Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding how character appearance change mods work in Starbound, including the most popular mods, installation steps, and how they function under the hood.
Gather appearance templates
Build the UI or command
Apply appearance changes
Persist changes
Handle race-specific assets
Safety & edge cases
/spawnitem an editor item, then use it..player file outside the game.C:\Users\<username>\Documents\Starbound\mods on Windows or ~/Documents/Starbound/mods on Mac/Linux)storage/player/ folder/admin if requiredStarbound appearance-change mods work by either:
.player files.For most users, an item- or station-based Lua mod is recommended, provided it explicitly states compatibility with the current game version (v1.4.4 as of this report’s writing).
Note: Always back up the storage/player folder before using any appearance-modifying mod. Some mods disable Steam achievements while active.
In vanilla , you cannot change your character's physical appearance (like hair or skin color) once they are created. However, you can achieve this through specific mods or manual save file editing. Best Mod Options
Because the game's modding API doesn't natively support mid-game appearance changes, "simple" mods often can't do this alone. Instead, you should look for tools that expand the game's engine or use external save editors: Steam Community StarExtensions
: This is widely considered the easiest method. It is a mod that enables an in-game editor via a chat command. How it works : Once installed, you can type /editor open in the chat to reopen the character creation screen.
: It is recommended to unequip your cosmetic items before doing this to avoid them being reset. xStarbound : Similar to StarExtensions, this engine fork includes an command for mid-game customization. : This is a powerful, third-party save editor
application rather than an in-game mod. It allows you to open your
file and manually change values for hairstyles, colors, and even species. The "No-Mod" Manual Method
If you don't want to install extra tools, you can manually edit your save file, though it is risky. Chucklefish Forums Backup your storage folder before attempting this. Use the Starbound utility dump_versioned_json to turn your file into a readable text format. Open the file in a text editor like and search for tags like "hairType" "bodyColor"
Replace the old values with new ones (often copied from a "dummy" character you've created with the look you want). make_versioned_json to pack the file back into a format the game can read. Chucklefish Forums Frackin Universe Compatibility
In , "changing character appearance" can mean two very different things: customizing a new character with modded options or editing an existing character mid-game. Because Starbound stores character data in a hardcoded format, there is no native "barber" or "plastic surgeon" NPC in the base game.
Below is a breakdown of how different types of appearance mods work and how you can use them to change your look. 1. New Character Customization (Creation Phase)
These mods expand the options available when you first create a character. starbound change character appearance mod work
Race Extenders: By default, Starbound only has enough slots for the seven vanilla races. Mods like Xar's Character Extender add more selection boxes to the menu, allowing you to choose custom races like the Avali or Skeletons.
Aesthetic Expansions: Mods like Colorbound or Cutebound add hundreds of new hair colors, skin tones, and eye styles directly to the creation sliders.
How they "work": They patch the game's .config files to tell the creation screen to look for more assets. These are the most stable mods, but they typically only apply to newly created characters. 2. Mid-Game Appearance Changes (Live Characters)
Changing your base look (hair, skin, or race) after starting the game requires bypassing the game’s standard limits.
Report: Modding Starbound Character Appearance Changing a character's appearance in
after creation is not natively supported in the base game, but several established modding methods and tools allow for these modifications Recommended Modding Tools
Several mods provide in-game or external interfaces to edit character traits: StarExtensions
command that opens the standard character creator in-game, allowing you to modify your current character. Wardrobe Interface
: While primarily for clothing, it provides a dedicated interface to preview and equip all in-game and modded apparel across different slots.
: An external open-source inventory and character editor. While some features may be outdated for newer game versions, the appearance settings—including species, gender, and a full RGB color picker—are reportedly functional. Manual Save Editing (Advanced)
If mods are not preferred, appearance can be changed by manually editing the
How to Make Your Starbound Character Appearance Mod Work One of the best parts of Starbound is the ability to customize your space traveler, but sometimes the vanilla options just don't cut it. Whether you’ve downloaded a new hair pack, a race overhaul, or a color expansion, it can be incredibly frustrating when those changes don't show up in-game.
If you are struggling to get your character appearance mods to function, follow this guide to troubleshoot and fix the most common issues. 1. Understanding How Appearance Mods Load
In Starbound, character appearance data is often baked into your .player file the moment you create a character. This means that some mods only affect new characters, while others can change existing ones.
Asset Replacers: These swap existing files (like changing the default human hair textures). These usually work immediately on existing characters.
Expansion Mods: These add new slots for hair, eyes, or colors. These often require a specific interface mod to actually see the new options. 2. The "Must-Have" Dependency: XBawks Character Creator
If you are using a mod that adds a new race or significantly expands customization options, it almost certainly won't work without XBawks Character Creator.
The default Starbound character creation screen only has a limited number of "slots" for races and features. If your mod adds more than the vanilla game can display, the extra options simply won't appear. Installing XBawks expands this menu, allowing those modded assets to populate. 3. Fixing the "Existing Character" Dilemma
Did you install a cool new skin tone mod only to find your current character looks the same? This is because Starbound doesn't dynamically update certain "body" variables once a character is generated.
To fix this for an existing character, you have two main options: Core technical steps
Appearance Change Mod: Use a mod like Wardrobe or Character Editor. These allow you to open a menu in-game to re-select your hair, colors, and even your personality pose.
Manual File Editing: For advanced users, you can use a JSON editor to modify your .player file, though this is risky and requires backing up your saves. 4. Check for Mod Conflicts
Appearance mods often fail because two mods are trying to edit the same file (e.g., humanoid.config).
Check the Load Order: Starbound loads mods alphabetically. If two mods change the same thing, the one later in the alphabet usually wins.
Steam Workshop vs. Local: Ensure you don't have two versions of the same mod in your mods folder and your Steam Workshop directory, as this causes "duplicate asset" errors that can crash the game. 5. Verify Your "Mods" Folder Structure
If you downloaded a mod from a site like Nexus or the Chucklefish Forums (rather than Steam), ensure it is installed correctly. The path should look like: Starbound/mods/[ModName]/.
Inside that folder, you should see a .metadata or _metadata file. If the files are buried too deep in subfolders, Starbound won't see them. 6. Check the Logs for Errors
If your game crashes or the mod simply refuses to load, your starbound.log file (found in the storage folder) is your best friend. Open it with Notepad and search for the word "Error." It will often tell you exactly which file is failing to load or which mod is conflicting.
By ensuring you have a proper character creator extension and checking for file conflicts, you can get back to exploring the galaxy in style.
How to Change Your Character's Appearance in Starbound: Do Mods Actually Work?
Starbound is a massive universe where you can be anything from a robotic glitch to a sentient plant. But after fifty hours of gameplay, you might realize that the neon-green mohawk you chose at the start wasn't your best decision. Unlike many modern RPGs, Starbound does not include a built-in "magic mirror" or barbershop to change your looks after the initial character creation screen.
This leaves players asking one question: Does a Starbound change character appearance mod actually work?
The short answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as clicking a button in-game. Here is everything you need to know about the current state of appearance modification in Starbound. The Challenge of Changing Looks in Starbound
Starbound saves character data in a specific file format (.player) that is generated the moment you finish character creation. Because your appearance is tied to your save file’s metadata, the game doesn't natively provide a way to "re-roll" your pixels.
While gear and vanity items can cover up your character, they don't change the base sprite colors, hair style, or personality stance. To fix those, you have to look toward the modding community or external tools. Top Modding Solutions for Appearance Changes
If you are looking for a way to change your character’s looks mid-game, there are a few reliable methods that players have used for years.
The "Wardrobe" ModOne of the most popular mods on the Steam Workshop is the Wardrobe mod. While its primary function is allowing you to preview and wear every piece of clothing in the game, some versions and add-ons allow for more deep customization. It is the closest thing to an "all-in-one" fashion interface.
Appearance Change Items (Add-on Mods)Several smaller mods introduce specific "Barber Chairs" or "DNA Modification Stations" as craftable furniture. Once placed, these stations open a menu that mimics the character creation screen.Pros: High immersion; feels like part of the game.Cons: Can sometimes be buggy if you are using custom races (like the Avali or Elduukhar).
External Save Editors (The Most Reliable Method)Technically not a "mod" that you install in your Steam folder, save editors like StarboundEdit or web-based tools are often the most effective. You upload your .player file. You manually change hex codes for colors or hair IDs.
You download the file and replace the old one.This is the only 100% "workable" way to change your character without worrying about mod conflicts or game crashes. Does it work with Custom Race Mods? Gather appearance templates
This is where things get tricky. If you are using a custom race mod (like Frackin' Universe or standalone race packs), a standard appearance mod might not recognize the unique hair or skin options of that race.
If you want to change the appearance of a modded race, ensure the appearance mod you choose explicitly states it is compatible with "custom species." Otherwise, you might end up with an invisible character or a crashed save file. Common Issues and How to Fix Them If your mod isn't working, check these three things:
Mod Load Order: Ensure your appearance mod is loading after any race mods.
Multiplayer Compatibility: If you change your appearance via a mod, other players on a server might not see the changes unless they also have that mod installed.
Corrupted Saves: Always back up your "storage" folder before trying an appearance mod. If the game tries to load a hairstyle ID that doesn't exist, it will kick you back to the main menu. The Verdict
While Chucklefish never added an official way to change your hair or skin, the modding community has filled the gap. If you want a seamless experience, look for the "Wardrobe" mod or a dedicated "Barber Station" mod on the Workshop. If you want a permanent, "fail-proof" change, using an external save editor is your best bet.
With a little bit of tweaking, you don't have to delete your character just to get a fresh haircut. Your interstellar journey can continue with a brand-new look.
"This mod introduces functionality to modify an existing character's aesthetic attributes, including hair style, skin tone, and gender. It operates by injecting a re-sizable UI panel accessible via a dedicated furniture item, ensuring that gameplay data such as inventory and progression remain intact during the customization process."
Changing your character's appearance in Starbound mid-game is not supported by the base game's API, meaning traditional "one-click" mods often struggle to work. However, there are several effective community-vetted workarounds and specialized extensions that act as mods to get the job done. Top Community Recommendations
StarExtensions (Highly Recommended): This is widely considered the most modern and reliable method. It is not on the Steam Workshop because it modifies the game's DLL files.
How it works: Once installed, you can use the in-game command /editor open to reopen the character creation screen for your current character.
Review Consensus: Users appreciate it for being the "easiest" way to re-customize without digging into save files. It is compatible with major mods like Frackin Universe.
Starcheat (The Classic Choice): A third-party external save editor that lets you change almost anything about your character, including species, colors, and hairstyles.
Review Consensus: While powerful, many users find it "finicky" or occasionally broken after major game updates. It uses a raw RGB color picker rather than vanilla palettes, which can lead to visual "mutilation" if you aren't careful.
Simple Extended Character Creation 2.0: This mod doesn't change existing characters but is essential for those using modded races to ensure they show up correctly in the creator. The "No-Mod" Manual Method
If you don't want to install external programs, you can manually edit your player files. This is considered the most "stable" but "primitive" method.
How do I change my race and appearance in a game that has started?
You can find it on Github, latest release is from Oct. * mcplano. • 1y ago. StarExtensions has an in-game character editor. Type / Reddit·r/starbound Mod that changes appearance and race? - Steam Community
Title: Character Appearance Changer
Description: This mod allows players to alter the visual appearance of their existing characters without the need to create a new save file. Whether you want to change your hairstyle, adjust your skin color, or completely overhaul your character's identity, this mod makes it possible directly in-game.
How it works:
Does it work? ⚠️ Partially—requires patching.
How it works: This legacy mod (popular in 2016-2018) spawned a gun that shoots a beam, opening a copy of the character creation screen.
The problem: The original mod broke after the Bounty Hunter update (1.4.0). However, a community fix exists. Search the Steam Workshop for "Appearance Gun (Fixed for 1.4.4)" or download the GitHub patch that replaces the Lua scripts.
How to make it work today:
mods/workshop/content/211820/ and replace the appearancegun.lua file.