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StarRupture Dedicated Server Setup Guide

📅 Updated: Feb 4, 2026 🎮 Version: Early Access 0.1.x ⏱️ Setup Time: 15-30 min

Host your own StarRupture server for up to 4 players. This guide covers SteamCMD installation, port forwarding, configuration, and troubleshooting for Windows 10/11 systems.

⚠️ EXPERIMENTAL STATUS

StarRupture's dedicated server tools are officially marked as experimental. Expect potential instability, frequent updates, and possible breaking changes. Always verify current requirements on the official Steam page before setup.

System Requirements

Before starting, ensure your system meets these requirements. These specifications are based on hosting provider recommendations and may change as the game develops.

✅ Minimum Requirements (as of Feb 2026)
  • OS: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit)
  • CPU: Quad-core processor (Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 recommended)
  • RAM: 16 GB
  • Storage: 45 GB available space
  • Network: Stable internet connection with router access for port forwarding
📌 Note on Requirements

Hardware requirements are based on hosting provider specifications. Actual performance may vary depending on player count, world size, and server load. Monitor your server's resource usage and adjust accordingly.

Installation Methods

There are two ways to install the StarRupture dedicated server on Windows. Choose the method that works best for you.

Method 1: SteamCMD (Recommended)

SteamCMD is Steam's command-line tool for installing and updating dedicated servers. This method is preferred for automated updates and headless server management.

1

Download SteamCMD

Download SteamCMD from the official Valve website:

2

Install StarRupture Server

Open Command Prompt and navigate to your SteamCMD folder, then run:

steamcmd.exe +login anonymous +app_update 3809400 validate +quit

This downloads the server files to C:\SteamCMD\steamapps\common\StarRupture Dedicated Server\

3

Verify Installation

Check that StarRuptureServerEOS.exe exists in the installation directory. This is the main server executable.

Method 2: Steam Library Tools

If you prefer a GUI approach, you can install the server through your Steam client.

1

Access Steam Tools

  • Open Steam client
  • Go to Library → Tools
  • Search for "StarRupture Dedicated Server"
2

Install Server

Right-click the server in the list and select "Install". Choose your installation directory and wait for the download to complete.

💡 Which Method Should I Use?
  • SteamCMD: Better for automated updates, remote servers, or if you want to run the server without Steam client
  • Steam Library: Easier for beginners, visual interface, good for local testing

Server Configuration

Configure your server settings by editing the DSSettings.txt file in JSON format. This file is located in your server installation directory.

Configuration File Location

Find DSSettings.txt in your server folder:

C:\SteamCMD\steamapps\common\StarRupture Dedicated Server\DSSettings.txt

Basic Configuration Example

{
  "ServerName": "My StarRupture Server",
  "AdminPassword": "your_admin_password_here",
  "PlayerPassword": "",
  "MaxPlayers": 4,
  "Port": 7777,
  "QueryPort": 27015
}

Configuration Parameters

Parameter Description Default
ServerName Display name for your server in the server browser "StarRupture Server"
AdminPassword Password for admin access and server management (empty)
PlayerPassword Optional password players must enter to join (empty)
MaxPlayers Maximum number of players (co-op limit: 4) 4
Port Game port (UDP) 7777
QueryPort Query port for server browser (UDP) 27015
🔒 Security Recommendation

Always set a strong AdminPassword to prevent unauthorized server management. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.

Port Forwarding

To allow players outside your local network to connect, you must configure port forwarding on your router.

Required Ports

Port Protocol Purpose
7777 UDP Game traffic (required)
27015 UDP Server query/browser listing (required)

Port Forwarding Steps

1

Find Your Local IP Address

Open Command Prompt and run:

ipconfig

Look for "IPv4 Address" under your active network adapter (usually starts with 192.168.x.x)

2

Access Router Settings

Open your web browser and navigate to your router's admin page (common addresses: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1). Log in with your router credentials.

3

Configure Port Forwarding Rules

Find the "Port Forwarding" or "Virtual Server" section in your router settings. Create two rules:

  • Rule 1: External Port 7777 → Internal Port 7777 (UDP) → Your server's local IP
  • Rule 2: External Port 27015 → Internal Port 27015 (UDP) → Your server's local IP
💡 Router-Specific Guides
  • Port forwarding steps vary by router manufacturer
  • Visit portforward.com for router-specific instructions
  • Some routers call this feature "Virtual Server" or "NAT Forwarding"

Starting the Server

Once configured, you can start your StarRupture dedicated server.

Manual Start

1

Navigate to Server Directory

Open your server installation folder:

C:\SteamCMD\steamapps\common\StarRupture Dedicated Server\
2

Run the Server Executable

Double-click StarRuptureServerEOS.exe or run it from Command Prompt:

StarRuptureServerEOS.exe

A console window will open showing server status and logs.

Automated Start (Optional)

Create a batch file to start the server automatically:

1

Create Batch File

Create a new text file named start_server.bat in your server directory with this content:

@echo off
cd /d "C:\SteamCMD\steamapps\common\StarRupture Dedicated Server"
start StarRuptureServerEOS.exe
echo Server started!
pause
2

Run Batch File

Double-click start_server.bat to start the server. You can also add this to Windows startup for automatic server launch.

⚠️ Keep Console Window Open

Do not close the console window while the server is running. Closing it will shut down the server. Minimize it instead if you need to free up screen space.

Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions for StarRupture dedicated servers.

Server Not Appearing in Browser

Possible Causes & Solutions:
  • Port forwarding not configured correctly — verify both ports 7777 and 27015 are forwarded
  • Firewall blocking connections — add exceptions for StarRuptureServerEOS.exe in Windows Firewall
  • Server not fully started — wait 1-2 minutes after launch for server to register
  • Query port mismatch — ensure QueryPort in DSSettings.txt matches forwarded port

Players Cannot Connect

Possible Causes & Solutions:
  • Wrong IP address — provide your public IP (check at whatismyipaddress.com)
  • Port 7777 not forwarded — double-check router port forwarding rules
  • Server at max capacity — check MaxPlayers setting (limit is 4)
  • Password mismatch — verify PlayerPassword if set

Server Crashes on Startup

Possible Causes & Solutions:
  • Corrupted installation — run SteamCMD with validate flag to verify files
  • Invalid DSSettings.txt — check JSON syntax (use jsonlint.com)
  • Port already in use — change Port value in config or close conflicting applications
  • Missing dependencies — ensure Visual C++ Redistributables are installed

⚠️ Risk Assessment & Version Warnings

Last Verified: February 4, 2026 | Game Version: Early Access 0.1.x

🚨 EXPERIMENTAL SERVER STATUS

StarRupture's dedicated server tools are officially marked as experimental by the developer. This means:

  • Server stability is not guaranteed
  • Features may change or break without notice
  • Save file corruption is possible during updates
  • Official support may be limited

Version Compatibility Risks

⚠️ Early Access Update Frequency

StarRupture is in Early Access and receives frequent updates. Each update may:

  • Break server compatibility — Server and client versions must match exactly
  • Change configuration format — DSSettings.txt parameters may be added, removed, or renamed
  • Require world wipes — Some updates may not be compatible with existing save files
  • Modify port requirements — Network configuration may change

Known Limitations (as of Feb 2026)

Limitation Impact Workaround
4-player maximum Cannot host larger communities None (game limitation)
Windows-only server Cannot run on Linux/Mac Use Windows VM or hosting provider
Experimental status Potential crashes and bugs Regular backups, monitor logs
Manual updates required Server may become outdated Check for updates regularly

Recommendations for Server Operators

✅ Best Practices
  • Backup regularly: Save your world files before each game update
  • Monitor patch notes: Check Steam news for breaking changes
  • Test updates: Update a test server before your production server
  • Document your config: Keep notes on custom settings for easy restoration
  • Join community: Follow server operator discussions on Steam forums/Discord
  • Verify before setup: Always check the official Steam page for current requirements
🔴 When NOT to Host a Server

Consider using a third-party hosting provider or waiting for stable release if:

  • You need 100% uptime for a community
  • You cannot tolerate potential data loss
  • You lack time to monitor and update regularly
  • You need enterprise-level reliability

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many players can join my server?

StarRupture supports up to 4 players in co-op mode. This is a game limitation, not a server limitation.

Q: Do I need to keep the server running 24/7?

No, but players can only connect when the server is running. For persistent worlds, consider using a dedicated hosting provider or keeping your PC on.

Q: Can I run the server on Linux?

Currently, the official dedicated server only supports Windows 10/11. Linux support has not been announced.

Q: How do I update my server?

Run the same SteamCMD command used for installation: steamcmd.exe +login anonymous +app_update 3809400 validate +quit

Q: Will my server work with modded clients?

This depends on the mods. Server and client versions must match, and some mods may require server-side installation. Check mod documentation.