> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# DST cluster.ini Settings Explained (Dedicated Server)

> Every Don't Starve Together cluster.ini and server.ini setting on your FREAKHOSTING server explained, with defaults and the Game settings option for each.

`cluster.ini` is the main settings file of a Don't Starve Together dedicated server. It holds the game mode, PvP, server name, password and save options for the whole cluster (overworld and caves). On FREAKHOSTING it is in `DoNotStarveTogether/config/server/`, and the **Game settings** page edits it for you. Each shard also has a `server.ini` with its port and role.

| Fact | Value |
| - | - |
| Cluster folder | `DoNotStarveTogether/config/server/` |
| Main file | `cluster.ini` (one per cluster) |
| Shard files | `Master/server.ini` (overworld) and `Caves/server.ini` |
| Easiest way to edit | **Game settings** in the Game Panel |

## Where are the DST config files?

| File | Folder | What it is for |
| - | - | - |
| `cluster.ini` | `DoNotStarveTogether/config/server/` | Settings for the whole cluster |
| `cluster_token.txt` | `DoNotStarveTogether/config/server/` | Your Klei cluster token. Set it on **Startup** |
| `adminlist.txt` | `DoNotStarveTogether/config/server/` | Admins, one Klei User ID per line. You create it ([add admins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/how-to-add-admins-to-a-dont-starve-together-server.md)) |
| `server.ini` | `Master/` and `Caves/` | Port and role of each shard |
| `worldgenoverride.lua` | `Master/` and `Caves/` | World generation options ([world settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/how-to-configure-dont-starve-together-world-settings.md)) |
| `modoverrides.lua` | `Master/` and `Caves/` | Which mods are switched on. You create it ([install mods](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/how-to-install-mods-on-a-dont-starve-together-server.md)) |
| `dedicated_server_mods_setup.lua` | Open it from the link at the bottom of **Game settings** | Which Workshop mods the server downloads |

At the bottom of **Game settings** you'll find links to open `cluster.ini`, `worldgenoverride.lua (Master)`, `cluster_token.txt` and `dedicated_server_mods_setup.lua` as raw files.

## cluster.ini settings explained

### \[GAMEPLAY]

| Key | Default on your server | What it does | Change it in Game settings |
| - | - | - | - |
| `game_mode` | `survival` | `survival`, `endless` or `wilderness` ([game modes](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/how-to-change-the-game-mode-on-a-dont-starve-together-server.md)) | **Game mode** |
| `max_players` | Your plan's slots | Players online at once | **Player slots** (fixed by your plan) |
| `pvp` | `false` | Players can damage each other | **Players can hurt each other** |
| `pause_when_empty` | `true` | Pauses the world while nobody is online | **Pause when empty** |

### \[NETWORK]

| Key | Default on your server | What it does | Change it in Game settings |
| - | - | - | - |
| `cluster_name` | Set on **Startup** | Name in the server list | **Server name** |
| `cluster_description` | Set on **Startup** | Text in the server details on the **Browse Games** screen | **Server description** |
| `cluster_password` | Empty | Password to join. Empty means anyone can join | **Server password** |
| `cluster_intention` | `social` | The server's playstyle in the list. Klei's values are `cooperative`, `competitive`, `social` and `madness` | **Server style** |
| `autosaver_enabled` | `true` | Saves the world at the end of every day. When off, the world still saves on shutdown and with `c_save()` | **Save automatically** |

### \[MISC]

| Key | Default on your server | What it does |
| - | - | - |
| `console_enabled` | `true` | Lets you run commands in the server console. Keep it on to use the [Game Panel console](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/dont-starve-together-server-console-commands.md) |

### \[SHARD]

The `[SHARD]` section links your overworld and caves into one cluster. `shard_enabled = true` turns this on. Don't change anything in this section, or the caves can stop working.

## server.ini settings explained

| Key | Master (overworld) | Caves | What it does |
| - | - | - | - |
| `server_port` | Your game port | The caves port | The port each shard listens on |
| `is_master` | `true` | `false` | Marks the overworld as the master shard |
| `name` | – | `Caves` | Shard name in the logs |
| `id` | – | Set for you | Internal ID of the caves shard. Changing it can break existing characters |

Don't change the ports. They match the ports your server is given.

## Should I edit cluster.ini by hand?

Use **Game settings** where you can. It shows every change before saving and keeps the right format. Some values, such as **Server name**, **Server description**, **Game mode** and **Player slots**, come from the **Startup** page and are written into `cluster.ini` each time the server starts. A hand edit of those keys is replaced at the next start.

If you do edit a file, [stop the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md) first, use the [File Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md) and make a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md). Never change `max_players`: your slots come from your hosting plan. For more slots, [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php).

## Frequently asked questions

### Where is cluster.ini on my DST server?

In `DoNotStarveTogether/config/server/cluster.ini`. You can also open it with the **cluster.ini: open the raw file** link at the bottom of **Game settings**.

### Why did my change to cluster\_name disappear?

The server name comes from **Cluster Name** on the **Startup** page and is written into `cluster.ini` at every start. Change it in **Game settings** or on **Startup** instead.

### What is cluster\_intention in Don't Starve Together?

It is the playstyle your server shows in the list: `cooperative`, `competitive`, `social` or `madness`. In the panel it is **Server style**.

### Do I need a separate cluster.ini for the caves?

No. One `cluster.ini` covers the whole cluster. The caves only have their own `server.ini` and `worldgenoverride.lua`.

## Related guides

> [card] [DST server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/dont-starve-together-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Every Don't Starve Together page in one place.

> [card] [Name and password](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/how-to-change-dont-starve-together-server-name-and-password.md)
>
> Server name, description and password.

> [card] [World settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/how-to-configure-dont-starve-together-world-settings.md)
>
> Seasons, resources and monsters.

> [card] [Install mods](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/how-to-install-mods-on-a-dont-starve-together-server.md)
>
> Workshop mods and modoverrides.lua.

> [card] [File Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md)
>
> Edit config files.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (Don't Starve Together dedicated server, version 761239). Setting meanings checked against the official [Klei dedicated server settings guide](https://forums.kleientertainment.com/forums/topic/64552-dedicated-server-settings-guide/). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** November 2026


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