Enabling Caves in Don’t Starve Together Server

Step 1: Configure DST Server Folders for Caves

First, set up the multi-shard structure required for caves:

1. Navigate to /home/container/DoNotStarveTogether/ in your Pterodactyl file manager
2. Create these folders if they don’t exist:

• /config/server/Master/ (for overworld)
• /config/server/Caves/ (for caves)

Step 2: Configure Essential Files

A. Cluster Configuration

Edit or create /home/container/DoNotStarveTogether/config/server/cluster.ini:

[GAMEPLAY]
game_mode = survival
max_players = 6
pvp = false
pause_when_empty = true

[NETWORK]
cluster_description = Your server description
cluster_name = Your Server Name
cluster_intention = cooperative
cluster_password = 

[MISC]
console_enabled = true

[SHARD]
shard_enabled = true
bind_ip = 127.0.0.1
master_ip = 127.0.0.1
master_port = 10889
cluster_key = your_cluster_key  # Must be same across shards

B. Server Configuration Files

1. For Master (Overworld) – /config/server/Master/server.ini:

[SHARD]
is_master = true
name = Master

[NETWORK]
server_port = {{SERVER_PORT}}  # Default port from Pterodactyl

2. For Caves – /config/server/Caves/server.ini:

[SHARD]
is_master = false
name = Caves

[NETWORK]
server_port = 11000  # Must be different from Master port

Step 3: World Generation Settings

1. Create Caves world settings – /config/server/Caves/worldgenoverride.lua:

return {
    override_enabled = true,
    preset = "DST_CAVE"  -- Forces cave generation
}

2. Verify Master world settings – /config/server/Master/worldgenoverride.lua:

return {
    override_enabled = true,
    preset = "SURVIVAL_TOGETHER"
}

Step 4: Mod Configuration (If Using Mods)

If you’re using mods, you’ll need to configure them for both shards:

1. Edit dedicated_server_mods_setup.lua in both Master and Caves folders
2. Create modoverrides.lua in both folders with identical mod configurations

Step 5: Start and Regenerate World

1. Stop your server if it’s running
2. Delete the existing world files in /DoNotStarveTogether/save/
3. Start the server through Pterodactyl panel
4. The panel should automatically start both shards

Alternative world regeneration method:

• Use console command c_regenerateworld() in-game

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Caves Not Appearing

• Verify shard_enabled = true in cluster.ini
• Check both shards are running
• Look for port conflicts in logs
• Use c_spawn('cave_entrance') to manually create entrances

1. Connection Issues

• Verify cluster_key matches in all configurations
• Check bind_ip and master_ip are set to 127.0.0.1
• Ensure ports are not conflicting

1. Startup Failures

• Check Pterodactyl console for error messages
• Verify all file paths and permissions
• Ensure no typos in configuration files

Log Locations

• Master shard logs: /home/container/DoNotStarveTogether/Master/server_log.txt
• Cave shard logs: /home/container/DoNotStarveTogether/Caves/server_log.txt

Important Notes

1. Resource Requirements

• Minimum 4GB RAM recommended
• Additional storage space for cave world
• Higher CPU usage with caves enabled

1. Best Practices

• Always backup before making changes
• Keep configurations identical across shards except where noted
• Monitor server performance after enabling caves

1. Server Management

• Use Pterodactyl’s built-in file manager for edits
• Keep track of your cluster key
• Regular backups recommended

Advanced Configuration

Custom Cave Settings

You can modify cave generation in worldgenoverride.lua:

return {
    override_enabled = true,
    preset = "DST_CAVE",
    overrides = {
        -- Add custom cave settings here
        cave_springs = "often",
        cave_spiders = "rare"
    }
}

Performance Optimization

• Adjust max_players based on server resources
• Monitor RAM usage and adjust if needed
• Consider reducing view distance if experiencing lag

Remember to check the official Don’t Starve Together wiki for additional world generation options and server configuration details.

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