📖 No Split-Screen? Play DST Together on One PC Anyway!
How to Play Don't Starve Together on the Same PC
The ultimate guide to split-screen co-op on PC - even though the game doesn't officially support it!
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Introduction
So, you want to play Don't Starve Together with a friend on the same PC? You're not alone! Many DST fans have wished for cozy couch co-op sessions on one computer, only to discover the PC version has no built-in split-screen support.
Don't lose hope (or sanity) just yet! In this guide, we'll walk through every way you can still play Don't Starve Together in local co-op on one PC – from official facts to clever workarounds and community solutions.
Common Question
"Can we play Don't Starve Together on the same PC with split-screen?"
Quick Answer
Not natively, but there are several reliable community solutions!
We'll cover the current state (and why the developers left PC split-screen out), then dive into community solutions like Nucleus Co-Op, Universal Split Screen, using multiple accounts, controllers setup, performance tweaks, UI fixes, and more. By the end, you'll have a toolbox of methods to survive together on one machine.
Official Status: Does DST Support Local Co-Op on PC?
In a word, no – Don't Starve Together on PC does not have native split-screen or local co-op options.
Unlike the console versions (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch), which let a second player join in splitscreen, the PC edition has this feature disabled by design. If you dig into the files, the code for split-screen is apparently present (left over from console development) but the option is turned off on PC releases.
Why No PC Split-Screen?
- Steam Account Requirements: DST on PC is tied to Steam accounts for online play. Two players on one PC would either mean one Steam account controlling two characters (which Steam doesn't normally allow for online games) or implementing a "guest" system.
- Technical Hurdles: The game's engine wasn't initially built for handling multiple input devices separately on PC. The game would need to manage multiple Xinput controllers, separate character cameras/rendering, and possibly separate sound channels in one client.
- Different Solution: When DST first launched in Early Access on Steam, Klei's approach to "play together" was to give PC players a free extra copy of the game to share with a friend. The expectation was each of you would use your own PC.
- Focus on Online Multiplayer: DST is heavily centered on online multiplayer. Local co-op might have been a low priority, possibly to avoid detracting from online play or due to limited dev resources.
Fun Fact
Console versions support 2-player split-screen (and the Switch even allows online play in split-screen). Many PC players find it "extremely weird" that a game literally called Don't Starve Together forces PC friends to play apart.
Will Klei Ever Add PC Split-Screen?
As of the latest updates in 2025, there's no indication they will. Players have been asking for ~8 years; recent official forum posts received no dev response, but lots of community support for the idea. Never say never, but don't hold your breath – the unofficial solutions are your best bet.
Workarounds Overview: Playing DST Together on One PC
Just because it's not built-in doesn't mean it's impossible. PC gamers are a resourceful bunch, and several workarounds have been developed to achieve split-screen or shared-screen play in Don't Starve Together.
| Method | Difficulty | Online Capable? | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nucleus Co-Op | Easy | LAN only | ✅ User-friendly, one-click solution ✅ Active community support ❌ LAN play only (one real account) |
| Universal Split Screen | Medium | LAN only | ✅ More configurable ✅ Works with many games ❌ Manual setup required ❌ Requires file editing |
| Multiple Steam Accounts | Hard | Yes | ✅ Full online play for both ✅ Both accounts get rewards ❌ Needs two game copies ❌ Complex setup (sandboxing) |
| Steam Remote Play | Medium | Varies | ✅ Each player gets full screen ✅ Works with second device ❌ Not true same-PC solution ❌ Requires network setup |
Important Note
You only need one copy of the game for most of these methods (except the multi-account online approach). Also, no file "cracking" or piracy is needed – we'll be using legitimate tools and the game's own files.
Let's start with the most user-friendly method that many players in 2023-2025 have had success with: Nucleus Co-Op.
Method 1: Nucleus Co-Op – Easy Split-Screen Setup
Recommended Method: Nucleus Co-Op is the easiest way to get Don't Starve Together running in split-screen on your PC.
Nucleus Co-Op is a widely-used open-source program designed to make split-screen gaming on PC as painless as possible. It supports hundreds of games (even those that don't normally support local play) by launching multiple instances and arranging them on your screen.
What Nucleus Co-Op does for DST:
- Launches two instances of Don't Starve Together on your PC (with one click)
- Handles the trickery of logging in one instance offline so both can run simultaneously
- Splits your screen into horizontal or vertical halves and positions each game window
- Assigns controller/keyboard inputs to each instance so players don't interfere with each other
Step-by-Step: Using Nucleus Co-Op for DST
Download & Install Nucleus Co-Op
Go to the official Nucleus Co-Op site and grab the latest version. It usually comes as a ZIP – extract it somewhere convenient (e.g. C:\NucleusCoop\). No "installation" needed beyond that.
Install the DST Script
When you run Nucleus (NucleusCoop.exe), you might need to Download Game Scripts or it may auto-update. Ensure Don't Starve Together appears in the library.
Set Up Controllers
Before starting the game, plug in your controllers (if using them). Nucleus will list all detected input devices.
In Nucleus, select DST from the list. You'll see the "Players" setup screen with two placeholders for the game instances.
Assign Devices & Choose Split Layout
Drag and drop your controllers/keyboard to Player 1 and Player 2 slots. For example:
- Assign "Keyboard/Mouse" to Player 1 and "Controller X" to Player 2
- Or assign controllers to both players
Choose Horizontal (Top/Bottom) or Vertical (Left/Right) split. Horizontal is recommended for DST, since it gives each player a wider field of view.
Launch the Game via Nucleus
Click the Start button. Nucleus will begin opening two instances of DST. The first instance might pop up and go through the normal menu; the second follows shortly after.
You might see the DST splash screen twice, or one might go black then load – that's normal. You might also see a Windows Firewall prompt when the games try to host/join – allow access for DST on private networks.
Host and Join the World
Once both game instances are running:
- On Player 1's instance, choose Host Game. Set up a world and ensure the server type is set to Local (LAN) only.
- Start the world. Player 1 will load in as the host.
- On Player 2's instance, choose Browse Games. There should be a LAN tab where Player 1's world appears.
- Join the world. Both players select characters, and you're playing together!
Adjust In-Game Settings
Pause the game on each instance and tweak settings:
- Set Input Device appropriately (Controller vs Keyboard)
- Set HUD Size to Large for better visibility
- Lower graphic settings if performance is chugging
- Consider lowering music volume on one instance to avoid echo
Troubleshooting Nucleus Co-Op
LAN Game Doesn't Show Up
Ensure both instances are in LAN mode. It might take a few seconds after hosting for the game to appear. Check that DST is allowed through your Windows Firewall.
Instance Crashes on Startup
Make sure Steam is open (for the first instance). Verify DST files via Steam in case the steam_api.dll swap left something weird. As a failsafe, keep a backup of steam_api.dll.
Controller Issues
Delete the file client.ini in Documents\Klei\DoNotStarveTogether\ before launching. This resets input settings. Then try again with both controllers connected first. Also turn off Steam Big Picture controller configurations.
Poor Performance
Try lowering resolution or settings before launching via Nucleus – you can edit DST's client.ini to preset a lower resolution for windowed mode.
Method 2: DIY Split-Screen – Universal Split Screen & Goldberg
This method achieves the same result as Nucleus, but manually. It's a good learning exercise and a fallback option if Nucleus doesn't work for your setup. It involves:
- Running two instances of DST on your PC by using a Steam emulator to bypass Steam's single-instance limit
- Using Universal Split Screen to manage inputs and window focus for the two instances on one screen
About Goldberg
The key tool here is the Goldberg Steam Emulator, which is a legitimate offline emulator that tricks games into thinking Steam is running. We use Goldberg only to allow a second local instance. You should still own the game on Steam.
Step-by-Step Manual Setup
A. Prepare the Game Files for Multi-Launch:
Find your DST install folder: e.g., ...Steam\steamapps\common\Don't Starve Together\bin\
Create a text file called steam_appid.txt in that folder. Open it and type in 322330 (DST's Steam ID) and save.
Download Goldberg emulator. It comes as a zip with a replacement steam_api.dll and settings folder.
In the DST bin folder, rename steam_api.dll to steam_api.dll.valve (or anything) to keep it safe.
Copy the Goldberg-provided steam_api.dll into the bin folder. Also copy any steam_settings folder if provided.
Configure Goldberg for Player 2 (the offline instance):
- Open
account_name.txt, put a name like "Player2" - Open
user_steam_id.txt, put a random 10+ digit number (not your real Steam ID)
B. Launch Two Instances:
Launch Player 1 (Main instance): Run DST via Steam as you normally would. Stay in the main menu.
Launch Player 2 (Second instance, offline): Run dontstarve_steam.exe again while the first instance is still running.
The second instance might show a popup saying "Play Offline" with a timer. Click "Play Offline" quickly when prompted.
C. Connect the Two Games (LAN):
In the first instance (Steam), start Host Game. Set it to "Local Only" in the settings and begin hosting.
In the second instance (offline), go to Browse Games. It should show LAN games including the world hosted by Player 1. Join it.
D. Arrange Windows and Inputs (Universal Split Screen):
Download and launch Universal Split Screen.
In USS, go to Options > Load Preset and choose Don't Starve Together if available.
Click on Current Window tab. Assign controls for each instance:
- Select your first DST window and assign keyboard/mouse or controller to it
- Select the second DST window and assign the second controller or KB to it
Click "Start Split Screen" in USS. The program will resize and place the windows (usually in a 50/50 split).
To end split-screen, hit the End key (default USS hotkey) to release control, or close USS.
Pros of Manual Method
- Fine-grained control over each step
- Normal game updates still work
- Helps troubleshoot if Nucleus doesn't work
Cons of Manual Method
- Time-consuming to set up
- Requires repeating steps each time
- More prone to user error
Important Reminder
When you want to play DST normally again, remember to swap back the original steam_api.dll file or use Steam's "Verify Integrity of Game Files" feature to restore it.
Method 3: Two Accounts on One PC (Advanced)
Advanced Method: This approach is more complex but lets both players use their own Steam accounts and play online together.
You might wonder, "What if I do have two DST accounts – can I use them to play online together on one PC?" Maybe you and a sibling/partner each bought DST on your own Steam accounts, but only one PC is good enough to run it. This scenario is tricky, but let's explore it:
The Challenge
Steam doesn't allow one user to run two games, and doesn't allow the same game to run twice under one account. Running under separate accounts concurrently on one Windows session is also not allowed. However, there are workarounds:
A Common Misconception
Steam Family Sharing is a dead end here – it allows a second account to install the game, but not to play at the same time as the primary account.
Using Sandboxie (Recommended Advanced Method)
One solution is using a sandbox application to run a second Steam instance alongside the first:
- Install Sandboxie Plus (free and open source)
- Set it to run Steam.exe in a sandbox (so it doesn't conflict with your main Steam)
- Log that sandboxed Steam into Account B and install DST there
- Run DST from sandboxed Steam (Account B)
- Meanwhile, run DST normally outside the sandbox with Account A
- Connect both instances via online server or LAN
Pro Tip
After launching both instances, use Universal Split Screen (as described in Method 2) to manage the input devices for each game window and arrange them on screen.
Alternative: Multiple Windows User Accounts
Another approach is using separate Windows user sessions:
- Log in to Windows as User1, launch Steam with Account A, start DST
- Use Win+L to switch user, log in as User2 (different Windows account)
- Launch Steam there with Account B, start DST
- Use multi-monitor setup or remote desktop software to view both sessions
Warning
This method is quite demanding on system resources, as you're essentially running two complete Windows sessions plus two instances of DST. Only attempt on higher-end systems.
Pros of Multi-Account Method
- Each player is online with their own profile
- Both get drops, experience, and rewards
- Can play on official online servers together
Cons of Multi-Account Method
- Hardest method to set up
- Requires two game copies
- Heavy on system resources
If your goal is just to play together on one screen in the same room, you usually don't need this complexity – a LAN/offline split-screen session using Method 1 or 2 is enough and more stable.
Method 4: Steam Link or Cloud Play (One PC, Two Screens)
This approach isn't true split-screen on one PC, but it's a variation worth mentioning that uses streaming technology to give each player their own full screen.
Main PC + Secondary Screen
Suppose you have a gaming PC and a living room TV or laptop. You want to sit together and play DST on the couch, but you only have one gaming PC. You could:
Option 1: Steam Remote Play / Steam Link
- Run two instances of DST on your PC in windowed mode (using Method 1 or 2)
- Player 1 uses the PC monitor directly
- Use Steam Link to stream just the second game window to a TV or laptop
- Player 2 uses a controller connected to the secondary device/Steam Link
This is a bit complex to set up since DST isn't built for sharing screens, but tools like Parsec or Steam Remote Play can help stream specific windows.
Option 2: Cloud Gaming Services
If you have a second device (even a low-powered laptop or tablet) that can't run DST directly:
- Player 1 plays on the main PC with their account
- Player 2 uses GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, or similar to run DST on the second device
- Both players log in with their own accounts
- Connect via online server or LAN
Note
This isn't split-screen on one PC in the traditional sense, but it addresses the underlying goal: playing together without buying a full second gaming PC.
Pros
- Each player gets a full screen
- No UI size/visibility issues
- Less strain on the main PC (in cloud gaming case)
Cons
- Requires secondary device
- Network/latency issues possible
- May incur cloud gaming subscription costs
Tuning Performance for Two-Client Play
Running two instances of Don't Starve Together will naturally double the load on your system. Here are some tips to keep your framerate steady and avoid your PC overheating like a crock pot on high:
Graphics Settings
- Lower resolution for each instance (e.g., 1280x720)
- Turn off Bloom and Ambient Occlusion
- Disable Screen Shake
- Reduce Anti-aliasing (Off or Low)
World Settings
- Generate a smaller world if possible
- Limit creatures and structures for better performance
- Avoid mods that add complex entities
- Stick to client-side cosmetic mods if any
System Optimization
- Close background programs and browser tabs
- Cap frame rate to 30 or 60 FPS
- Disable any overlays (Discord, Steam, etc.)
- Monitor temperature to prevent thermal throttling
Advanced Tip: CPU Affinity
For multi-core CPUs, you can improve performance by assigning each game instance to different CPU cores. Open Task Manager -> Details, find dontstarve_steam.exe processes, right-click -> Set Affinity. Give Instance 1 cores 1-4 and Instance 2 cores 5-8 on an 8-core CPU.
Testing Your Setup
Before committing to a long gameplay session, do a quick test on a new world with both players joining and running around near each other. See how the PC handles it. If you notice significant slowdown in busy areas (like Dragonfly desert with lots of mobs), adjust settings accordingly.
One upside: DST isn't a super graphically intense game, so many mid-range PCs can handle two instances, especially if settings are optimized. CPU and RAM are usually the bottlenecks (each instance can eat 2-3GB RAM easily, more with mods).
Optimizing Controls & UI for Two Players
Beyond raw performance, you want the experience to be comfortable and playable for both people. Here are some tips on controls and UI tweaks:
Controller Setup
Recommended: Use controllers for comfort, especially in couch co-op. DST's controller support includes radial menus for inventory, making split-screen play more comfortable.
Input Configuration Options
- One keyboard + one controller: Player 1 on keyboard/mouse, Player 2 on controller. Set Player 2's game to "Controller" mode in DST settings.
- Two controllers: Ideal for couch play. Nucleus/USS will map Controller 1 to game instance #1, Controller 2 to instance #2.
- Multiple keyboards/mice: Less common but possible. Universal Split Screen allows binding each game to a different keyboard and mouse if multiple are connected.
UI Visibility Improvements
- HUD Size: Set to "Large" in Options > Settings. This makes inventory and text more readable in split-screen.
- Toggle HUD: Use Ctrl+H (default key) to temporarily hide the HUD when needed. Each player can do this independently.
- Sound Balancing: Consider muting music on one instance to avoid echo, while keeping sound effects for both players.
Split-Screen Orientation
Horizontal Split (Top/Bottom)
- Both players get a wide view but shorter height
- Recommended for DST's open world design
- Maintains peripheral vision
- Nucleus Co-Op usually defaults to this orientation
Vertical Split (Side-by-Side)
- Each player gets the full height but narrow view
- Can feel cramped horizontally
- Better for tall screens or when using dual monitors
- Harder to see incoming threats from the sides
Multi-Monitor Tip
If you have two displays, you can essentially give each player their own screen. Run each DST instance in windowed or borderless mode and drag one to each monitor. Nucleus can automate this placement too.
Common Issues and FAQ
Do I need to purchase DST twice to do this?
Is using Goldberg or these tools legal/allowed?
Can we play split-screen on PC and have a third friend join online?
What about 4-player split-screen, is it possible on PC?
Is split-screen available on Steam Deck or Linux?
Will using these methods mess up my regular DST game?
After an update, my split-screen stopped working – help?
Conclusion: Survive Together on One PC
Playing Don't Starve Together on the same PC might not be plug-and-play, but it is entirely possible with a bit of effort. While Klei hasn't (yet) given us official PC couch co-op, the community-driven methods fill the gap nicely.
Quick Recap:
- Easiest: Use Nucleus Co-Op – it's basically a one-click solution to get DST split-screen, perfect for most players.
- Manual: If you like control or troubleshooting, go the Universal Split Screen + Goldberg route to launch multiple DST instances yourself.
- Hardware alternatives: If split-screen isn't viable, consider a secondary device (even a low-end one with streaming) or multi-seat apps to simulate two PCs in one.
- Performance: Adjust settings for performance, use controllers for comfort, and bump up that HUD size so you're not squinting at your hunger meter.
With these tools, you and your friend/partner can cozy up and enjoy Don't Starve Together side-by-side, sharing the same screen and the same PC. There's something special about yelling at each other from the couch when Deerclops shows up, instead of over Discord. Now you can live that experience on PC too!
Keep an eye on the DST community. New updates or fan-made solutions can emerge. For now, though, you're equipped with the ultimate guide to DIY couch co-op in Don't Starve Together. Time to fire up those two copies of the game and dive into the Constant together – just don't forget an extra controller and maybe some snacks (no, not just carrots and berries... something real to avoid starving together in real life!).
Split-Screen History Timeline
Tools & Resources Round-up
Here's a handy collection of all tools and resources mentioned in this guide:
| Tool | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Nucleus Co-Op | One-click split-screen solution for PC games. Includes DST support. | Download |
| Universal Split Screen | Manual split-screen tool for managing input and windows. | Download |
| Goldberg Steam Emulator | Tool to run Steam games in offline mode for LAN play. | Download |
| Sandboxie Plus | Application sandboxing tool for running a second Steam instance. | Download |
| Steam Remote Play | Stream games to other devices (for our alternative method). | Info |
| Parsec | Low-latency PC streaming software for remote play. | Download |
| Don't Starve Together Wiki | Official wiki for game information and guides. | Visit |
| Klei Forums | Official developer forums for DST news and discussions. | Visit |
Community Tip
For help with setup or troubleshooting, the r/dontstarvetogether and r/nucleuscoop communities on Reddit are excellent resources. Many users there have successfully set up DST split-screen and are willing to help newcomers.