Free Starbound Server Hosting Options In 2025

The landscape of free Starbound server hosting in 2025 offers several distinct pathways for players to establish multiplayer sessions without initial financial commitment. These options range from fully managed applications providing permanent free servers to temporary trials from established hosting providers. According to the available data, consumers can access these services through specific applications, limited-duration trials, or credit-based VPS systems, each with varying levels of performance, resource allocation, and ease of use.

Squadnox: The Managed Free Server Application

Squadnox presents a unique approach by offering a dedicated application that hosts free Starbound servers without the traditional limitations of trial periods or resource caps associated with other free tiers. This service is designed to automate the technical aspects of server management, making it accessible to users who may not possess advanced technical skills.

How Squadnox Works

Squadnox hosts free Starbound servers directly through their application. The service handles server installation, game updates, and hardware management automatically. According to the documentation, the game servers utilize up to 8 CPU cores and 16GB of RAM, utilizing super fast NVMe SSDs. This hardware specification is notably high for a free service, though the actual performance available to free users may vary based on load and fair usage policies not detailed in the source material.

To access a free server, users need three components: the Squadnox App, a copy of Starbound, and friends to play with. The process involves starting the server via the Squadnox app, opening Starbound, and using the "JOIN GAME" feature. Users must locate their server's current IP address within the Squadnox app and enter it into the server address field in Starbound.

A critical operational detail is that the server's IP address is likely to change between server starts. Users and their friends must check the Squadnox app for the current IP address each time they wish to play. This dynamic IP management is handled within the app interface.

Pros and Cons of Squadnox

Based on the provided information, the primary advantages of Squadnox include: - Zero Cost: The service is free to use. - Automated Management: Installation, updates, and hardware management are handled automatically. - High Resource Allocation: Access to significant CPU and RAM resources. - Private Server Creation: Users can create dedicated private servers for friends.

The documentation does not explicitly list cons, but the requirement to use a specific app and the dynamic IP address are operational considerations. The source material does not specify any limitations on player slots, though the mention of "inviting friends to boost" suggests a social or community aspect to resource allocation, which is not fully explained in the provided chunks.

Third-Party Hosting Providers: Trials and Free Tiers

Several established game hosting providers offer free trials or limited free plans for Starbound server hosting. These services typically provide a way to test performance before committing to a paid plan. The available data identifies six specific providers, though the details for each vary significantly.

LightNode: Flexible VPS Hosting with Free Credits

LightNode operates as a VPS (Virtual Private Server) provider rather than a dedicated game host. They offer free credits upon sign-up, allowing users to spin up a server for free to test performance. The service features hourly billing, meaning users pay only for what they use after the free credits are exhausted.

Key Features: - Free Credits: Available on sign-up for testing. - Hourly Billing: Cost efficiency for intermittent use. - Global Infrastructure: Over 40 global data centers for low latency. - Hardware: Fast NVMe SSD storage and high-frequency CPUs.

Considerations: - Setup: Requires manual setup compared to game-dedicated hosts. - Free Tier Limitation: The free aspect is limited to the initial credits; continued use requires payment. - OS Choice: Users can choose from multiple OS images.

LightNode is recommended for beginners and those seeking flexible usage patterns, particularly if they are comfortable with manual server configuration.

Akliz: Modded Gameplay Focus

Akliz is a game server provider that offers a free trial lasting up to 24 hours. Its standout feature is one-click modpack support, making it ideal for players interested in modded Starbound gameplay.

Key Features: - One-Click Modpack Installation: Simplifies the process of adding mods. - Low Latency Network: Optimized for US and EU players. - Web-Based Control Panel: User-friendly interface.

Limitations: - Trial Duration: The free access is limited to 24 hours. - Cost Post-Trial: The source material notes that it is "slightly higher cost after trial."

ScalaCube: Instant Setup

ScalaCube offers a free trial option for Starbound servers. The platform is noted for having pre-installed Starbound server files, allowing for quick launch.

Key Features: - Pre-installed Files: No need for manual file uploads. - Instant Setup: World launch in just a few clicks. - Beginner-Friendly Dashboard: Easy to navigate.

Limitations: - Resource Limits: Free plans come with limited server resources. - Performance Issues: Potential lag during peak hours.

GameServers.com: Reliability and Testing

GameServers.com is described as an established name in game hosting. They offer a 24-hour test server to check their infrastructure.

Key Features: - Reliable Infrastructure: Known for 99.9% uptime. - DDoS Protection: Standard security feature. - 24-Hour Trial: Allows for pre-purchase testing.

Limitations: - Interface: Described as less modern than competitors. - Billing: No hourly billing options available.

Nodecraft: High Performance for Groups

Nodecraft provides a 24-hour free trial, utilizing SSD-based hosting with scalable plans suitable for larger multiplayer sessions.

Key Features: - Fast Hardware: SSD-based for low lag. - Scalability: Easy to upgrade to larger plans. - Starbound Support: Good support for the game.

Limitations: - Trial Time: Limited to 24 hours. - Pricing: Higher pricing for premium plans compared to some competitors.

Server.pro: Completely Free Plan

Server.pro offers a completely free Starbound server plan, though resources are limited. It is suitable for small friend groups or testing mods.

Key Features: - Free Forever Plan: No trial period expiration. - Simple Management: Web-based management and console. - Quick Setup: Fast server setup process.

Limitations: - Resource Constraints: Limited RAM and slots. - Inactivity Shutdown: The server shuts down when inactive.

Comparison of Free Hosting Options

The following table summarizes the key aspects of the providers mentioned in the source material:

Community and Public Servers

While the primary focus of the provided data is on hosting personal servers, there is a mention of public servers available through the Starbound community. Source [3] references a forum section for "Public Servers" on community.playstarbound.com. This indicates that players can also join existing public servers rather than hosting their own.

The forum posts listed in the data include specific server names such as "FurryBound Revival," "SERVIDOR BOREAL," and "The Frontier." These appear to be community-hosted servers with specific themes or target audiences (e.g., "furry friendly," "Brazilian," "Newcomer friendly casual RP").

However, the provided data does not contain detailed instructions on how to join these public servers or list their IP addresses. It only serves as a directory reference. Users interested in public servers would need to visit the community forum directly to find active server listings and connection details.

Technical Requirements and Setup Considerations

Regardless of the hosting choice, certain technical requirements are consistent across the options.

General Requirements

• Starbound Game Client: A legitimate copy of Starbound is required to play on any server, whether hosted personally or through a third party.
• Internet Connection: Stable internet access is necessary to connect to the server or manage the hosting account.

Setup Processes

• Squadnox: Requires downloading the Squadnox App, starting the server, and manually entering the dynamic IP address into the Starbound client.
• Third-Party Hosts: Generally involve creating an account, selecting a plan (free trial or tier), and configuring the server via a web panel. Some (like Akliz and ScalaCube) offer one-click setups, while others (like LightNode) require manual configuration of a VPS.
• Public Servers: Joining requires obtaining the server IP address from community sources and entering it into the Starbound "Join Game" menu.

Performance and Limitations

Free options almost always come with restrictions. For trial-based services (Akliz, ScalaCube, GameServers.com, Nodecraft), the limitation is time (24 hours). For tier-based services (Server.pro), the limitation is resources (RAM, slots) and uptime (shutdowns due to inactivity). LightNode's limitation is financial; free access is tied to credits that eventually run out. Squadnox is the outlier in the provided data, claiming no explicit resource caps or time limits, though the "invite friends to boost" mechanic implies a potential social requirement for maintaining server quality or availability, though details are sparse in the provided text.

Conclusion

The available options for free Starbound server hosting in 2025 cater to different user needs. Squadnox offers a unique, permanently free, managed solution with high hardware specs, ideal for users wanting a hassle-free private server. For those seeking to test various hosting environments or requiring specific features like mod support or high-performance hardware for short periods, providers like LightNode, Akliz, ScalaCube, GameServers.com, and Nodecraft offer 24-hour trials or credit-based testing. Server.pro provides a middle ground with a free but resource-limited plan for small groups. Finally, players who do not wish to host can utilize community forums to find public servers to join.

Sources

1. Squadnox Free Starbound Server Hosting
2. Best Free Starbound Server Hosting Services in 2025
3. Starbound Community Public Servers Forum