E_INVALID_TOKEN, then join from Browse Games in the game.
Before you start
- Log in to the Game Panel.
- Have the Klei account that owns your copy of Don’t Starve Together. You need it for the token.
- Your server runs two worlds together: the overworld (called Master) and the Caves. You don’t need to set anything up for the caves.
Step 1: Add your Klei cluster token
The token is the one thing your server can’t run without. A new server only has placeholder text in this field.1
Create a token
Go to the Klei game servers page, enter a name, click Add New Server and copy the token. See get a Klei cluster token for the full steps.
2
Paste it on Startup
Open your server, click Startup and paste the token into Server Token, replacing the placeholder. Click outside the field so it saves.
Step 2: Name your server and set a password
1
Open Game settings
Click Game settings under GAME SETTINGS in the sidebar. The page shows the settings of your Don’t Starve Together cluster (your overworld and caves together).
2
Set the server details
In the Server section, enter a Server name and a Server description. Both are shown in the server list.
3
Set a password (optional)
Next to Server password, click Set and enter a password. Leave it empty for an open server. The Checks box at the top shows Note: Anyone can join while there is no password.
4
Choose the game mode
Pick a Game mode: Survival, Endless or Wilderness. See change the game mode for what each one does.
5
Review and save
Click Review and save. The window lists exactly what will change. Click Save changes.
Step 3: Start the server and check the console
1
Start the server
Start the server. If it was already running, restart it so it reads your changes.
2
Watch the console
Open the console. The first start creates your worlds, which takes a little longer.
3
Look for token errors
If you see
E_INVALID_TOKEN or !!!! Your Server Will Not Start !!!!, the token is wrong. The panel status can show Online even then, so trust the console. Follow fix E_INVALID_TOKEN.Step 4: Join your server
For direct connect, use your own server IP and port from the Game Panel. Leave out the password part if your server has none, for example
c_connect("203.0.113.10", 10999).
Step 5: Make your first backup
Once your world is running, make a panel backup so you can go back if something goes wrong. You can also set up automatic backups.Frequently asked questions
Does my Don’t Starve Together server include the Caves?
Yes. Your server runs the overworld and the Caves together, so players can enter the caves without any extra setup.How many players can join my DST server?
The number in Player slots on Game settings, which comes from your hosting plan. For more slots, open a ticket.Why can’t anyone see my server even though it says Online?
The token is probably missing or wrong. Check the console forE_INVALID_TOKEN and see not showing in Browse Games.
How do I make myself admin?
Add your Klei User ID (it starts withKU_) to adminlist.txt. See add admins.
Can I add mods?
Yes. Paste Steam Workshop links or ids in the Mods section of Game settings, then switch the mods on inmodoverrides.lua. See install mods.
Related guides
DST server guide
Every Don’t Starve Together page in one place.
Get a Klei cluster token
The token your server needs to run.
Name and password
Change how your server appears.
World settings
Seasons, resources and monsters.
Add admins
Admin rights with adminlist.txt.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (Don’t Starve Together dedicated server, version 761239). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.
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
- Discord: Join our Community
- Email: support@freakhosting.com
Last Updated: November 2026