> ## 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 Install Mods on a Don't Starve Together Server

> Install mods on a Don't Starve Together dedicated server: add Workshop ids in Game settings > Mods, enable them in modoverrides.lua for each shard and restart.

To install mods on a FREAKHOSTING Don't Starve Together server, paste each Steam Workshop link or id into **Workshop mods to download** in **Game settings** > **Mods**, click **Add**, then **Review and save**. The server downloads these mods when it starts. To switch a mod on, also list it in `modoverrides.lua` in both the `Master` and `Caves` folders, then restart.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Intermediate | 10 to 15 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Don't Starve Together server | **Game settings** > **Mods** and **Files** |

## Before you start

* Your server needs a valid [Klei cluster token](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/how-to-get-a-klei-cluster-token-for-dont-starve-together.md) to start and load mods.
* Make a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md). Some mods change your world for good.
* Find the Workshop id of each mod. It is the number at the end of the mod's Steam Workshop address, after `?id=`. For example, `https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=378160` has the id `378160`.

## Step 1: Add the mods in Game settings

**1. Open the Mods section**

Open your server in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), click **Game settings** and open **Mods**.

**2. Paste a link or id**

Paste a Steam Workshop link or id into **Paste Steam Workshop links or ids** and click **Add**. A full Workshop link is shortened to its id. The mod then appears in the list. If nothing is added, check that you pasted a Workshop link or a number.

**3. Repeat for each mod**

Add every mod you want. The counter under the list shows how many are added.

**4. Review and save**

Click **Review and save**. The window shows the change to `dedicated_server_mods_setup.lua`, the file that tells the server which mods to download. The panel keeps the old file as `dedicated_server_mods_setup.lua.bak`. Click **Save changes**.

![Don't Starve Together Game settings Mods section with Workshop mods to download list, Paste Steam Workshop links or ids field and Add button](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/m3ZOEtGPuZd9DW2_/images/games/dont-starve-together/dst-game-settings-mods.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=m3ZOEtGPuZd9DW2_\&q=85\&s=84d752fbff6bef19a3182936ef1c3517)

The Mods section in Game settings with one Workshop mod added

## Step 2: Switch the mods on in modoverrides.lua

Downloading a mod doesn't switch it on. Each shard (the overworld, called `Master`, and the `Caves`) needs a `modoverrides.lua` file that lists the mods to enable. A new server doesn't have this file yet.

**1. Stop the server**

[Stop the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md) before you edit files.

**2. Open the Master folder**

In **Files**, go to `DoNotStarveTogether/config/server/Master/`. See the [File Manager guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md).

**3. Create modoverrides.lua**

Create a new file called `modoverrides.lua` and add one entry per mod. The mod name is `workshop-` followed by its id:

```lua theme={null}
return {
  ["workshop-378160"] = { enabled = true },
}
```

For two mods, add a line for each, separated by commas.

**4. Copy it to Caves**

Create the same `modoverrides.lua` in `DoNotStarveTogether/config/server/Caves/`. Each shard reads its own file, so enable the mod in both.

**5. Start and check the console**

Start the server and watch the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md). Lines starting with `[Workshop]` show the mod download.

## How to change a mod's options

Many mods have options. Add them in `modoverrides.lua` under `configuration_options`. Use the option names and values from the mod's own description or its `modinfo.lua`:

```lua theme={null}
return {
  ["workshop-378160"] = {
    enabled = true,
    configuration_options = {
      option_name = "value",
    },
  },
}
```

Values that the mod doesn't offer can break it. Keep the same file in `Master` and `Caves` unless the mod tells you otherwise.

## What if a mod doesn't load?

| Console shows | What to do |
| - | - |
| `E_INVALID_TOKEN` | The server didn't start. [Fix the token](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/fixing-e-invalid-token-dont-starve-together.md) first |
| The mod downloads but isn't active in game | Check `modoverrides.lua` in both `Master` and `Caves`: the name must be `workshop-<id>` and `enabled = true` |
| `DownloadServerMods timed out` or `No mods registered` | The mod didn't download. [Open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) with the Workshop id and we'll look at it |
| The server stops after you add a mod | Remove the mod from `modoverrides.lua`, restart, and check the mod's Workshop page for known problems |

## Frequently asked questions

### Where do I find a DST mod's Workshop id?

Open the mod on the Steam Workshop. The id is the number after `?id=` in the address bar.

### Why are my mods downloaded but not working?

The **Mods** section only downloads mods. To switch them on, list them in `modoverrides.lua` in both the `Master` and `Caves` folders, then restart.

### Can I add a Workshop collection?

The **Mods** section takes single mods. Add each mod in the collection by its link or id.

### How do I remove a mod?

Remove it from **Workshop mods to download** in **Game settings**, save, delete its entry from both `modoverrides.lua` files and restart.

## 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] [cluster.ini explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/dont-starve-together-cluster-ini-settings-explained.md)
>
> The server's config files.

> [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] [Fix E\_INVALID\_TOKEN](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/dont-starve-together/fixing-e-invalid-token-dont-starve-together.md)
>
> Server will not start.

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

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (Don't Starve Together dedicated server, version 761239). The `modoverrides.lua` format is checked against the official [Don't Starve Wiki dedicated server guide](https://dontstarve.wiki.gg/wiki/Dedicated_Server). Steps may differ slightly if the game or the mods change.

> [!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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