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 24, 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
- Open your Starbound server in the panel and click Start.
- First boot downloads the server files (about 6 GB). Allow 8 to 12 minutes.
- 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
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.
What to Read Next
- Server Configuration for the config file, accounts, and RCON
- Admin and Commands to grant admin access and use in-game commands
- Mods for Workshop mods and compatibility
- Maintenance for universe resets, performance, and backups
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