How to Host a Starbound Server – Step-by-Step Guide for Explorers
If you want full control over your Starbound experience, hosting your own dedicated server is the best way to do it. You can manage universe settings, invite friends, install mods, and keep your galaxy persistent and accessible 24/7.
This guide explains how to host your own Starbound server and why Citadel Servers is a great partner for your setup.
Step 1: Pick a Reliable Hosting Provider
Starbound is a multiplayer sandbox adventure game with procedural worlds and mod support, which makes server stability and performance important for smooth gameplay.
When choosing a hosting provider, focus on:
Performance: Strong CPU performance and SSD or NVMe storage help manage procedural world generation and large player inventories.
Network Quality: Low latency and stable connections prevent desync and lag during exploration and combat.
Ease of Management: A simple control panel makes server setup, world configuration, and mod management easy.
Support Availability: 24/7 technical support ensures fast assistance if issues arise.
Citadel Servers provides all of the above, with infrastructure optimized for multiplayer sandbox games like Starbound.
Step 2: Order Your Hosting Plan
Once you’ve decided to host with Citadel Servers, getting started is simple:
1. Go to the Starbound hosting page.
2. Choose how many player slots you want.
3. Pick your server location closest to your player base for the best ping.
4. Select any extras, like process priority, premium support, etc.
5. Proceed to checkout, once payment is confirmed, your server deploys automatically.
You’ll receive an email with your control panel login details and connection info within minutes.
Step 3: Configure Your Server
Once your server is deployed, it’s time to customize your galaxy:
- Follow our Quick Start Guide
Set your server name, password, and admin list.
Configure universe settings such as difficulty, spawn rates, and resource availability.
Install and manage mods using the built-in Mod Manager, or upload custom mod files via FTP/SFTP.
Adjust player limits, enable PvP or PvE modes, and configure teleportation and admin tools.
All configuration options are accessible through the Citadel Control Panel, designed for both new hosts and experienced server administrators.
Step 4: Launch and Play
When your settings are ready, start your server from the panel and invite your friends.
Players can connect via the in-game server browser or by entering the server’s IP and port.
You can monitor activity, manage users, and restart your world at any time, all through the same web interface.
Why Host with Citadel Servers
Hosting Starbound with Citadel Servers gives you the stability, performance, and control needed to explore and build in a persistent multiplayer universe.
What Makes Us Stand Out
Instant Setup: Your server is deployed automatically after payment, so you can start exploring within minutes.
High-Performance Hardware: Dedicated CPU resources and ultra-fast NVMe SSD storage ensure smooth gameplay and minimal lag.
Global Data Centers: Multiple worldwide locations provide optimal latency for all players.
Full File Access & Mod Freedom: Upload, edit, and customize mods and server files freely.
Automated Backups & Easy Restarts: Protect your universe with regular backups and manage restarts directly from the control panel.
24/7 Expert Support: Our support team is always available to help with setup, mods, or troubleshooting.
Your Starbound universe deserves a stable and powerful server. Citadel Servers delivers the performance, control, and reliability needed to explore, build, and survive across the stars.
Order your Starbound Server now
