Starbound is an enchanting game that takes players on an interstellar adventure, filled with exploration, crafting, and combats across procedurally generated planets. However, for those who prefer the flexibility of multitasking or want to make quick adjustments while playing, running Starbound in windowed mode can enhance your gaming experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the step-by-step process to run Starbound in windowed mode, along with tips for optimizing your gameplay.
Understanding Windowed Mode: Benefits and Features
Before we jump into the process, let’s explore what windowed mode is and why you might want to use it. When games run in windowed mode, they occupy a portion of your screen rather than the entire display. This feature presents numerous advantages:
- Multitasking: You can easily switch between applications without the need to minimize your game.
- Notifications: Receive updates and notifications from other apps without interrupting your gameplay.
Additionally, windowed mode can sometimes enhance performance, allowing smoother gameplay without the constraints that full-screen mode might impose.
How to Enable Windowed Mode in Starbound
To run Starbound in windowed mode, you have several options. Below, we will discuss two primary methods: changing the settings in-game and editing the configuration file.
Method 1: Changing In-Game Settings
Launch the Game: Start Starbound as you normally would through Steam or your desktop shortcut.
Access the Options Menu: Once you are on the main menu, look for the “Options” button and click it.
Screen Options: Inside the Options menu, navigate to the “Video” tab, where you will find options related to screen display.
Select Windowed Mode: Locate the option labeled “Fullscreen.” If it is currently enabled, click on it to toggle to windowed mode.
Adjust Resolution: After switching to windowed mode, you might want to adjust the resolution to something that fits your screen perfectly. Ensure that you maintain a good aspect ratio for optimal visuals.
Save Changes: Commit your changes and exit the options menu.
Return to Game: Now, return to the main menu and start your game to see if it is running in windowed mode.
This method is straightforward and works seamlessly for most players. However, if you encounter any issues or the game does not reflect the changes, proceed to the next method.
Method 2: Editing the Configuration File
For players who prefer a more direct approach or experience difficulties with in-game settings, modifying the configuration file is an excellent alternative.
- Locate the Starbound Installation Folder:
- For Steam users, navigate to your library, right-click on Starbound, and select “Manage.” Click on “Browse local files” to reach the installation directory.
Look for the folder named “storage.” Inside, you should see a file named “starbound.config.”
Create a Backup: Before making any changes, it’s wise to create a backup of the “starbound.config” file. This precaution prevents any loss of your current settings should anything go awry.
Open the Configuration File: Use a text editor such as Notepad or Notepad++ to open the “starbound.config” file.
Find the Windowed Mode Setting: Using the search functionality (usually Ctrl + F), locate the line that reads:
"fullscreen" : true,
or similar.Modify the Setting: Change
truetofalseas follows:
"fullscreen" : false,Adjust Other Settings: You can also adjust other display settings like resolution and V-Sync to tailor your experience further if needed.
Save Changes: Ensure you save the file after making your edits.
Launch Starbound: Open the game again. It should now run in windowed mode.
Optimizing Your Experience in Windowed Mode
Now that you have successfully switched to windowed mode, there are a few additional tweaks you can consider to enhance your experience:
Choosing the Right Resolution
Selecting the correct resolution can drastically affect your visibility and overall gameplay. When in windowed mode, consider the following:
- Full HD (1920 x 1080): Provides an immersive view with rich detail. Ideal for larger screens.
- Standard HD (1280 x 720): Good for smaller displays or if you want to allocate more system resources elsewhere.
Using Custom Hotkeys
Creating custom hotkeys can substantially improve your efficiency while playing in windowed mode. Set up hotkeys for quick access to your inventory, map, or special moves, enhancing your responsiveness during intense gameplay.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While running Starbound in windowed mode is generally seamless, players may encounter some common issues. Below are potential problems and their solutions:
Game Not Starting in Windowed Mode
If Starbound defaults back to full-screen mode despite your attempts to switch:
- Verify the Configuration: Double-check that you modified the “starbound.config” file correctly.
- Steam Launch Options: Open Steam, locate Starbound in your library, and right-click it. Select “Properties.” In the “Launch Options” box, input
-windowedto enforce windowed mode.
Performance Issues in Windowed Mode
If you experience lag or stuttering in windowed mode:
- Lowering Graphics Settings: Navigate to the video options in Starbound and set graphics settings lower.
- Disable Background Applications: Close any unnecessary applications running in the background to free up system resources.
Final Thoughts
Running Starbound in windowed mode offers a myriad of benefits that can tremendously improve your gaming experience. Whether it’s for effective multitasking, easy access to system notifications, or simply personal preference, mastering windowed mode is a fantastic choice for any player. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be equipped to successfully enable and optimize your gameplay experience.
Remember to experiment with different settings to find what works best for you, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the extensive Starbound community for more tips and support. Happy gaming, and may your adventures among the stars be plentiful!
What is windowed mode in Starbound?
Windowed mode in Starbound allows players to enjoy the game in a resizable window rather than in full-screen mode. This feature can be particularly useful for multitasking or when using a single monitor, as it enables users to switch between applications quickly without minimizing or losing the game’s current state.
Playing in windowed mode also grants players greater control over their gaming environment. For instance, they can adjust the size and position of the game window to their liking, which can enhance comfort during extended gaming sessions. Additionally, it can help avoid issues related to full-screen gameplay, such as display glitches or difficulty in returning to the desktop.
How do I enable windowed mode in Starbound?
To enable windowed mode in Starbound, navigate to the game’s settings. Start by launching the game and accessing the main menu. From there, go to the “Options” menu, where you can find various display settings. Look for an option labeled “Windowed” or “Fullscreen” and switch it to “Windowed.”
After making this change, confirm your selection and return to the game. The window should now display in a windowed format, allowing you to resize it as desired. If you experience any issues, you can also check your graphics settings to ensure that your video drivers are up to date.
Can I adjust the window size when in windowed mode?
Yes, when you switch to windowed mode in Starbound, you can adjust the window size freely. To do this, hover your cursor over the edges or corners of the game window, and click and drag to resize it. This flexibility allows you to customize your gaming setup to your preferences, whether you want a large view or a smaller window for multi-tasking.
Keep in mind that resizing the window may affect the game’s resolution and display quality. You may need to experiment with different sizes to find the perfect balance that works for your monitor and personal comfort. Ensuring a good aspect ratio can help maintain the visual integrity of the game.
Does playing in windowed mode affect game performance?
Playing Starbound in windowed mode can have varying effects on game performance depending on your computer’s specifications. For many users, there will be negligible performance differences between windowed and full-screen modes. However, some players might notice slightly lower frame rates in windowed mode due to different resource allocation by the operating system.
If you find performance issues in windowed mode, consider adjusting your graphics settings within the game. Lowering settings such as resolution, visual effects, or rendering quality can help improve performance without requiring you to switch back to full-screen mode.
Can I still use mods while playing in windowed mode?
Yes, you can still use mods while playing Starbound in windowed mode. The game’s modding capabilities do not change based on whether you are in full-screen or windowed mode. This means you have the same access to install, enable, or disable mods regardless of the display mode you choose.
It’s important to ensure that the mods you are using are compatible with the version of Starbound you have installed. If you encounter any issues while using mods in windowed mode, troubleshooting through community forums or mod-specific pages can be helpful to find solutions or updates from mod creators.
What should I do if Starbound won’t start in windowed mode?
If Starbound won’t start in windowed mode, the first step is to check the game’s configuration settings. Navigate to the “options.config” file located in your Starbound installation folder or in your user’s created data files. Here, you can manually change the settings to enable windowed mode, ensuring you save the changes before restarting the game.
If problems persist, consider verifying the integrity of the game files through your game client (like Steam). This process can fix any corrupted files that might be affecting the game’s launch options. Updating your graphics drivers or adjusting other display settings on your computer may also resolve any compatibility issues that prevent the game from starting properly in windowed mode.