Starbound

To run Starbound (2016) on PC you need at least a Core 2 Duo processor and a 256 MB graphics memory and directx 9.0c compatible gpu, with 2GB of RAM and 3GB of free storage. For higher settings and frame rates, the recommended specs are a Core i3 and a Discrete GPU capable of directx 9.0c with 4GB of RAM. Check your exact PC against Starbound with our free Can I Run It tool, estimate your frame rate with the FPS Estimator, or see the best GPU for Starbound.

Meeting the Starbound minimum requirements (a 256 MB graphics memory and directx 9.0c compatible gpu) is enough to launch the game, but it won't give you high frame rates at 1440p or 4K. The recommended Discrete GPU capable of directx 9.0c is a solid target, and stepping up to a GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080 or Radeon RX 9070 XT gives you the headroom for ultra settings, ray tracing and high-refresh play. On mid-range cards, DLSS 4 and FSR frame generation can lift Starbound's frame rate substantially, while a flagship RTX 5090 drives 4K at maximum settings.

The processor matters just as much: pairing your graphics card with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D or an Intel Core Ultra, at least 4GB (ideally 32GB) of DDR5 RAM and a fast Gen5 NVMe SSD removes the stutter and long load times that can hold Starbound back. For modern textures at 4K, aim for a GPU with 12–16GB of VRAM so you never run short.

The same premium components also decide whether your rig is VR ready: if you game in virtual reality on a Meta Quest 3, Valve Index or PlayStation VR2, a strong GPU and CPU are what hold a steady 90 FPS. Check your exact setup against Starbound with the free Can I Run It tool, or see the best GPU for Starbound.

What are the minimum requirements for Starbound?
Starbound needs at least a Core 2 Duo CPU and a 256 MB graphics memory and directx 9.0c compatible gpu graphics card, 2GB of RAM and 3GB of storage.

What are the recommended specs for Starbound?
For a smooth experience, Starbound recommends a Core i3 and a Discrete GPU capable of directx 9.0c with 4GB of RAM.

How much RAM does Starbound need?
Starbound requires 2GB of RAM as a minimum, with 4GB recommended.

What GPU do you need to run Starbound?
The minimum graphics card for Starbound is a 256 MB graphics memory and directx 9.0c compatible gpu, while a Discrete GPU capable of directx 9.0c is recommended for higher settings. Check any GPU against this game with our Can I Run It tool.