This guide will help you with how to port forward your Starbound Server
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Port forwarding is an essential step if you want players outside your local network to join your Starbound server. Without it, your server may run perfectly on your machine but remain invisible to anyone beyond your home connection. This guide walks you through what port forwarding is, why Starbound requires it, and how to configure it safely on your router. By the end, you’ll have a fully accessible server that friends can connect to from anywhere.
Port Forwarding for Starbound Servers
Port forwarding is required in almost all cases for others to connect to your Starbound server.
If you’ve followed this guide correctly and players still can’t join, set up port forwarding. This resolves the issue for nearly everyone.
To allow players to join your server, forward port 21025 on your router and add firewall exceptions for that port in Windows Firewall.
(NOTE: Some third‑party antivirus or firewall programs can block Starbound or its ports.
If you’re using one, you may need to manually add exceptions. If you’re unsure how, search for instructions tailored to your specific antivirus.)
To find instructions tailored to your router, locate the model number on the back or underside of the device, then search online for “model number port forwarding guide.” Because each router has its own interface, this will provide the most accurate steps.
Use a tool such as CanYouSeeMe.org to check whether port 21025 is successfully forwarded.
If the test fails, the simplest alternative is to have another player try connecting to your server.
In addition to testing your port, CanYouSeeMe.org will show your public IP address.
This is the IP you’ll share with anyone trying to join your Starbound server.
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