Are you a Starbound fan?
Starbound is an amazing multiplayer game that is still worth playing today thanks to its popularity and easily-modifiable build. But to play it with others, you'll need to connect through a server.
Luckily, services like Hostari offer dedicated game servers for games like Starbound, Satisfactory, Valheim, Rust, and more.
There are many Starbound server providers available, so it’s important to take the time to choose the right one for you. Game servers are essential for multiplayer, and a laggy server is the absolute last thing you need when playing Starbound with friends.
Ready to enjoy a more enjoyable Starbound multiplayer experience? Read on.
What Is a Starbound Server?
But before we dive into our list of the best providers, let's quickly recap what a Starbound server actually is and why you should care.
A Starbound server is a game server set up for Starbound's multiplayer mode. Starbound is a 2D pixel game that was released in 2016. It has both single-player and multiplayer modes, with the latter requiring its own server to function. The server enables players to connect with each other in the same game world for space faring adventures.
Many multiplayer games—like V Rising and Rust—require a server. Dedicated servers are better for improving in-game performance, since they’re specifically designed to host the video game of your choice.
Unlike your average computer, dedicated servers don't get sidetracked with other tasks, keeping your game running like a dream. Renting a dedicated server from platforms like Hostari is super easy, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions without any lag.
Why Are Dedicated Servers Important?
You’ll Have Full Control Over the Server Itself
Hosting your own Starbound server gives you control over the server as an administrator. This means you can:
Customize game settings
Install mods
Kick players out
You’ll Have More Storage Space
Using a dedicated server for Starbound can save a lot of storage space on your computer. You won't have to store a large amount of game data on your device, since another machine is taking care of that for you.
You’ll Have Better Performance
Dedicated game servers are designed to host only the game of your choice, which means they do not get sidetracked with other tasks. This exclusive focus results in better connection quality and higher game performance, making them an ideal choice for multiplayer gaming.
Criteria to Consider When Looking For a Starbound Server
When looking for a Starbound server, there are several criteria you should consider:
Excellent Performance: The main goal of any gaming server is to provide high-end game performance. Your server should allow Starbound to run smoothly with little to no lag. As the game is not graphically demanding, your Starbound server should not have too many issues.
Variety of Useful Features: The best server providers offer various features that make your life easier, such as instant setup and backup options.
User-Friendly Management: Your Starbound server should be easy to set up and use. This means an intuitive interface and a quick setup process.
Impressive Hardware: Your dedicated Starbound server should use top-level hardware to ensure great performance and a steady connection.
Best Starbound Servers For High Game Performance
Now, let’s get to the Starbound server hosting platforms themselves. We’ve curated this list to save you the trouble of finding them yourself. So, if you’re in a rush, here’s the TLDR version:
Hostari: Best for Easy Setup
Host Havoc: Best for Massive Lobbies
Nodecraft: Best for Game-Swapping
If you’re interested in diving into the details—read on!
1. Hostari: Best for Easy Setup
Hostari provides easy-to-use dedicated servers for a variety of games, including Starbound. These servers eliminate the need for configuration files and transfers (FTP), allowing you to spend more time playing your games and less time configuring your server.
Hostari houses 17 Intel Core i9 9900K servers, each equipped with a minimum of 128 GB RAM. With data centers located worldwide, they avoid overloading servers to prevent technical issues. To address any concerns, users can track their server metrics on their dashboard or test their connection using the ping tester.
Key Features
Instant Setup: Hostari offers an automated server setup option, allowing you to host a Starbound lobby quickly and effortlessly.
Custom Control Panel: Access various options from your control panel, which has an intuitive interface for ease of use.
Global Data Centers: Hostari has global data centers, including high-performing ones in the US and Canada, allowing players worldwide to connect to your server.
Automated Server Backups: Your server has automated backup saves to prevent excessive loss of progress in case of failure.
Access Controls: Easily manage your server settings and customize or organize your mods, plugins, and maps to your liking.
Secure Servers: Hostari’s network is secure against various cyberattacks, including high-caliber ones like DDoS, source-engine query attacks, and UDP floods.
Wide Range of Games Supported: Hostari supports various games such as Starbound, Valheim, V Rising, Rust, Terraria, Project Zomboid, Core Keeper, and more are coming soon.
Pricing
Hostari's Starbound server starts at $8.99 per month and includes a 24-hour free trial. The plan provides 4 GB of RAM and 16 player slots. You can begin your free trial without linking a payment method, meaning there's no risk involved.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Automated server setup.
Streamlined configuration process.
Global data centers.
High security.
Intuitive control panel.
Automated server backups and updates.
24/7 running Steam game.
24/7 customer support.
Mod curators.
Admin/ban interface.
24-hour free trial.
Cons
Limited disk space.
Limited player slots.
2. Host Havoc: Best for Massive Lobbies
Host Havoc is a server hosting platform that focuses on providing high performance, quick response times, and massive lobbies.
Host Havoc offers servers with both AMD Ryzen and Intel Core processors. Each server is equipped with 128 GB of RAM, over 4.5 GHz (boost), and at least 1 TB of NVMe SSD storage. Their high-quality hardware enables you to have full FTP access.
Key Features
99.9% Uptime Guarantee: Host Havoc offers a high availability percentage, as their servers are based in reliable data centers.
24/7/365 Support: They provide full-time customer support, with an average response time of less than 10 minutes.
NVMe SSD Storage & Ultra-Fast Processors: Host Havoc uses top-quality storage systems to reduce loading times. Their processors also have speeds up to 4.6 GHz, ensuring high game performance.
Satisfaction Guarantee: If you're not satisfied with the server, you can get a complete refund within 72 hours of signing up.
10 Data Centers Worldwide: Host Havoc has 10 data centers across the globe, allowing players from different parts of the world to connect.
Supported Games: Starbound, Minecraft, Terraria, ARK: Survival Evolved, 7 Days to Die, Gary’s Mod, Rust, and The Forest.
Pricing
Host Havoc offers Starbound servers starting at $9.00 for 12-player slots ($0.75 per slot). You can choose to have up to 50 player slots and select from four payment frequencies:
Monthly
Quarterly
Semi-Quarterly
Annually
There are 12 different cities to choose from, and you can pay an extra $4.00 for a higher CPU priority. Additionally, you can migrate from another provider for free.
Pros & Cons
Pros
99.9% uptime.
Global data centers.
24/7 support.
High-quality hardware.
Instant setup.
Easy-to-use control panel.
Free migration service.
Cons
Higher prices compared to competitors (minimum $9.00).
High minimum player slot (12).
No free trial.
3. Nodecraft: Best for Game-Swapping
Nodecraft is a game server platform that initially only supported Minecraft, but now hosts servers for many other games as well. With Nodecraft, you can save game progress in the cloud and seamlessly switch between games at no extra cost. This means that, instead of custom prices for each game, they offer set pricing plans regardless of the game you choose.
Host Havoc's servers use an Intel Xeon E-2174G processor, each equipped with 64 GB of ECC RAM, clocked at over 3.8 GHz, and an enterprise-grade SSD.
Key Features
Cloud Backups & Game Swapping: You can back up your game saves on the cloud and swap between multiple games with only one subscription plan.
Dedicated IP Address: Each server has its own IP address to protect against security attacks.
Real-Time Stats: Monitor server resource stats, such as RAM usage and CPU, in real-time.
Supported Games: Starbound, Satisfactory, V Rising, Project Zomboid, ARK: Survival Evolved, Obey, Counter-Strike: Source, and Pixark.
Pricing
Host Havoc offers four monthly plans: Nano ($9.98/month), Keelo ($19.98/month), Megs ($29.98/month), and Omega ($39.98/month). Each plan includes unlimited player slots, automation, dedicated IP, and DDoS Guard protection. The more expensive plans also include additional save and swap servers, higher RAM, and increased storage.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Instant setup.
Intuitive control panel.
24-hour free trial.
Unlimited player slots.
Ability to switch between games.
Cloud backup.
Cons
Limited currency options.
Higher prices.
No option to set custom prices for different games.
Treat Yourself to a Better Starbound Experience
To play Starbound with others, players must find a server hosting platform that supports the game.
The best servers should use high-quality hardware and have a great connection speed to prevent lag. With Hostari, you can enjoy a lag-free Starbound experience with little-to-no configuration.
Start your free trial now to host your own Starbound lobby today!
