---
title: "How to install mods for Starbound"
description: "Upload contents.pak files into the mods folder, verify asset loading logs, and adjust checkAssetsDigest for modded multiplayer setups."
url: "https://www.gameserverkings.com/knowledge-base/starbound/how-to-install-mods-starbound/"
category: "Starbound"
category_url: "https://www.gameserverkings.com/knowledge-base/starbound/"
published: "2026-03-21T19:01:31.477Z"
updated: "2026-08-01T13:06:28.343Z"
source_format: "markdown"
site: "GameServerKings"
---

# How to install mods for Starbound

The Starbound Workshop is at `steamcommunity.com/app/211820/workshop/`. Workshop mods are not directly downloadable by URL, so you subscribe locally and transfer the files to the server.

## Installing a Mod

### Step 1: Subscribe Locally

Subscribe in Steam and let it download to `Steam\steamapps\workshop\content\211820\<ModID>\`.

### Step 2: Upload to the Server

Copy each mod's `contents.pak` into your server's `mods/` folder via SFTP, giving each a unique name:

```text
mods/
  AvaliRace.pak
  FrackinUniverse.pak
  ImprovedContainers.pak
```

### Step 3: Restart

The server detects new mods on boot (`Asset source loaded: ...`). Failures print the file and reason.

### Step 4: Client Compatibility

> [!IMPORTANT] Mod lists must match exactly
> Every player must have the same mods, or they cannot connect.

The cleanest fix is a **Steam Workshop collection** your players can one-click subscribe to. Create one at `steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/managemyworkshop/collections/?p=2&appid=211820`. As a looser alternative, set `checkAssetsDigest` to `false` in the config (less strict, but mismatched assets can cause subtle issues).

## Popular Mods

- **Frackin' Universe**: the big total overhaul. Hundreds of biomes, races, technologies. Significantly increases CPU and RAM use.
- **Maple32**: a content overhaul similar in scope to FU (do not run both; they conflict).
- **Avali Race**: popular custom race.
- **Improved Containers** and **Enhanced Storage**: container quality-of-life.
- **More Action Bars**: more hotkey slots.

> [!TIP] Some overhauls conflict with each other
> Test mod combinations in a single-player save first, since some overhauls are mutually incompatible.

## What to Read Next

- [Maintaining your Starbound server](/knowledge-base/starbound/maintaining-your-server/) for the backup to take before adding or removing overhauls like FU, which can leave orphan data
- [Configuring your Starbound server](/knowledge-base/starbound/configuration-overview/) for the `checkAssetsDigest` and `safeScripts` settings

---

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