How to Host a Starbound Server

Hello Dev, have you ever wanted to play Starbound with your friends, but found that the public servers just weren’t cutting it? Or maybe you want to create your own world of adventure to explore. Whatever your reason, hosting a Starbound server can be a fun and rewarding experience. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process, from setting up the server to troubleshooting common issues.

Before We Begin: System Requirements

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of hosting a Starbound server, it’s important to make sure your system is up to the task. Here are the recommended system requirements:

Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
OS: Windows XP or later, Linux, Mac OS X 10.7 or later	OS: Windows 7 or later, Linux, Mac OS X 10.9 or later
CPU: 2.0 GHz processor	CPU: 3.0 GHz processor
RAM: 2 GB	RAM: 4 GB
Hard Drive: 500 MB of free space	Hard Drive: 1 GB of free space

If your system meets these requirements, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Step 1: Downloading the Server Files

The first step in hosting a Starbound server is to download the server files. You can download these files from the Starbound website. Make sure to choose the correct version of the server files for your operating system.

Once you’ve downloaded the server files, extract them to a location on your hard drive. This will create a folder containing all the necessary files to run the server.

Step 2: Configuring the Server Settings

Before you start the server, you’ll need to configure a few settings. Open the server configuration file, which is located in the server folder. This file controls various aspects of the server, such as the server name, port number, and server rules. Make sure to save any changes you make to this file.

Here are some recommended server settings:

• Server Name: Choose a name that accurately reflects your server’s theme or purpose.
• Port Number: By default, Starbound servers use port number 21025. You can change this if necessary.
• Max Players: Set the maximum number of players who can join your server. This can be changed later if necessary.
• Server Password: If you want to restrict access to your server, set a password here.
• Server Rules: Use this field to specify any rules or guidelines for your server.

Step 3: Starting the Server

Now that you’ve configured the server settings, it’s time to start the server. Navigate to the server folder and run the executable file for your operating system. This will launch the server and create a console window.

In the console window, you should see messages indicating that the server has started successfully. You can now connect to your server using the Starbound client.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

While hosting a Starbound server is generally a smooth process, there are a few issues that you might encounter. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

Unable to Connect to the Server

If you or your friends are unable to connect to the server, make sure the server is running and that the correct IP address and port number are being used. You may also need to configure your firewall to allow incoming connections on the server port.

Crashes or Freezes

If the server is crashing or freezing, make sure your system meets the recommended system requirements. You can also try reducing the maximum number of players or disabling any mods that may be causing compatibility issues.

Performance Issues

If the server is experiencing poor performance, try reducing the maximum number of players or disabling any unnecessary features, such as NPC spawns or weather effects.

FAQ

Q: Can I host a Starbound server on a dedicated server?

A: Yes, you can host a Starbound server on a dedicated server. You will need to follow the same steps as hosting on a personal computer.

Q: Does hosting a Starbound server require a lot of bandwidth?

A: Hosting a Starbound server requires relatively little bandwidth, as the data being transferred is primarily text-based. However, it is important to ensure that your internet connection is stable and capable of supporting multiple players.

Q: Can I use mods on my server?

A: Yes, you can use mods on your server. However, keep in mind that all players who join your server will need to have the same mods installed in order to play together.

Q: Can I change the server settings after the server has started?

A: Yes, you can change the server settings while the server is running. Simply edit the server configuration file and save your changes.

Q: Is it possible to run multiple Starbound servers on the same machine?

A: Yes, it is possible to run multiple Starbound servers on the same machine. Simply create multiple server folders and configure each server’s settings accordingly.

And that’s it, Dev! You should now have a fully functional Starbound server that you can enjoy with your friends. Happy exploring!