Are you looking for a reliable Starmade server hosting service? Look no further. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about Starmade server hosting. Whether you are a seasoned player or a new Dev, this guide will help you choose the best hosting provider and set up your server successfully.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Server Requirements
- Choosing a Hosting Provider
- Setting Up Your Server
- Configuring Your Server
- Using Plugins
- Backing Up Your Server
- Server Maintenance
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
Starmade is an exciting sandbox game that allows players to build their own spaceships, explore the galaxy, and engage in epic battles. If you want to play the game with your friends or create a community of players, you will need to host a server. Fortunately, there are many Starmade server hosting providers that offer affordable and reliable services. In this guide, we will help you choose the right hosting provider and set up your server from scratch.
Server Requirements
Before you start looking for hosting providers, you need to make sure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for hosting a Starmade server. Here are the requirements:
Component |
Minimum Requirements |
|---|---|
CPU |
2.0 GHz or faster |
RAM |
4 GB or more |
Storage |
20 GB or more |
Operating System |
Windows 7 or later, Linux (64-bit) |
Make sure that you have a stable internet connection and a static IP address. A dynamic IP address may cause connectivity problems for your players.
Choosing a Hosting Provider
There are many hosting providers that offer Starmade server hosting services. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a provider:
Price and Features
Compare the prices and features of different hosting providers. Some providers offer more features for the same price, while others offer lower prices but fewer features.
Uptime and Reliability
Check the uptime and reliability of the hosting provider. A good provider should offer at least 99.9% uptime and a stable connection.
Customer Support
Make sure that the provider offers good customer support. You may encounter technical issues or need assistance with your server, and a reliable support team can help you solve problems quickly.
Server Locations
Choose a provider that has server locations in the region where most of your players are located. This can help reduce latency and improve the overall gaming experience.
Server Management
If you are new to server hosting, you may want to choose a provider that offers managed services. This means that the provider will take care of server maintenance, updates, and backups, so you can focus on playing the game.
Setting Up Your Server
Once you have chosen a hosting provider, you need to set up your server. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Download Starmade Server
Download the latest version of Starmade Server from the official website. Make sure that you download the correct version for your operating system.
Step 2: Create a New Folder
Create a new folder on your computer where you will store the server files. Name the folder something that is easy to remember, such as “Starmade Server”.
Step 3: Extract Starmade Server
Extract the Starmade Server files to the folder you just created. You can use a program like WinRAR or 7-Zip to extract the files.
Step 4: Run the Server
Double-click on the “ServerStart.bat” file to start the server. This will open a console window and start the server. You may need to accept the terms of service and configure some settings.
Configuring Your Server
Once your server is running, you can configure some settings to customize your gaming experience. Here are some important settings:
Server Name and Description
You can set the name and description of your server by editing the “server.cfg” file. Open the file in a text editor and look for the “serverName” and “serverDescription” settings. Change the values to your desired name and description.
Whitelist and Blacklist
You can add players to the whitelist or blacklist by editing the “whitelist.txt” and “blacklist.txt” files. Add the player’s username to the appropriate file to allow or block them from joining your server.
Maximum Players
You can set the maximum number of players that can join your server by editing the “server.cfg” file. Look for the “maxPlayers” setting and change the value to your desired maximum.
Game Rules
You can customize the game rules by editing the “rules.cfg” file. Look for the various settings and change the values to your desired settings.
Using Plugins
You can enhance your Starmade server with plugins. Plugins are third-party tools that add new features and functionality to your server. Here are some popular plugins:
BluePrintFactory
This plugin allows players to share and download ship blueprints. It also adds a blueprint shop where players can buy and sell blueprints.
Essentials
This plugin adds various features and commands, such as teleportation, player management, and economy.
SimpleVehicles
This plugin adds various vehicles, such as cars, boats, and planes, to the game.
To install a plugin, download the plugin files and place them in the “plugins” folder of your server. Then, restart the server.
Backing Up Your Server
It is important to regularly back up your server to prevent data loss. Here are some methods:
Manual Backups
You can manually back up your server files by copying the entire server folder to a separate location, such as an external hard drive. You can also use a file compression tool like WinRAR to compress the files and save space.
Automated Backups
Some hosting providers offer automated backup services. Check with your provider to see if this is an option.
Server Maintenance
Regular server maintenance is essential for optimal performance. Here are some maintenance tasks:
Updating Starmade
Make sure that you are using the latest version of Starmade. Check the official website regularly for updates.
Checking Logs
Check the server logs for errors or warnings. Address any issues as soon as possible to prevent further problems.
Cleaning Up
Delete any unused or unnecessary files, such as old backups or plugin files.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any technical issues with your server, here are some solutions:
Connection Problems
If players are having trouble connecting to your server, check your firewall settings and port forwarding. Make sure that the correct ports are open and forwarded.
Crashes
If the server crashes, check the logs for errors or warnings. Also, make sure that you have enough RAM and CPU resources allocated to the server.
Lag
If the game is lagging, try reducing the render distance or disabling resource-intensive plugins. You can also increase the amount of RAM allocated to the server.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I host a Starmade server on my own computer?
A: Yes, you can host a server on your own computer as long as it meets the minimum system requirements.
Q: How do I add a plugin to my server?
A: Download the plugin files and place them in the “plugins” folder of your server. Then, restart the server.
Q: How do I back up my server?
A: You can manually back up your server files by copying the entire server folder to a separate location. You can also use a file compression tool like WinRAR to compress the files and save space.
Q: How do I set up a whitelist for my server?
A: Add player usernames to the “whitelist.txt” file in your server folder.
Q: How do I customize the game rules?
A: Edit the “rules.cfg” file in your server folder.
That’s it, Devs! With this guide, you should have all the information you need to host a successful Starmade server. Good luck and have fun exploring the galaxy!