Starbound, the sci-fi sandbox game developed by Chucklefish, offers players an expansive universe to explore, filled with diverse planets, alien species, and countless adventures. However, there may come a time when you wish to start anew, perhaps to try a different playstyle, to experience the game with new updates, or simply to relive the excitement of discovery. Wiping your Starbound universe can be a bit complex, especially for those unfamiliar with the game’s file structure or the concept of universe resetting. This guide is designed to walk you through the process step by step, ensuring that you can reset your Starbound universe safely and efficiently.
Understanding the Basics of Starbound Universe
Before diving into the process of wiping your Starbound universe, it’s essential to understand the basics of how the game saves data. Starbound saves its game data in files located on your computer. These files contain information about your character, the planets you’ve visited, your ship, and other game progress. The game’s universe is essentially a collection of these files, which are generated and updated as you play.
Locating Starbound Save Files
To wipe your Starbound universe, you first need to locate where the game saves its files. The location of these files can vary depending on your operating system.
- On Windows, you can typically find Starbound save files in the
C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Roaming\StardewValley\Savesdirectory, but since Starbound and Stardew Valley are different games, let’s correct that: Starbound’s save files are usually found inC:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Roaming\Starbound. - On macOS, you can find them in
~/Library/Application Support/Starbound. - On Linux, the save files are usually located in
~/.local/share/Starbound.
It’s crucial to back up these files before proceeding with wiping your universe, especially if you wish to keep your current progress for any reason.
Backing Up Your Save Files
Backing up your save files is a critical step before wiping your Starbound universe. This ensures that you can restore your game to its current state if you change your mind or if something goes wrong during the wiping process. To back up your save files:
- Navigate to the Starbound save file location as described above.
- Copy the entire folder containing your save files.
- Paste this folder into a safe location on your computer, such as an external hard drive or a cloud storage service.
The Process of Wiping Your Starbound Universe
Wiping your Starbound universe involves deleting the save files associated with your game. This will remove all your progress, including your characters, ships, and any modifications you’ve made to the game world.
Deleting Save Files
To delete your Starbound save files:
- Navigate to the Starbound save file location.
- Select all the files and folders within this directory.
- Delete these files and folders. This action cannot be undone, so ensure you have backed up any files you wish to keep.
Resetting the Game
After deleting your save files, launch Starbound. The game will detect that there are no save files and will prompt you to create a new character, effectively starting a new game. This is a clean slate, with no remnants of your previous game universe.
Considerations and Precautions
Before and after wiping your Starbound universe, there are several considerations and precautions to keep in mind:
Modifications and Custom Content
If you have installed mods or custom content, wiping your universe does not remove these modifications. You may need to manually remove or update mods to ensure compatibility with your new game. Always check the mod’s documentation for specific instructions on how to uninstall or update them.
Multiplayer Considerations
If you play Starbound in multiplayer mode, wiping your universe will only affect your local game data. Other players’ progress and the server’s data (if you’re playing on a dedicated server) will not be affected. However, if you’re the server host, you may need to take additional steps to reset the server’s universe, which can vary depending on how the server is set up.
Conclusion
Wiping your Starbound universe can be a liberating experience, offering you a chance to rediscover the game with fresh eyes. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely and efficiently reset your game, starting anew with the excitement and wonder that comes with exploring a vast, uncharted universe. Remember, the key to a successful reset is backing up your save files and understanding where your game data is stored. With this knowledge, you’re ready to embark on a new adventure, free from the constraints of your previous playthrough. Whether you’re seeking a challenge, a change of pace, or simply the joy of discovery, resetting your Starbound universe is a straightforward process that opens the door to endless possibilities within the Starbound cosmos.
What is the purpose of resetting my Starbound universe?
Resetting your Starbound universe is a drastic measure that allows you to start fresh, erasing all progress, characters, and worlds. This can be useful if you’ve encountered a game-breaking bug, want to try a different playstyle, or simply wish to experience the game’s early stages again. By wiping your universe, you’ll have the opportunity to relive the excitement of discovering new planets, encountering alien species, and building your character from scratch. This process is not to be taken lightly, as it will delete all your saved data, so it’s essential to consider your decision carefully before proceeding.
Before resetting your universe, it’s crucial to understand that this action is irreversible. Once you’ve wiped your data, there’s no going back, and you’ll lose access to all your characters, ships, and equipment. If you’re unsure about resetting, you may want to consider alternative solutions, such as creating a new character or starting a new game in a different universe. However, if you’re certain that resetting is the best option for you, you can find the necessary steps to do so in the game’s settings or by seeking guidance from online resources. Remember to always back up your data before making any significant changes to your game, even if you’re planning to wipe it clean.
How do I reset my Starbound universe on PC?
To reset your Starbound universe on PC, you’ll need to locate the game’s save files and delete them manually. The save files are typically stored in the game’s directory, which can be found in your computer’s file system. You can search for the Starbound folder and look for the “saves” or “storage” directory, where you’ll find all your saved data. Deleting the contents of this folder will effectively wipe your universe, allowing you to start fresh. Be cautious when deleting files, as this action is permanent and cannot be undone.
It’s essential to note that deleting the save files will only reset your game data and will not affect any installed mods or configuration settings. If you want to reset your mods or settings as well, you’ll need to take additional steps, such as uninstalling and reinstalling the game or modifying the configuration files manually. After resetting your universe, you can launch the game and start a new adventure, creating a new character and exploring the galaxy anew. Remember to always be careful when manipulating game files, and consider backing up your data before making any changes, even if you’re planning to delete it.
Can I reset my Starbound universe on console?
Resetting your Starbound universe on console is a bit more complicated than on PC, as you’ll need to rely on the game’s built-in settings or seek assistance from the console manufacturer’s support team. On most consoles, you can access the game’s settings and look for an option to delete saved data or reset the game to its default state. This will typically involve navigating to the game’s menu, selecting the “options” or “settings” tab, and choosing the “delete saved data” or “reset game” option. Be aware that this process may vary depending on your console and the game’s version.
When resetting your universe on console, it’s crucial to understand that this action will delete all your saved data, including characters, ships, and equipment. This process is usually irreversible, so make sure you’re certain about resetting before proceeding. If you’re unsure about how to reset your universe or encounter any issues during the process, you can consult the game’s manual, visit the console manufacturer’s support website, or contact their customer support team for assistance. Remember to always be cautious when manipulating game data, and consider backing up your saves before making any changes, even if you’re planning to delete them.
Will resetting my universe affect my multiplayer progress?
Resetting your Starbound universe will indeed affect your multiplayer progress, as it will delete all your saved data, including characters, ships, and equipment. If you’ve played multiplayer with friends, resetting your universe will also remove any shared progress, such as jointly built structures or explored planets. However, it’s essential to note that resetting your universe will not affect your friends’ progress, as their data is stored separately on their own devices. If you’re concerned about preserving your multiplayer progress, you may want to consider alternative solutions, such as creating a new character or starting a new game in a different universe.
When resetting your universe, it’s crucial to communicate with your multiplayer partners and inform them of your decision. This will help prevent any confusion or inconvenience, especially if you’ve shared resources or collaborated on projects. After resetting your universe, you can rejoin your friends in multiplayer mode, but you’ll need to start fresh, creating a new character and rebuilding your presence in the game world. Remember to always be mindful of your multiplayer partners and consider their progress before making any significant changes to your game.
How do I back up my Starbound save files before resetting?
To back up your Starbound save files, you’ll need to locate the game’s save directory and copy the contents to a safe location. On PC, you can find the save files in the game’s directory, usually in the “saves” or “storage” folder. Simply copy the entire folder or the individual save files to an external hard drive, cloud storage service, or a separate folder on your computer. This will ensure that your data is safe and can be restored if needed. Be sure to back up your saves regularly, especially if you’re planning to reset your universe or make significant changes to your game.
When backing up your save files, it’s essential to choose a secure location that’s easy to access. You can use external hard drives, cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox, or simply create a separate folder on your computer. Remember to label your backups clearly, including the date and time of the backup, so you can easily identify the files later. By backing up your save files, you’ll be able to restore your progress if something goes wrong during the reset process or if you change your mind and want to revert to a previous state. Always prioritize data safety and take regular backups to ensure your gaming experience is protected.
Can I reset my Starbound universe to a previous version or update?
Resetting your Starbound universe to a previous version or update is possible, but it requires some technical expertise and caution. On PC, you can try reinstalling an earlier version of the game or using a backup of your save files from a previous update. However, this process can be complex and may involve manually editing configuration files or using third-party tools. It’s essential to note that downgrading your game version or updating to a previous patch can potentially cause compatibility issues or introduce bugs, so proceed with caution and carefully weigh the risks.
When attempting to reset your universe to a previous version or update, it’s crucial to research the process thoroughly and understand the potential consequences. You may need to seek guidance from online forums, tutorials, or the game’s community resources to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, be aware that resetting to a previous version may not be possible on console, as the game’s updates are typically managed by the console manufacturer and may not be reversible. Always prioritize data safety and consider backing up your saves before attempting to reset your universe to a previous version or update.