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Getting Started with your StarBound Server

Launch your server, connect with your panel IP and port, and address asset-mismatch warnings before installing custom mods.

Updated July 31, 2026
Starbound

Starbound is a 2D sandbox exploration game with a well-established Steam Workshop. Your server is light to run, and this guide gets you online. See the Starbound guide index for the rest.

First Boot

  1. Open your Starbound server in the panel and click Start.

  2. First boot downloads the server files (about 6 GB). Allow 8 to 12 minutes.

  3. Watch the console for UniverseServer: listening for incoming TCP connections on ... to confirm it is ready.

How to Connect

In Starbound: Multiplayer, then enter the IP, port, and character.

A Note Before You Add Mods

Mod lists must match exactly

Starbound is strict about asset digests: every player must have the same mods as the server, or they cannot connect.

Plan your mod list before opening the server to a community, and see Mods for how to share it cleanly with a Workshop collection.


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