[GUIDE] Setting Up Multiplayer

[mollygos]

Pulled straight from the Starbounder wiki[starbounder.org].

Server Setup

If the computer you wish to run the server on has a private IP[en.wikipedia.org]:
You will need administrative access to all routers between the server and the internet (In a typical home, you may have up to 2 or more. In some cases the modem itself has a built in router that is often overlooked)
You will also likely need administrative access to any firewalls between the server and the internet (In a typical home, this would just be the firewall built into your OS)

From the Launcher

• Windows
  For Furious Koala (26/01/2014)
  
• Open the Starbound Launcher
  
• Click "Launch Starbound Server"
  This will spawn a command prompt window
  Ensure you "allow access" for the server if a Windows Firewall dialog appears

Manually

• Run the Starbound server in your Starbound directory. The default location is:
  
• On 32-bit Windows, C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\starbound\win32\starbound_server.exe
  
• On 64-bit Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Starbound\win32\starbound_server.exe
  
• On Mac OS, ~/Library/Application Support/Steam/SteamApps/common/Starbound
  
• On 32-bit Linux, ~/.local/share/Steam/SteamApps/common/Starbound/linux32/starbound_server
  
• On 64-bit Linux, ~/.local/share/Steam/SteamApps/common/Starbound/linux64/starbound_server
  
• If the Starbound server cannot be found at these locations, then right-click the game in Steam to find the Starbound directory.​

Server Testing

To host the game on the internet you will need to forward/allow TCP port 21025 on your router and firewall (if enabled)
See the resource section on a Remote Port Testing URL If the resource reports that the port is closed then you will need to:

• Check your firewall(s) in your OS
  
• Check your forwarding rules on your router(s)
  Locally, you should still be able to connect to your server using the IP 127.0.0.1 (Local Loopback) in the Starbound client, however your friends won't.
  Once the remote tool reports that the port is open, then you may give your IP out to your friends to play. To locate your IP use this, or another similar URL[www.whatsmyip.org]
  
  

  Client Setup

  • Load the game, click "Multiplayer" in the main menu​
    
  • Select the character you wish to use
    
  • Below "Your IP:" type in the IP or DNS name you wish to connect to.
    
  • Click on "Join Server"
    
  • Invite your friends to connect too!​
  
  

  Multiplayer Gameplay

  Forming a Party
  Once you're in-game, you and your friends will be on different ships! Their portraits should not appear on the left side of the screen. You can click the + icon next to your characters portrait to add them to your party and then you will see their portraits on the left under yours!
  Once you're in a party with someone, you can warp to their ship by clicking on their portrait.
  
  

  Resources

  Remote Port Testing URLs
  http://www.yougetsignal.com/tools/open-ports/
  http://www.canyouseeme.org/
  http://www.t1shopper.com/tools/port-scan/
  
  Help with Forwarding Ports
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_forwarding
  http://portforward.com/english/routers/port_forwarding/
  http://www.howtogeek.com/66214/how-to-forward-ports-on-your-router/
  
  Other Links
  Servers and You! -- Getting Started Guide (reddit)
  Starbound Top Server List[starbound-servers.net]
  Starbound Server List[starbound.serverlister.com]
  Official Starbound Hosting[www.multiplaygameservers.com]