How To Configure Your Don't Starve Together Server

Learn how to configure your Don't Starve Together dedicated server using cluster.ini and server.ini.

Don't Starve Together server configuration is managed through two main files: cluster.ini for cluster-wide settings and server.ini for individual shard settings.

Using Startup Settings

Open the Startup Page

Log in to the XGamingServer Panel and select your Don't Starve Together server. In the sidebar, click Startup.

Adjust Settings

The Startup page provides fields for common settings including cluster token, server name, max players, game mode, and more.

Restart Your Server

After making changes, restart from the Console page.

Editing cluster.ini

Open Files

In the sidebar, click Files. Navigate to the cluster directory (e.g., DoNotStarveTogether/Cluster_1/).

Open cluster.ini

Open cluster.ini and adjust the settings:

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

[NETWORK]
cluster_name = My DST Server
cluster_description = A friendly survival server
cluster_password =
cluster_intention = cooperative
lan_only_cluster = false

[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 = supersecretkey

Save and Restart

Save the file and restart your server.

Game Mode Options

ModeDescription
survivalStandard experience, ghost on death, revivable
wildernessRandom spawn location each life, no ghosts
endlessNo death penalty, respawn at portal anytime
lavaarenaPvE arena combat (event mode)

World Configuration

World generation settings are stored in worldgenoverride.lua inside each shard folder (Master/ and Caves/). You can customize resource frequency, season lengths, mob spawns, and more through this file.

📝 Note: Settings in cluster.ini apply to all shards. Settings in server.ini inside each shard folder apply only to that specific shard.

💡 Tip: If you want caves enabled, make sure shard_enabled = true in the [SHARD] section and that both Master and Caves shard folders are properly configured.

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