📖 DST Server Survival: Setup & Mods Made Easy

Ultimate Guide: Setting Up and Modding a Don't Starve Together Server

A comprehensive guide to creating, configuring, and modding your DST server—from local co-op to dedicated public servers with custom mods.

So, you want to set up your own Don't Starve Together server and customize it with mods? Whether you're trying to play co-op with a buddy on your home network, host a persistent world for friends, or run a public dedicated server with crazy mods, this guide has you covered. We'll walk through every major scenario – from simply using the in-game Host Game for local play, to configuring a full dedicated server on Windows or Linux (or a cloud VM) – with detailed steps.

By the end, you'll have the know-how to confidently launch a DST server tailored to your needs – and keep it running smoothly. No one will starve on your watch! Let's get started with the basics of how DST multiplayer works and what option is best for you.

Understanding DST Server Types

Don't Starve Together offers multiple ways to host a multiplayer game. The right choice depends on your situation:

Client-Hosted (Host Game)

This is when you start a server from within DST's menus. Your game client becomes the host server.

Easy setup (few clicks)

Uses game's UI for settings/mods

World goes down when host leaves

Performance depends on host's PC & internet

Best for: Small group sessions, ad-hoc play, testing mods quickly

Dedicated Server (Online)

A separate program that runs the server in the background. It keeps running 24/7, independent of any player.

Runs continuously (24/7 world)

More stable for many players

Initial setup is technical

Requires maintenance and updates

Best for: Long-term worlds, communities, >6 players, or when host player can't always be online

Local LAN/Offline

A special case of either option above, where the server is not published to the internet.

No internet required

Low latency

No online features (no rewards)

Requires all players on same network

Best for: Family or dorm LAN sessions, playing during internet outage

For many, the journey starts with hosting via the game client (because it's simple) and later graduating to a dedicated server as needs grow. In this guide, we'll cover both paths, but keep in mind the end goal: a dedicated server provides the most flexibility, especially for mods.

Quick Start: Hosting via Game Client

If you're eager to get playing with friends and don't need a persistent 24/7 world, using the built-in Host Game feature is the fastest route.

1 Start DST and Create a World

From the main menu, choose Host Game. If you already have a world, you can use it, or click New World.

Key Settings to Configure:

Max Players: Default is 6, but can be increased (8+ not recommended without a strong server)
Game Mode:
- Survival - Players become ghosts on death; world resets if everyone dies
- Endless - Ghosts can revive at portal, no total reset (popular for casual play)
- Wilderness - Players spawn randomly and death is permanent (hardcore)
Enable Caves: Adds a whole underground world but doubles resource usage
Server Visibility:
- Public: Anyone can find and join
- Friends Only: Only visible to Steam friends
- Local Only: Only visible on your LAN
Password: Optional extra security
PvP Toggle: Decide if players can damage each other

2 Mods Setup (Client Hosting)

To use mods when hosting from the game client:

Click the Mods tab before generating the world.
You'll see two sections: Client Mods and Server Mods.
If you haven't subscribed to mods yet, click Browse Steam Workshop to find and subscribe to mods.
Enable the mods you want (check them in the list).
Configure settings if needed: some mods have a Configure button for options.

Important Notes:

When friends join your modded server, they'll automatically download required mods
All players must accept the "mods disclaimer" prompt the first time
Using mods disables earning achievements and item drops for that session

3 Launch and Play

Hit Generate World. The game will create the world (and cave world if selected) and load any mods.

Once in character select, you can wait for friends or start playing.
As host, you have admin privileges by default.
Friends can join via the server browser (under Friends filter) or by right-clicking your name in Steam → Join Game.

Admin Commands:

As host, you can use the console (press ~ key) to enter admin commands like #restart

4 Saving/Stopping

The world auto-saves at the end of each in-game day. To shut down the server:

Simply disconnect (leave) - since you're the host, that effectively stops the server.
You'll be prompted to save the world or not when quitting.

Next time you play, go to Host Game and select Resume World to continue where you left off.

Limitations of Client Hosting:

Remember that with this method, the game only runs when you (the host) run it. If you want a persistent world that stays online even when you're not playing, consider setting up a Dedicated Server as covered in the next sections.

Playing Together on LAN or Offline

If you and your friends/family are in the same location or you don't have reliable internet, DST can be played entirely offline or on a local network.

Using Local Only (In-Game)

When hosting via the client, set the server visibility to Local Only.
Other players on your network should go to Browse Games → LAN tab.
Your server will show up if everyone is on the same subnet.

Tip: This is basically plug-and-play if on a home router or LAN party switch.

Dedicated Server in LAN Mode

If you prefer to run a dedicated server but offline:

In your cluster.ini, set offline_cluster = true
Optionally add lan_only_cluster = true
You don't need a cluster_token.txt in this mode.

Advantage: You don't need a copy of the game on the hosting PC for offline mode.

VPN for Virtual LAN

If you want to play "LAN" with friends over the internet privately:

Use VPN software like Hamachi, ZeroTier, or Radmin VPN to create a virtual LAN.
Host a Local Only server, and friends (connected to the same VPN) can join via LAN servers list or direct IP connect.
This avoids using the public server list or needing a token.

Note: This method can introduce latency through the VPN, but it's good for completely private setups without exposing ports.

No Internet at All

DST can run without any internet connection if in offline mode:

Make sure you have all desired mods already downloaded before going offline.
If a client tries to join and doesn't have a required mod, they can't download it without internet.
Offline means no account login; DST will assign players "OU_" IDs (offline unique IDs) instead of "KU_" IDs.

Setting Up a Dedicated DST Server

Dedicated servers give you a persistent world that isn't tied to any one player being online. They're perfect for long-term games or community servers.

Step 1: Preparing the Dedicated Server Files

Step 2: Creating a New Server Cluster

The dedicated server doesn't use your existing client worlds; you create a cluster for it.

Using Klei's Web Server Creator:

Go to https://accounts.klei.com and log in
Under Games, select Don't Starve Together, then Game Servers
Add a new server and fill in the form with your settings
Hit Download Settings to get a ZIP (e.g., MyDediServer.zip)
Extract that to your DST save location:

Windows: %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Klei\DoNotStarveTogether\
Linux: ~/.klei/DoNotStarveTogether/

Place your downloaded cluster_token.txt into that folder

Cluster Folder Structure:

MyDediServer/
├── cluster.ini          # Main cluster settings
├── cluster_token.txt    # Your authorization token
├── Master/              # Overworld shard
│   ├── server.ini       # Master-specific settings
│   └── worldgenoverride.lua  # Optional custom world gen
└── Caves/               # Cave shard (if enabled)
    ├── server.ini       # Cave-specific settings
    └── worldgenoverride.lua  # Cave world gen settings

Verification:

After setup, verify your cluster folder has at least: cluster.ini, cluster_token.txt, and the folders with their respective server.ini files.

Step 3: Launching the Server

On Windows:

Create a batch file (e.g., StartDSTServer.bat) with the following content:

@echo off
REM Update server files
steamcmd\steamcmd.exe +login anonymous +app_update 343050 +quit

REM Launch Master shard
start "DST Master" "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Don't Starve Together Dedicated Server\bin64\dontstarve_dedicated_server_nullrenderer_x64.exe" -console -cluster MyDediServer -shard Master

REM Launch Caves shard
start "DST Caves" "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Don't Starve Together Dedicated Server\bin64\dontstarve_dedicated_server_nullrenderer_x64.exe" -console -cluster MyDediServer -shard Caves

Adjust the paths if your SteamCMD or DST server is installed in a different location.

On Linux:

Create a shell script (e.g., run_dedicated_server.sh):

#!/bin/bash
install_dir="$HOME/steamapps/DST"
cluster_name="MyDediServer"
dontstarve_dir="$HOME/.klei/DoNotStarveTogether"

# Ensure required files exist
for f in "$dontstarve_dir/$cluster_name/cluster.ini" "$dontstarve_dir/$cluster_name/cluster_token.txt" \
         "$dontstarve_dir/$cluster_name/Master/server.ini" "$dontstarve_dir/$cluster_name/Caves/server.ini"; do
    [ -e "$f" ] || { echo "Missing $f"; exit 1; }
done

# Update server
steamcmd +force_install_dir "$install_dir" +login anonymous +app_update 343050 +quit

# Launch shards
cd "$install_dir/bin64" || exit 1
./dontstarve_dedicated_server_nullrenderer_x64 -console -cluster "$cluster_name" -shard Caves &
./dontstarve_dedicated_server_nullrenderer_x64 -console -cluster "$cluster_name" -shard Master

Make the script executable:

chmod +x run_dedicated_server.sh

Common Linux Issue:

If you see errors about libcurl-gnutls.so.4 missing, install it: apt-get install libcurl4-gnutls-dev

Step 4: Server Configuration

These are the main configuration files for your DST server:

cluster.ini Basics:

[GAMEPLAY]
game_mode = endless          # Survival, Endless, or Wilderness
max_players = 6
pvp = false                  # true for PvP enabled
pause_when_empty = true      # auto-pauses when no players

[NETWORK]
cluster_name = My DST Server
cluster_description = Fun modded server for friends
cluster_intention = cooperative   # or social/competitive/misc
cluster_password = secretpassword # empty means no password
offline_cluster = false
lan_only_cluster = false

[MISC]
console_enabled = true

[SHARD]
shard_enabled = true
shard_count = 2              # total number of shards in cluster
cluster_key = supersecretkey # must match in all shard configs

server.ini Options (Master):

[NETWORK]
server_port = 10999                 # Master uses 10999
default_server_name = My DST World  
default_server_description = Come join us!

[SHARD]
shard_name = Master
shard_enabled = true
is_master = true                    # true for Master
shard_id = 1                        # unique ID

[ACCOUNT]
encode_user_path = true             # use this on Windows

[STEAM]
master_server_port = 27017          # Steam ports
authentication_port = 8767

[WORLD]
enable_autosaver = true

server.ini Options (Caves):

[NETWORK]
server_port = 10998                 # Caves uses 10998
default_server_name = My DST Caves  
default_server_description = Cave shard

[SHARD]
shard_name = Caves
shard_enabled = true
is_master = false                   # false for Caves
shard_id = 2                        # unique ID, different from Master
master_ip = 127.0.0.1               # IP of master shard
master_port = 10888                 # match Master's port from cluster.ini

[ACCOUNT]
encode_user_path = true             # use this on Windows

[STEAM]
master_server_port = 27018          # different from Master
authentication_port = 8768          # different from Master

[WORLD]
enable_autosaver = true

Port Forwarding:

If you want players to join over the internet, forward these UDP ports on your router:

10999 (Master server port)
10998 (Caves server port, if using caves)
27016-27017 (Steam query ports)

Tip:

DST's NAT traversal often allows play without manual port forwarding – but if the host is behind a strict NAT or players can't connect, forwarding ensures the server is visible.

Verification Checklist:

Each server window (console) should display "Server initialized" and "Registering master server in lobby"
Open DST on a client PC and check if your server appears in the server browser
If it doesn't appear, check that offline_cluster = false and port forwarding is properly set up
If you can see the server but can't join, check firewall settings and that your cluster_token.txt is valid

Installing and Managing Mods on a Dedicated Server

One of the best parts of running your own DST server is customizing it with mods. Here's how to add mods to your dedicated server.

Understanding DST Mod Types

Client-only mods

Affect only the player's own client (UI tweaks, custom HUD, etc.). These do not need to be on the server.

Example: Geometric Placement (helps place structures on a grid)

Server-only mods

Affect gameplay world or mechanics and only run on the server. Clients don't explicitly need to subscribe but will download assets.

Example: Campfire Respawn mod

All-clients-required mods

These modify gameplay or add content such that every client must run the mod too.

Example: New items, creatures, or major gameplay changes

Note:

If a mod is on the server, players will automatically download it when connecting. If a mod is purely client-side, each player needs to subscribe to it individually.

1 Getting the Mods (Workshop Auto-Download)

Navigate to your dedicated server installation folder and open mods/dedicated_server_mods_setup.lua in a text editor
Add ServerModSetup lines for each mod you want to add, using the Workshop ID:

ServerModSetup("376333686")  -- Combined Status HUD
ServerModSetup("378160973")  -- Global Positions (show players on map)
ServerModSetup("375859599")  -- Health Info

The Workshop ID is found in the mod's workshop URL (e.g., ?id=376333686).

Save the file, stop the server if it's running, then start it again.
The server will download the mods on startup, showing log messages like:

[00:00:15]: Workshop: Downloading item 376333686 ...
[00:00:16]: Workshop: Download completed for mod 376333686 (Combined Status)
[00:00:18]: Mod: workshop-376333686 (Combined Status) Loaded successfully.

2 Enabling Mods on the Server

After downloading, you must enable the mods by creating a modoverrides.lua file in each shard's folder:

Create a file named modoverrides.lua in your cluster's Master folder (and one for Caves if needed)
Use this format to enable the mods:

return {
  ["workshop-376333686"] = { enabled = true },  -- Combined Status
  ["workshop-378160973"] = { enabled = true },  -- Global Positions
  ["workshop-375859599"] = { enabled = true },  -- Health Info (shows mob HP)
}

Pro Tip:

Instead of writing this file by hand, you can run DST normally, enable the mods in-game via Host Game, then copy the generated modoverrides.lua from your client's world folder to your dedicated server.

Restart the server. In the logs, you should see:

[00:00:20]: Loading mod settings from modoverrides.lua
[00:00:20]: Mod: workshop-376333686 (Combined Status) is enabled! (Enabled by config)

3 Manual Mod Installation (Optional)

For mods not on Workshop (custom mods or development versions):

Create a new folder under the server's mods/ directory. Name it whatever you like (no spaces).
Copy the mod files into that folder. A DST mod typically has at minimum:

mods/
 └ my_custom_mod/ 
     ├ modinfo.lua
     ├ modmain.lua
     ├ scripts/... (if any)
     └ other files...

Then, in your modoverrides.lua, use the folder name instead of a workshop ID:

return {
  ["workshop-376333686"] = { enabled = true },  -- Workshop mod
  ["my_custom_mod"] = { enabled = true }        -- Manual mod
}

Caveat:

Without a Workshop ID, clients won't auto-download a manual mod. You'd have to distribute it to your friends or publish it on Workshop as unlisted.

Keeping Mods Updated

Workshop mods update automatically:

Every time the server starts, it checks for mod updates by default
To disable auto-updates, run the server with the -skip_update_server_mods flag
Use -only_update_server_mods to update mods then exit without starting the world
Monitor mod Workshop pages for major changes or breaking updates

Popular Mods and Mod Packs

Quality of Life

Content & Gameplay

Utility/Admin

Combined Status (376333686) - Shows numeric values for health/hunger/sanity, plus world info. Client-side. Almost every DST player loves this.
Geometric Placement - Allows precise building with a grid; no more crooked crock pots! Client-side.
Minimap HUD - Adds a small on-screen mini-map. Client-side.
Action Queue Reborn - Lets you queue up tasks (like chop multiple trees) by dragging mouse. Client-side.
Status Announcements - Quick chat shortcuts to announce your stats or item counts. Useful for teamwork.

Tip: More mods isn't always better. Each mod can introduce bugs or slow down the server. Start with a few essential ones, then add as needed. Always test after adding new mods.

Administering and Monitoring Your Server

Once your server is running, you'll need to know how to manage it and keep an eye on its health.

In-Game Console Commands

As an admin, you can use the console (~ key) to run commands:

c_rollback() Rolls back the world by one save (add number for more)

c_regenerateworld() Creates a new world with the same settings

c_spawn("prefabname", quantity) Spawns an item or creature, e.g., c_spawn("gears", 2)

c_shutdown() Saves and shuts down the server

Logs & Monitoring

Keep an eye on your server's health:

Check server_log.txt in each shard folder for errors
Type #stats() in the server console to see performance metrics
Periodically update your server (and mods) when DST gets patches
Back up your world regularly (copy the cluster folder)

Performance Tips: If the server is lagging, consider reducing player count, disabling caves, or running on better hardware.

Admin Privileges and Whitelisting

For server management, you can set up admin and whitelist files:

adminlist.txt

Lists Klei IDs of players who have admin privileges on your server.

KU_ABCDEF123456
KU_XYZ789012345

Place this file in your cluster's root folder.

whitelist.txt

Lists Klei IDs of players allowed to join when the server is full or white-listed.

KU_ABCDEF123456
KU_XYZ789012345

Use with whitelist_slots in cluster.ini to reserve slots.

Finding Klei IDs:

You can find a player's Klei ID by typing TheNet:GetClientTable() in the console when they're connected, or from their profile on the Klei website.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are solutions to the most common problems you might encounter when running a DST server.

Server Not Showing Up in Browse

Friends Can't Join (Timeout)

Account Failed (6): E_EXPIRED_TOKEN

Mods Not Loading or Mismatch

Server Crashes/Freezes

Performance Issues (Lag)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add caves to my existing dedicated server?

Can I run the server on my PC and play on the same PC?

Do players need to download mods manually to join my server?

How do I update my server when DST gets a new patch?

Conclusion

Setting up and modding a Don't Starve Together server may seem involved, but as we've shown, it's entirely doable and hugely rewarding. By choosing the right hosting method for your needs – quick client-hosted games for casual play or a robust dedicated server for long-term worlds – you can tailor the DST experience to your group.

With mods, you can transform DST in countless ways: make it easier, harder, or just more fun and convenient. We covered how to safely integrate these mods and ensure everyone stays in sync, across Windows or Linux environments.

Now you have the tools to handle common pain points: generating a server token, configuring cluster and shard settings, automating mod downloads, and tweaking performance. You're also prepared for special scenarios like LAN parties or running multiple servers, and you know how to tackle problems by reading logs and adjusting settings.

Remember to keep an eye on updates (both game patches and mod updates) and maintain your server (backups, periodic restarts if needed). But most importantly, don't forget why you went through this setup: to enjoy the game together with friends/community in the style you like.

Good luck, have fun, and may your firepit always be lit through the darkest nights! Now go forth and conquer those hounds and bosses with your well-fed, well-coordinated group – your server, your rules. Happy surviving (and modding)!

Last Updated: 2025-06-13 | Don't Starve Together™ is a trademark of Klei Entertainment

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