Choose the host path before troubleshooting
Chucklefish confirms friends can play together and points new players to the wiki setup guide. That establishes where to begin, not that every connection method or network configuration works identically. A hosted game, dedicated server and platform/session UI can require different instructions.
| Question | Record before changing anything | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Who hosts? | Player-hosted session or dedicated server | The setup route and persistence model differ |
| Which builds? | Platform/storefront and version shown by each player | Mixed versions or ports may behave differently |
| Which mods? | Names and versions; test a copied/unmodded setup if needed | A mod mismatch can confound a connection diagnosis |
| What fails? | Server invisible, join rejected, timeout, or disconnect | Each is a different symptom, not one universal port issue |
References: Chucklefish: Starbound FAQ and crash-report checklist · Starbound Wiki: Multiplayer Setup Guide
Run a low-risk connection test
Keep the first test small: one host and one client, same available build, and a controlled mod state. Only then follow the setup page for your chosen hosting method. The external wiki is community-maintained and may not reflect every current router or OS.
- Write down host OS, storefront, game version, and whether the host is launching through the game or a separate server.
- Ask the second player to record the same details and both players' enabled mod lists.
- Use Chucklefish's FAQ link to the Multiplayer Setup Guide matching the chosen host method.
- Test with one client and record the exact message and timestamp; avoid changing firewall, router and mod settings together.
- If the setup guide calls for network changes, verify the instructions against your router/OS and restore the prior setting if the test worsens access.
- Use the official FAQ's support-report fields if the failure persists; never post public IPs or credentials.
References: Chucklefish: Starbound FAQ and crash-report checklist · Starbound Wiki: Multiplayer Setup Guide · Starbound Steam Community Discussions
Before you play
- Host method chosen and written down.
- Both players recorded platform/storefront/build.
- Mod state compared before network changes.
- One client tested with one variable changed at a time.
- No IP address, password or router credential shared publicly.
Frequently asked questions
Does Starbound officially support multiplayer?
Chucklefish's FAQ says yes and links to a multiplayer setup guide; host-specific steps should be checked on that linked page.
Does this worksheet test my server?
No. It records details locally and cannot query a game, router or server.
Are wiki instructions official?
The publisher links to the wiki, but the setup page is community-maintained; verify network steps for your exact environment.
Sources & revision notes
Editorial revision: November 7, 2026; not a gameplay test date. The reference notes identify source limits and version differences.
- Chucklefish: Starbound FAQ and crash-report checklist (Official)
Publisher FAQ covers supported platforms, multiplayer setup, reproducible bug reports, OS/mod/display details and log locations. Its troubleshooting examples reflect the FAQ's published guidance and can predate current operating systems or storefront changes; verify the installed build. No installation was tested.
- Starbound Wiki: Multiplayer Setup Guide (Community)
Community-maintained wiki page directly linked by Chucklefish's FAQ for multiplayer setup. Treat host/network specifics as community-maintained and re-check them against the current game UI and host environment.
- Starbound Steam Community Discussions (Community)
External player-written Steam board, not verified GamerWin advice. Match operating system, storefront, build and mod list; do not download files from unsolicited posts.
November 7, 2026: first publication, separated host choice, compatibility facts and environment-specific network setup. No multiplayer session was tested.
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