Starbound
Starbound

Multiplayer & Co-op Guide — Starbound Guide

Connect with friends and optimize your Starbound co-op adventures, from building colonies to undertaking challenging missions across the universe.

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Multiplayer & Co-op Guide

Starbound offers a fantastic multiplayer experience, allowing you to explore the universe, build magnificent colonies, and tackle challenging missions with friends. This guide will walk you through setting up and optimizing your co-op adventures.

Getting Started: Connecting with Friends

There are two primary ways to play Starbound with others: joining an existing server or hosting your own.

Joining a Server

This is the simplest way to get into multiplayer. You'll need the server's IP address and port number from the host.

  • Step 1: Launch Starbound. From the main menu, select "Multiplayer."
  • Step 2: Enter Server Details. Click "Join Game." You'll be prompted for the server's IP address and port. The default port is 21025, but this can be changed by the host.
  • Step 3: Character Selection. Choose an existing character or create a new one. Your character data is stored locally, so you can use the same character across different servers.
  • Step 4: Connect! Click "Join" and you should be transported to the server's spawn point, typically the host's ship or a designated outpost.

Hosting Your Own Server

Hosting allows you full control over the game world, including mods and server settings. There are two main methods:

Method 1: In-Game Host (Easy)

This method is convenient for small groups and doesn't require port forwarding, but the host's game must be running for others to connect.

  • Step 1: Launch Starbound. From the main menu, select "Multiplayer."
  • Step 2: Host Game. Click "Host Game."
  • Step 3: Character Selection. Choose your character.
  • Step 4: Share Your IP. Your friends will need your public IP address (you can find this by searching "What is my IP" on Google) and the default port 21025.
  • Step 5: Start Playing! Once your friends connect, they'll appear on your ship or at your current location.

Method 2: Dedicated Server (Advanced)

A dedicated server runs independently of your game client, offering better performance and stability for larger groups or persistent worlds. This requires more technical setup, including port forwarding.

  • Step 1: Locate Server Files. Navigate to your Starbound installation directory. Inside, you'll find a folder named win32 (for Windows) or linux/osx. The dedicated server executable is typically starbound_server.exe (Windows) or starbound_server (Linux/macOS).
  • Step 2: Configure Server.
    • Server Configuration File: Open starbound.config (located in the storage folder within your Starbound directory) with a text editor.
    • Important Settings:
      • "gamePort" : 21025, (This is the port your friends will connect to. Ensure it's forwarded.)
      • "serverName" : "My Awesome Starbound Server", (Customize your server's name.)
      • "maxPlayers" : 8, (Adjust as needed, but be mindful of your internet connection and hardware.)
      • "anonymousConnections" : false, (Set to true if you want anyone to join without a password, though this is not recommended for public servers.)
      • "serverPassword" : "yourpassword", (Highly recommended! Set a strong password for private servers.)
  • Step 3: Port Forwarding. This is crucial. You need to configure your router to forward TCP traffic on the chosen gamePort (default 21025) to your computer's local IP address. Consult your router's manual or an online guide for specific instructions.
  • Step 4: Launch Server. Run the starbound_server.exe (or equivalent) directly. A console window will appear, indicating the server's status.
  • Step 5: Connect and Share. You and your friends can now connect using your public IP address and the configured port.

Co-op Strategies & Tips

Resource Management

  • Shared Storage: Utilize the Ship Locker or craft multiple Storage Lockers on your ship or colony for communal resources. Designate specific lockers for ores, crafting materials, food, etc.
  • Division of Labor: Assign roles! One player can focus on mining for Durasteel Ore and Solarium Ore, another on farming for food like Automato and Corn, and a third on building and crafting advanced items at the Inventor's Table or Robotic Crafting Table.

Combat Encounters

  • Team Composition: Different weapon types excel in different situations. A player with a powerful Broadsword can tank damage, while another with a Sniper Rifle provides ranged support. Consider bringing a player with a healing item like a Medical Kit or a staff that casts healing spells.
  • Boss Fights: For challenging bosses like the Ruin or the Asra Nox, coordinate attacks. One player can draw aggro while others focus on weak points. Use status effects like Poison or Burning from weapons or abilities to maximize damage.
  • Reviving Teammates: If a player falls in combat, another can revive them by standing near their fallen body and holding the interact key (default 'E'). Be mindful of enemy presence!

Exploration & Building

  • Terraforming: When building a colony, work together to terraform the landscape. Use tools like the Matter Manipulator's various modes (dig, place, paint) to quickly shape the environment.
  • Colony Building: Plan out your colony together. Assign areas for housing, crafting stations (e.g., Atomic Furnace, Separation Glyphs), and farms. The more tenants you attract, the more rent (Pixels) and unique items you'll receive.
  • Dungeon Crawling: Explore dungeons (like those found on planets with Avian Temples or Glitch Castles) as a team. One player can scout ahead, while others cover their back. Share loot fairly!

Modding in Multiplayer

If you plan to use mods, ensure all players on the server have the exact same mods installed. Mismatched mods will lead to connection errors or crashes.

  • Steam Workshop: The easiest way to manage mods is through the Steam Workshop. Subscribe to desired mods, and they will automatically download.
  • Manual Installation: For mods not on the Workshop, ensure they are placed in the mods folder within your Starbound directory.
  • Server-Side Mods: Some mods are server-side only and don't require clients to install them (e.g., admin tools). Always check the mod's description.

With these tips, you and your friends are ready to embark on countless adventures across the Starbound universe!