How To Install Mods on Your Starbound Server

Learn how to install mods on your Starbound dedicated server.

Starbound supports mods through the Steam Workshop and manual installation. Mods can add new races, items, planets, quests, and more to your server.

📝 Note: All players connecting to a modded server typically need the same mods installed on their client. Make sure to share your mod list with players.

Installing Steam Workshop Mods

Find Mods to Install

Browse the Starbound Steam Workshop and note the mod IDs or download the mod files.

Stop Your Server

Make sure your server is stopped before installing mods.

Open Files

In the sidebar, click Files.

Navigate to the Mods Directory

Navigate to the mods/ directory in your server root. If it does not exist, create it.

Upload the Mod Files

Download the mod files (.pak files) and upload them to the mods/ directory. Click Upload and select the mod files from your computer.

Start Your Server

Click Start to launch your server with the mods loaded.

Verify the Mods

Check the Console in the panel to make sure the mods loaded without errors.

Manual Mod Installation

For mods not available on the Steam Workshop:

Download the Mod

Download the mod from its source (typically a .pak file or a folder containing mod assets).

Upload to the Mods Directory

Upload the mod files to the mods/ directory on your server.

Start Your Server

Start the server and check the console for any errors.

Removing Mods

To remove a mod, delete its .pak file or folder from the mods/ directory and restart your server.

⚠️ Warning: Removing mods from an existing world may cause issues if the world contains modded content. Consider starting a fresh world after removing mods.

💡 Tip: If you want to enforce that all players have the same mods, set allowAssetsMismatch to false in your server configuration. This will prevent players with different mods from connecting.

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