Starbound Server Hosting Guide

Hey Dev, are you interested in creating your own Starbound server? Perhaps you’ve been playing the game with friends and want to take it to the next level with a customized server. Well, you’ve come to the right place! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about hosting your own Starbound server.

Section 1: Getting Started

Before you start setting up your server, there are a few things you need to have in place. First, you’ll need a dedicated server or a VPS that meets the minimum system requirements for Starbound. This includes:

Minimum System Requirements
OS: Windows XP or later, Mac OS X 10.7 or later, or Linux
CPU: Core 2 Duo or better
RAM: 2 GB or more
Storage: 3 GB or more

If you don’t have a dedicated server or VPS, you can rent one from a hosting provider. There are many providers that offer Starbound server hosting, so do your research and choose one that fits your needs and budget.

Once you have a server or VPS, you’ll need to install the necessary software to run Starbound. This includes:

• Java
• SteamCMD
• Starbound Server files

Installing Java

Java is required to run Starbound. You can download the latest version of Java from the official website: https://www.java.com/en/download/. Follow the instructions to install Java on your server or VPS.

Installing SteamCMD

SteamCMD is a command-line tool used to install and update Steam games, including Starbound. You can download SteamCMD from the official website: https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD. Follow the instructions to install SteamCMD on your server or VPS.

Installing Starbound Server files

Once you have Java and SteamCMD installed, you can download the Starbound Server files. You can download the latest version of Starbound from the SteamCMD command line:

login anonymousforce_install_dir /path/to/your/server/directoryapp_update 211820 validate

Replace “/path/to/your/server/directory” with the path to your server directory. This will download the latest version of Starbound to your server.

Section 2: Configuring Your Server

Now that you have the necessary software installed, it’s time to configure your server. This includes setting up port forwarding, configuring server settings, and installing mods.

Setting up Port Forwarding

In order for other players to connect to your server, you’ll need to set up port forwarding on your router. This will allow incoming connections on the specified port to be forwarded to your server.

The default port for Starbound is 21025, but you can change this in the server configuration file. Consult your router’s documentation for instructions on how to set up port forwarding.

Configuring Server Settings

The Starbound Server files include a server configuration file that you can modify to customize your server settings. This file is located in the “starbound_server.config” file in your server directory.

You can modify settings such as server name, maximum players, and game mode. Consult the Starbound Wiki for a list of available settings and their values: https://starbounder.org/Guide:Server_Configuration.

Installing Mods

One of the great things about Starbound is the ability to install mods to enhance your gameplay experience. There are many mods available on the Steam Workshop and other modding websites.

To install mods on your server, you’ll need to add them to the “mods” folder in your server directory. You can then enable the mods in the server configuration file.

Section 3: Running Your Server

Now that your server is set up and configured, it’s time to start it up and invite your friends to join!

Starting Your Server

To start your server, navigate to your server directory and run the following command:

./starbound_server

This will start the server and display the console output. Keep this window open to monitor the server and make sure everything is running smoothly.

Inviting Players

To invite players to your server, provide them with your server’s IP address and port number. They can then connect to your server using the “Join Game” option in the Starbound main menu.

Section 4: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I host a Starbound server on my home computer?

Yes, you can host a Starbound server on your home computer. However, keep in mind that running a server can be resource-intensive and may impact the performance of your computer.

2. How many players can join my server?

The maximum number of players that can join a Starbound server is determined by the server configuration file. By default, the maximum is 8 players.

3. Can I use mods on my server?

Yes, you can use mods on your Starbound server. Simply add the mods to the “mods” folder in your server directory and enable them in the server configuration file.

4. How do I update my server to the latest version of Starbound?

To update your server to the latest version of Starbound, simply run the SteamCMD command:

login anonymousforce_install_dir /path/to/your/server/directoryapp_update 211820 validate

This will download and install the latest version of Starbound on your server.

5. How do I backup my server?

To backup your Starbound server, simply make a copy of the entire server directory. You can also use backup software or scripts to automate the backup process.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Dev! You’ve now learned everything you need to know to host your own Starbound server. From setting up your server to inviting players, this guide has covered all the essential information you need to get started.