Don't Starve Together
Do You Need a Dedicated Server for Don't Starve Together?
Decide between Host Game and a dedicated Don't Starve Together server, including caves, independent access, and the Klei token you'll need.
No. If your group plays together at the same time, the game's Host Game option can be enough. A dedicated server becomes useful when friends want to join without waiting for the person who owns the world to launch the game.
Dedicated means the server runs as a separate program. It doesn't automatically mean renting a machine: you can run that program yourself, provided the computer stays on and connected when people want to play.
Choose around your group's schedule
| How you play | A useful starting choice |
|---|---|
| Everyone joins for the same planned session | Host Game |
| Friends drop in at different times | A dedicated server that stays available |
| You have a spare computer and enjoy maintaining it | Self-host the dedicated server |
| Nobody wants to maintain a host computer | Managed hosting |
Don't rent a server just because “dedicated” sounds like a requirement for multiplayer. Try the built-in option first if it fits your schedule. If the recurring complaint is “we can't join until you're home,” independent hosting addresses that problem directly.
Caves need extra attention
Caves are available through the built-in hosting flow too. Klei's caves instructions explain selecting them during world creation and warn that running the surface and caves requires multiple server processes and more CPU capacity.
You'll often hear these called shards: separate parts of the world running together. When comparing hosting options, ask whether the configuration includes both the surface and caves. A surface-only test doesn't establish how that full setup will behave.
If the game reports that a dedicated server failed to start while you are using Host Game, that doesn't mean you must buy hosting. Klei's startup-error guidance explains that locally launched server programs can be blocked by security software, especially with caves enabled.
What to prepare for independent hosting
Decide whether you're starting a new world or moving an existing one, whether you want caves, and which mods your group uses. Back up the existing world before migration. Ask for a test connection before telling everyone to abandon the old session.
For a Jovian dedicated server you'll also need your own Klei server token. The existing token guide covers creating it and entering it during setup. It's separate from your public server name and should remain private.
Agree on progression expectations with friends who play at different times. Independent access solves the scheduling problem, but it also means someone can make world changes while you're away. Check the world's pause and gameplay settings together.
If managed hosting fits that plan, see Don't Starve Together on Jovian. Otherwise, starting with Host Game is a perfectly reasonable choice.