> ## 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.

# How to Set Up a Don't Starve Together Dedicated Server

> Set up a Don't Starve Together dedicated server on FREAKHOSTING: add your Klei token on Startup, set name and password in Game settings, start and join.

To set up a Don't Starve Together dedicated server on FREAKHOSTING, paste your Klei cluster token into **Server Token** on the **Startup** page, then open **Game settings** to set the **Server name**, **Server password** and **Game mode**, click **Review and save** and start the server. Check the console for `E_INVALID_TOKEN`, then join from **Browse Games** in the game.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Don't Starve Together server | **Startup** and **Game settings** |

## Before you start

* Log in to the [Game Panel](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-login-and-access-the-game-panel.md).
* 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](https://accounts.klei.com/account/game/servers?game=DontStarveTogether), enter a name, click **Add New Server** and copy the token. See [get a Klei cluster token](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/how-to-get-a-klei-cluster-token-for-dont-starve-together.md) 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/how-to-change-the-game-mode-on-a-dont-starve-together-server.md) for what each one does.

**5. Review and save**

Click **Review and save**. The window lists exactly what will change. Click **Save changes**.

**Player slots** shows the number of players in your plan. It is fixed by your hosting plan. For more slots, [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php).

## Step 3: Start the server and check the console

**1. Start the server**

[Start the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). If it was already running, restart it so it reads your changes.

**2. Watch the console**

Open the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md). 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/fixing-e-invalid-token-dont-starve-together.md).

## Step 4: Join your server

| Method | How |
| - | - |
| Server list | In the game, click **Browse Games** and search for your **Server name** |
| Direct connect | Open the game console with `~` and type `c_connect("203.0.113.10", 10999, "yourpassword")` |

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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) so you can go back if something goes wrong. You can also [set up automatic backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-set-up-automatic-backups.md).

## 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 for `E_INVALID_TOKEN` and see [not showing in Browse Games](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/dont-starve-together-server-not-showing-in-browse-games.md).

### How do I make myself admin?

Add your Klei User ID (it starts with `KU_`) to `adminlist.txt`. See [add admins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/how-to-add-admins-to-a-dont-starve-together-server.md).

### Can I add mods?

Yes. Paste Steam Workshop links or ids in the **Mods** section of **Game settings**, then switch the mods on in `modoverrides.lua`. See [install mods](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/how-to-install-mods-on-a-dont-starve-together-server.md).

## 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] [Get a Klei cluster token](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/how-to-get-a-klei-cluster-token-for-dont-starve-together.md)
>
> The token your server needs to run.

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

> [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] [Add admins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/how-to-add-admins-to-a-dont-starve-together-server.md)
>
> Admin rights with adminlist.txt.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **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.

> [!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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