Starbound server hosting for a shared universe
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
- Players
- 8 by default (maxPlayers)
- PortgameServerPort; the optional query server shares 21025 and RCON uses 21026.
- 21025 TCP
- ServerThe 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
- ٢٠ 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.
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.
Find your size
| 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.
-
Pick a size
Use the table above: most crews of up to 8 players are well served by 3 GB.
-
Pick a location
Choose the one closest to your crew from our ٢٠ game server locations.
-
Edit starbound_server.config
Set the server name, player limit and accounts, add your mods and decide who may use admin commands.
-
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
Frequently asked questions
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.