How to Make a Don't Starve Together Server
A complete walkthrough for running your own Don't Starve Together dedicated server — install it with SteamCMD, get a Klei cluster token, run the two shards (Forest + Caves) and survive together 24/7. Plus the one-click hosted route if you'd rather skip the setup.
Don't Starve Together runs a free dedicated server (Steam app 343050) with two quirks: it needs a cluster token from Klei (proof you own the game), and a full server is a cluster of shards — one Master (Forest) plus a secondary (Caves) — so it runs two processes. You can self-host it or use a managed host that wires the shards for you.
This guide covers the self-hosted route step by step.
What you'll need
A quick checklist before you begin — have these ready and the rest is easy.
- A machine to run the server, or a host for 24/7 uptime.
- SteamCMD, to download the free server (app 343050).
- A Klei cluster token from the game client.
- A cluster with Master (Forest) + Caves shards.
- Open port: UDP 10999 (plus shard ports).
Set up a DST dedicated server, step by step
Choose self-host or a managed host
The server is free, but self-hosting means running two shard processes, a cluster token and port-forwarding. A managed host wires it all in minutes. Want zero hassle? Pick a host and skip to step 5.
Install with SteamCMD
The DST dedicated server is Steam app 343050 — a free, anonymous download.
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./dst +app_update 343050 validate +quit
Get your Klei cluster token
A public server needs a cluster token proving you own the game. In the DST client, open the console (~) and run the account-token command to generate cluster_token.txt, then place it in your cluster folder.
# in the DST client console (~): TheNet:GetServerListingRowAt → generate token → cluster_token.txt
Set up the cluster & shards
A server is a cluster of shards: a Master (Forest) and a secondary (Caves). Configure cluster.ini (cluster-wide settings) and each shard's server.ini (Master vs Caves), so the two worlds link.
MyCluster/ cluster.ini cluster_token.txt Master/ server.ini (is_master = true) Caves/ server.ini (is_master = false)
Launch both shards & open the port
Start the Master and Caves shards (two processes). Forward UDP 10999 (and the shard ports) so players can connect. On a managed host this is handled for you.
./dontstarve_dedicated_server_nullrenderer -cluster MyCluster -shard Master ./dontstarve_dedicated_server_nullrenderer -cluster MyCluster -shard Caves
Add mods (optional)
DST uses the Steam Workshop. Add mod IDs to dedicated_server_mods_setup.lua and enable them per shard; players download them on join.
Run a stable cluster
The cluster token is mandatory
A public DST server won't list without a valid Klei cluster token. Generate it from the game client and drop it in your cluster folder before starting.
Two shards = two processes
Forest (Master) and Caves run as separate processes and link into one world. Budget RAM for both — it's effectively two small servers.
Light per shard
Each shard is small (1-2 GB), so a full cluster runs on ~4 GB. DST is a light game, just with a two-process shape.
Back up the cluster folder
Your whole world (both shards) lives in the cluster folder. Back it up before updates so a bad patch never costs the run.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
The server won't list publicly
Missing or invalid cluster token. Generate a fresh one from the game client console and place cluster_token.txt in the cluster folder.
Only the surface works, no caves
The Caves shard isn't running or isn't linked. Start both shards and check is_master settings in each server.ini.
Players can't connect
UDP 10999 (and shard ports) aren't open. Forward them on the router.
Mods don't load
Add the IDs to dedicated_server_mods_setup.lua and enable them per shard in modoverrides.lua.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Want a DST cluster online 24/7 without wiring shards and tokens? Our game server hosting sets up the Forest + Caves cluster for you on high-clock CPUs behind a protected Frankfurt network — online in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to own Don't Starve Together to host a server?
The dedicated server (Steam app 343050) is a free download, but a public server needs a cluster token generated from a client that owns the game — that's how Klei verifies ownership.
What is a cluster token in DST?
It's a token proving you own Don't Starve Together, required to run a public server. You generate it from the game client's console, which creates cluster_token.txt, then place it in your server's cluster folder.
Why does a DST server run two shards?
A full DST world is a cluster: a Master shard (the surface/Forest) and a secondary shard (the Caves), each a separate process that link together. So a complete server runs two processes, not one.
What port does a Don't Starve Together server use?
UDP 10999 by default (with additional shard ports for the cluster). Forward it so players can connect. On a managed host the ports are handled for you.
How much RAM does a DST server need?
Each shard is light (around 1-2 GB), so a full Forest + Caves cluster runs on roughly 4 GB. Remember to budget for both shards, since they run as separate processes.
How do I add mods to a DST server?
Add mod IDs to dedicated_server_mods_setup.lua and enable them in each shard's modoverrides.lua. DST uses the Steam Workshop and players download the mods on join.
Keep reading
Don't Starve Together is a trademark of Klei Entertainment. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Klei. You must own a legitimate copy of the game to play.
