How to Host a StarMade Server

Greetings, Dev! Are you interested in hosting your very own StarMade server? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will take you through the step-by-step process of setting up your server and optimizing it for the best performance possible.

1. Introduction

If you’re not familiar with StarMade, it’s a sandbox-style game that allows players to build and explore their own space stations and ships. Hosting your own server can be a great way to play with friends or build a community around a shared interest.

Before we dive in, it’s important to note that hosting a server can be a complicated process. If you’re not confident in your technical abilities, it may be best to use a hosting service instead of doing it yourself. However, with a little patience and perseverance, anyone can set up their own StarMade server.

2. System Requirements

Before you get started, it’s important to make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements for hosting a server. According to the official StarMade website, you’ll need:

Component	Minimum Requirement
CPU	Dual-core 2.0 GHz
RAM	4 GB
Storage	6 GB free space
Internet Connection	5 Mbps upload speed

If your computer doesn’t meet these requirements, you may still be able to host a server, but you’ll likely experience performance issues.

3. Port Forwarding

The first step in setting up your server is to configure your router to allow incoming traffic on the port StarMade uses to communicate. This is called port forwarding. The process for port forwarding can vary depending on your router, but typically involves accessing your router’s configuration page and forwarding traffic from a specific port to your computer’s IP address.

You can find detailed instructions for your specific router by searching online or consulting your router’s documentation.

4. Downloading StarMade Server

Once you’ve configured port forwarding, it’s time to download the StarMade server software. You can download the latest version from the official website.

Once you’ve downloaded the server software, extract it to a folder on your computer. This folder will contain all the files necessary to run your server. Make sure to save this folder in a location that’s easy to find and won’t be accidentally deleted.

5. Configuring Your Server Settings

Before running your server for the first time, you’ll need to configure a few settings. Open the server.properties file in your server folder with a text editor (such as Notepad) to edit the settings.

Server Name and Description

The first setting you’ll want to change is the server name and description. Look for the following lines:

#Server nameserverName=#Server descriptionserverDescription=

Enter your desired server name and description between the equals sign and the line break. For example:

#Server nameserverName=My StarMade Server#Server descriptionserverDescription=Welcome to my server!

Server Password

If you want to restrict access to your server, you can set a password. Look for the following line:

#Server passwordserverPassword=

Enter your desired password between the equals sign and the line break. For example:

#Server passwordserverPassword=MyPassword123

Anyone who wants to join your server will now need to enter this password to connect.

Advanced Settings

If you’re comfortable with more advanced settings, you can also tweak things like game difficulty, player limits, and more. The server.properties file has detailed explanations of each setting.

6. Running Your Server

Once you’ve configured your server settings, it’s time to run your server. Open a command prompt (on Windows, press the Windows key + R and enter “cmd” in the Run box) and navigate to your server folder using the “cd” command.

Once you’re in your server folder, type the following command:

java -Xms1024m -Xmx2048m -jar StarMade.jar -server

This command launches the StarMade server software and tells it to start a server session with the default settings. You can customize this command to include your desired settings, but be sure to include the “-server” flag at the end.

7. Connecting to Your Server

With your server running, it’s time to connect to it and start playing! Open StarMade on your computer and click the “Join Server” button. Enter your server’s IP address and the port number you forwarded earlier (default is 4242).

If your server is password-protected, enter the password you set earlier.

Once you’re connected to your server, you can start building, exploring, and playing with friends!

8. Troubleshooting

If you’re experiencing issues with your server, there are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the issue:

Check Your Firewall Settings

Make sure your firewall isn’t blocking incoming traffic on the port your server is using.

Check Your Router Settings

Double-check that you’ve configured port forwarding correctly and that your router is properly forwarding incoming traffic to your computer.

Check Your Server Logs

If your server is crashing or experiencing other issues, check the server logs (located in your server folder) for any error messages or warnings.

FAQ

Q. Can I use a hosting service instead of hosting my own server?

A. Yes! There are several hosting services that offer StarMade servers, which may be a better option if you’re not comfortable with the technical aspects of hosting your own server.

Q. Can I customize my server beyond the settings in the server.properties file?

A. Yes! The StarMade server software includes several command-line options that allow you to customize your server further. Check out the official StarMade wiki for more information.

Q. Can I play on my own server?

A. Yes! You can connect to your own server using the same process as connecting to a server hosted by someone else.

Q. Can I run a server and play the game on the same computer?

A. Yes! However, depending on your computer’s hardware, running a server and playing the game simultaneously may cause performance issues.

Q. Can I run a server without port forwarding?

A. Technically, yes. However, without port forwarding, no one outside your local network will be able to join your server.

Q. Do I need a powerful computer to host a server?

A. Not necessarily. While a more powerful computer will provide better performance, as long as your computer meets the minimum system requirements, you should be able to host a server.

Conclusion

Hosting your own StarMade server can be a rewarding experience that allows you to connect with friends and build amazing creations. With this guide, you should be able to get your server up and running in no time!