# Starbound server hosting for a shared universe > Host a Starbound server for your crew: a shared universe on port 21025, Workshop mods, server accounts, RCON and admin commands. Plan your Starbound server. Explore, build and fight across a universe that stays online for your crew. The Starbound server ships with the game; add Workshop mods, server accounts and admins, and invite friends on Windows, macOS and Linux. - Official Starbound server from Chucklefish - A shared universe for 8 players by default - Steam Workshop mods - Admin commands, bans, RCON and query server See plans Find your size Players 8 by default (maxPlayers)\ Port gameServerPort; the optional query server shares 21025 and RCON uses 21026. 21025 TCP\ Server The server comes with the Steam game files, so downloading it needs a Steam account that owns Starbound. starbound\_server, included with the game\ Config storage/starbound\_server.config\ Mods Steam Workshop and mods folder\ Crossplay Windows, macOS and Linux Options - Co-op - PvP - Steam Workshop - Server accounts - RCON - Query server Game facts from the official Starbound wiki, the Steam store and Steam app data, and LinuxGSM’s Starbound config, checked in October 2026. - DDoS protection - 20 game server locations ## Starbound plans are being prepared Tell us your crew size and the mods you play with, and our team will reply with the options. Or open a ticket and we will let you know when the plans are online. [Contact sales](https://hyperdc.com/contact-us) [Open a ticket](https://hyperdc.com/support/new-ticket) ## How much RAM does a Starbound server need? Every planet a player visits is simulated while someone is there, so crews spread across many worlds and big mod packs raise the load. | Feature | **Small crew** Up to 4 players | Recommended **Full ship** Up to 8 players | **Big universe** Up to 16 players or large mod packs | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Memory (RAM)Working memory for the world, the players and every mod. Leave headroom: memory use grows as players explore. | 2 GB | 3 GB | 4–6 GB | | CPU coresEvery planet with players on it is simulated at the same time, so a crew spread over many planets needs more CPU. | 2 | 2–3 | 4 | | Disk spaceRoom for the game files, the universe and its backups, plus mods. | 10 GB | 15 GB | 20 GB | | Player limitmaxPlayers in starbound\_server.config; 8 by default. | 4 | 8 (default) | 16 | | Typical use | Friends on one ship | A full crew exploring many planets | A community with mods | - ### Small crew Up to 4 players Memory (RAM)Working memory for the world, the players and every mod. Leave headroom: memory use grows as players explore. 2 GB\ CPU coresEvery planet with players on it is simulated at the same time, so a crew spread over many planets needs more CPU. 2\ Disk spaceRoom for the game files, the universe and its backups, plus mods. 10 GB\ Player limitmaxPlayers in starbound\_server.config; 8 by default. 4\ Typical use Friends on one ship - Recommended ### Full ship Up to 8 players Memory (RAM)Working memory for the world, the players and every mod. Leave headroom: memory use grows as players explore. 3 GB\ CPU coresEvery planet with players on it is simulated at the same time, so a crew spread over many planets needs more CPU. 2–3\ Disk spaceRoom for the game files, the universe and its backups, plus mods. 15 GB\ Player limitmaxPlayers in starbound\_server.config; 8 by default. 8 (default)\ Typical use A full crew exploring many planets - ### Big universe Up to 16 players or large mod packs Memory (RAM)Working memory for the world, the players and every mod. Leave headroom: memory use grows as players explore. 4–6 GB\ CPU coresEvery planet with players on it is simulated at the same time, so a crew spread over many planets needs more CPU. 4\ Disk spaceRoom for the game files, the universe and its backups, plus mods. 20 GB\ Player limitmaxPlayers in starbound\_server.config; 8 by default. 16\ Typical use A community with mods Chucklefish lists 4 GB of RAM for the game itself but no server figures; these starting points follow common practice for a co-op universe. ## Mods, accounts and admin tools Starbound was built to be moddable, and its server is configured in one JSON file. ### Workshop mods Put mods in the server’s mods folder. Mods that add items, races or planets must be installed by every player too. ### Server accounts Create accounts with passwords for a private server; players enter them when they join. ### Admin commands /admin, /kick, /ban by UUID or IP, /unbanip, /list and /serverreload keep the universe in order. ### RCON and query Switch on the RCON server on port 21026 with a password, and the query server so server lists can read your status. ### Players on every PC Windows, macOS and Linux players share one server; Steam friends can also join through the friends list. ## Set up your Starbound server Four steps to a universe that keeps running. 1. ### Pick a size Use the table above: most crews of up to 8 players are well served by 3 GB. 2. ### Pick a location Choose the one closest to your crew from our 20 game server locations. 3. ### Edit starbound\_server.config Set the server name, player limit and accounts, add your mods and decide who may use admin commands. 4. ### Join the universe In Starbound choose Multiplayer, pick a character and enter the address, plus account and password if you set them. ## Other game servers you might like [See every game](https://hyperdc.com/game-server-hosting) [See all sandbox servers](https://hyperdc.com/game-servers/sandbox-game-servers) ### Terraria Vanilla or tModLoader worlds for up to 255 players. [Learn more](https://hyperdc.com/game-servers/terraria) ### Minecraft Java and Bedrock worlds with plugins, modpacks or crossplay. [Learn more](https://hyperdc.com/game-servers/minecraft) ### Core Keeper An underground world for up to 8 players, from every PC store. [Learn more](https://hyperdc.com/game-servers/core-keeper) ### Don’t Starve Together Surface and caves online at once, with Workshop mods. [Learn more](https://hyperdc.com/game-servers/dont-starve-together) ### Necesse Settlements for up to 250 players, with permissions and raids. [Learn more](https://hyperdc.com/game-servers/necesse) ### Astroneer Eight explorers instead of four, on a save that stays online. [Learn more](https://hyperdc.com/game-servers/astroneer) ## Frequently asked questions Still have a question? Send us a message and our team will reply by email. [Contact us](https://hyperdc.com/contact-us) [Open a ticket](https://hyperdc.com/support/new-ticket) ### Is there an official Starbound server? Yes. starbound\_server ships with the game for Windows, macOS and Linux. Because it comes with the Steam game files, installing it needs a Steam account that owns Starbound. ### How many players can join a Starbound server? maxPlayers is 8 by default. You can raise it; every player exploring a different planet adds work for the server. ### Which port does Starbound use? TCP 21025 for players. The optional query server uses the same port, and RCON listens on 21026 when you switch it on. ### Can I use mods on the server? Yes. Starbound supports the Steam Workshop. Place the mod files in the server’s mods folder; mods that add content such as items, races or planets must be installed by every player as well. ### Which admin commands are there? /admin toggles admin mode. /kick and /ban remove players, with bans by UUID, IP or both and an optional duration; /unbanip lifts an IP ban. /list shows connected players and their IDs, and /serverreload reloads the server assets. ### Can Mac and Linux players join? Yes. Starbound supports cross-platform multiplayer between Windows, macOS and Linux, so everyone on PC can share your server. ### How do I make the server private? Add server accounts with passwords in starbound\_server.config. Players then enter their account and password in the Multiplayer screen when they join. ### Where is the universe stored? In the storage folder next to starbound\_server.config. Back it up before you add or remove mods, because worlds can keep content from mods that are gone. ### Can Steam friends join without the address? Yes. Besides joining with the address from the Multiplayer menu, Steam friends can use Join Game in the friends list. ## Ready to launch your ship? Tell us your crew size and mods, and we will help you pick the right Starbound server. See plans [Contact sales](https://hyperdc.com/contact-us) --- Source: \ Updated: 2026-10-09