How to Use Starbound Server Admin Commands

Overview

Starbound gives players a lot to collect, build, and uncover across its many planets. On a multiplayer server, commands can also become useful for managing players, recovering lost items, checking locations, or adjusting gameplay when things get messy. Space is large, but server problems still find a way to stand right in front of you.

Some commands are available to every player, such as toggling PvP or checking your position. Admin commands require an account with administrator access first. The steps below explain how to create that access through the HolyHosting server panel, then use commands in-game.

Create an Admin Account

Before admin commands will work, your Starbound server needs a user account with admin privileges enabled.

1. Open the HolyHosting server panel and stop the server.
2. Go to Config Files, then open Server Config.

1. Find the `"serverUsers" : { },` section in the config editor.
2. Replace that section with a user entry like this:

```json "serverUsers" : { "UsernameHere" : { "admin" : true, "password" : "PasswordHere" } }, ```

1. Change `UsernameHere` and `PasswordHere` to the login details you want to use.
2. Confirm that `"admin"` is set to `true`, then save the file and restart the server.

When joining the server, use the Server Account and Server Password fields. Enter the same username and password from the config file. If the login fails, check the spelling and capitalization carefully.

Run Commands In-Game

After joining the server, press `/` to open chat and type the command you want to run. To enable admin mode, enter:

```text /admin ```

If your account is configured correctly, Starbound will show a message confirming that admin privileges are active. You can then run admin-only commands from chat.

Command Types

Starbound commands generally fall into two groups:

• Player commands can be used by regular players. These include basic utility commands such as PvP toggles or location checks.
• Admin commands require administrator access. These are used for server moderation, item recovery, and other higher-level actions.

Use admin commands carefully, especially on public servers. A typo can be much more exciting than intended.

Common Problems

Insufficient privileges

This usually means admin mode is not active or the account does not have admin access. Run `/admin` in-game first. If that does not work, return to the server config and confirm that your account has `"admin" : true`.

No such account or incorrect password

This error means the username or password entered while joining does not match the server config. Reopen Server Config, check the exact account name and password, save any corrections, then restart the server before trying again.

Helpful Links

• How to Add User Accounts for Starbound
• How to Join a Starbound Server
• Starbound Guides