: Starbound is known for being DRM-free. Simply zipping the folder allows the game to be moved and played on other machines without needing the Steam client active, which is a common practice for personal backups.
The existence of a .rar file for a specific date usually points to a few specific intentions within the gaming community:
: RAR files are frequently used to share specific "curated" versions of the game—sometimes pre-loaded with mods—within small communities or for historical preservation. Technical Note If you are trying to use this file, be aware that: