Why do players get “Connection Timed Out” errors?
- Incorrect port forwarding or firewall blocks. Verify router rules and disable Windows Defender temporarily.
- How to ban players from a Starbound server?
- Add their UUIDs to “
bannedips.config” or use the “/admin” command in-game.