Don't Starve Together

About

The entire world of Don’t Starve Together has been expanded and now includes Reign of Giants content, free for everybody! New mysteries, challenges and scientific innovations await your discovery. Team up with friends and manage your resources well, because the wilderness of Don’t Starve Together has learned some new tricks.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

+11

96%

Audience ScoreBased on 243,179 reviews

gameplay3.8k positive mentions

grinding1.3k negative mentions

The game features a unique hand-drawn art style and atmospheric soundtrack that create a whimsical yet eerie environment, enhancing the overall experience.
Gameplay is highly engaging with a perfect blend of strategy, resource management, and exploration, especially in cooperative multiplayer settings that encourage teamwork.
The game offers exceptional replayability due to its procedurally generated worlds, diverse character abilities, and ongoing updates that keep the experience fresh.

The steep learning curve and lack of guidance on mechanics can make the game frustrating, often requiring players to rely on external resources for optimal play.
Performance issues such as lag, crashes, and poor network optimization during multiplayer sessions detract from the overall gameplay experience.
The grinding aspect of the game is often described as tedious and repetitive, which can lead to frustration for some players.

gameplay
9,422 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
56%
4%
The gameplay of "Don't Starve Together" is characterized by its challenging survival mechanics, requiring players to manage hunger, sanity, and health while navigating a hostile environment filled with unique creatures and seasonal changes. Many players find the learning curve steep, as the game offers little guidance on its intricate mechanics, often necessitating external resources like wikis or guides for optimal play. Despite its initial difficulty, the game is praised for its depth, replayability, and the engaging experience it provides, especially in cooperative multiplayer settings where teamwork is essential for survival.
- “The gameplay is superb, offering a perfect blend of strategy, resource management, and exploration.”
- “The gameplay loop is so addicting and the art/animation quality is remarkable.”
- “The cooperative gameplay encourages teamwork, whether you're gathering resources, crafting, or fending off creepy creatures.”
- “The game doesn't explain its mechanics at all, and the ones that it does are convoluted, hard to understand and for the most part if you want to know how to do anything you must use a guide.”
- “The respawn mechanic is also really annoying, first you have to go to a portal and then you have to go get your stuff.”
- “The gameplay felt frustrating and a hassle.”
graphics
9,118 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
47%
1%
The graphics of "Don't Starve Together" are widely praised for their unique, hand-drawn art style reminiscent of Tim Burton's work, creating a whimsical yet eerie atmosphere that enhances the gameplay experience. Players appreciate the charming visuals, which effectively blend dark themes with a cartoonish aesthetic, making the game visually captivating despite its challenging survival mechanics. However, some critiques mention that the graphics may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prefer more realistic visuals. Overall, the art style is considered a standout feature that contributes significantly to the game's identity and enjoyment.
- “The hand-drawn visuals are stunning, setting a whimsical yet eerie atmosphere that draws you in from the start.”
- “The game's unique art style and dark, whimsical atmosphere set the stage for an adventure filled with danger and discovery.”
- “The art style is quirky and cute but also kind of dark.”
- “The updates feature art styles that are homogenized, inconsistent with the Don't Starve aesthetic, and devoid of beauty or sincerity.”
- “The graphics actually always kept me away from it.”
- “The graphics in this game are a significant letdown.”
story
2,820 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
68%
7%
The story aspect of "Don't Starve Together" is characterized by a mix of rich lore and character backstories, but it lacks a clear, overarching narrative that drives gameplay. Many players appreciate the dark, whimsical themes reminiscent of Tim Burton and Lovecraft, but note that the story is often secondary to survival mechanics, with much of the lore being optional and discovered through exploration or external media. While some find the emergent storytelling engaging, others express disappointment over the absence of a structured story mode, feeling that it detracts from the overall experience.
- “The game also has a fascinating back story.”
- “An extremely well done survival game with tons of mechanical depth, great world to explore, interesting story you have to look deep to see all topped off with an incredible art style.”
- “There’s a disregard for significant story elements such as the sealed portal and the teleportato, neglect of long-standing bugs that modders have already fixed, and an evident focus on superficial updates that seem aimed only at maintaining the appearance of ongoing development.”
- “The story is very dark and weird but it's not at all important or even present in gameplay, just something you might enjoy on the side if you look it up.”
- “For players who expect a deep story, the lack of a clear plot might be disappointing.”
humor
2,804 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in "Don't Starve Together" is a standout feature, blending dark comedy with chaotic gameplay that leads to countless hilarious moments, especially when played with friends. Players frequently mention the absurdity of dying in unexpected and funny ways, such as being chased by bizarre creatures or accidentally setting their camp on fire, which adds to the game's charm. The quirky art style and witty character interactions further enhance the comedic experience, making it a memorable and entertaining survival game.
- “This game makes you suffer a lot, but it's also quite rewarding and fun, especially if you play it with your friends. You will always have fun, whether you repeatedly die in funny ways or go around killing everything you see.”
- “There are so many hilarious ways to fail in this game, and each and every one of them leads to a great story.”
- “The cooperative dynamics elevate the experience, turning shared triumphs and humorous mishaps into unforgettable moments.”
- “Sometimes funny, sometimes not funny at all.”
- “It is not funny or cute not to be able to pause your game; it is arrogant and poor service to your players.”
- “Well, this is a good game while you're infected with the corona beer virus... that's not funny because it's pretty serious nowadays.”
music
2,140 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
53%
45%
2%
The music in "Don't Starve Together" is widely praised for its atmospheric and haunting quality, effectively complementing the game's unique Tim Burton-esque art style. Players appreciate the diverse soundtracks that enhance the immersive experience, with many noting the catchy and whimsical tunes that accompany various gameplay scenarios. However, some reviews mention a lack of variety in the music, leading to occasional repetitiveness, though the overall consensus is that the soundtrack significantly contributes to the game's charm and appeal.
- “The soundtrack is beautiful, gameplay is smooth if you know what you're doing.”
- “The music and art style absolutely knock it out of the park and it's obvious that Klei have a lot of love for this game and its community.”
- “The music is enchanting, with a slightly insane/creepy air about it, I can't describe it.”
- “❌ limited variety in background music”
- “The music gets annoying if you played it a long time or have owned it a long time.”
- “The soundtrack isn't good, the gameplay lacks most character control and is beyond repetitive.”
grinding
1,516 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
15%
85%
The grinding aspect of "Don't Starve Together" is frequently described as tedious and repetitive, with many players feeling that it detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game. While some appreciate the depth and challenge it brings, especially in a multiplayer setting, others find the constant resource gathering and survival mechanics to be frustrating and unengaging. Overall, the game is characterized by a significant amount of grinding, which can be rewarding for those who enjoy it, but may feel overwhelming or boring for others.
- “During my unemployed months, I grinded the hell out of this game (no, I mean I just played the game, not grinding for anything).”
- “Surprisingly, it's not that grindy and there's many unique characters to play as.”
- “A fun little game to play with friends, not very grindy despite it being a survival game and there is quite a bit of content to keep you busy.”
- “Tedious grind with no point at all except surviving.”
- “The game isn't really scary, but mostly annoying and grindy.”
- “This game is extremely tedious and honestly infuriating.”
replayability
1,298 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
44%
1%
"Don't Starve Together" is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, attributed to its procedurally generated worlds, diverse character abilities, and ongoing updates that introduce new content and challenges. Players enjoy the unique experiences each session offers, whether playing solo or with friends, and the game's modding community further enhances its replay value. Overall, it is considered one of the most replayable games in the survival genre, with many users reporting hundreds of hours of engaging gameplay.
- “The game's replayability is excellent, with procedurally generated worlds and constant updates keeping it fresh.”
- “The sheer amount of replayability in the differing characters and their playstyles combined with world generation is simply amazing.”
- “This game has a ton of replayability, a huge learning curve, and a great place to meet new people in game that also (hopefully) enjoys this game and the concept of surviving.”
- “The game's constant updates, mods, and seasonal events keep the experience fresh, ensuring endless replayability.”
- “The variances in the generated maps allow for far more replayability than I would have expected, and it feels like there is always something new to learn and conquer.”
- “Despite this, I bought it when it went on sale, so we could co-op, and at this point in time, I have to say this is both one of my favorite games in my library, and, hands-down, the most replayable game I own.”
atmosphere
812 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
40%
1%
The atmosphere of "Don't Starve Together" is widely praised for its unique hand-drawn art style, reminiscent of Tim Burton's gothic aesthetic, which creates a whimsical yet eerie environment. Players appreciate the game's immersive sound design and atmospheric soundtrack that enhance the sense of danger and mystery, making exploration both captivating and tense. While some find the atmosphere charming and engaging, others note that the multiplayer aspect can dilute the solitary tension that characterizes the original game, yet it still offers a rich and dynamic experience filled with unexpected challenges.
- “The hand-drawn visuals are stunning, setting a whimsical yet eerie atmosphere that draws you in from the start.”
- “The game's unique art style and haunting soundtrack create an eerie atmosphere that will keep you on edge as you navigate through the game's various challenges.”
- “The hand-drawn, gothic aesthetic creates a distinct atmosphere, giving the game an offbeat, Tim Burton-esque charm.”
- “The decent atmosphere and art style are the only parts that somewhat work for me here.”
- “The only thing bad I could say is that the multiplayer aspect takes away somewhat from the dark and gloomy atmosphere.”
- “While I appreciate the world, atmosphere, and mechanics, I can't help but wish that there was a light at the end of Don't Starve's dark and lonely tunnel.”
stability
366 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
5%
82%
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many players reporting frequent bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, especially in multiplayer modes. While some users note that the game runs well on various systems, including Linux and Steam Deck, others experience significant issues such as crashes, freezes, and lag, particularly when using mods or during larger server sessions. Overall, while there are reports of minor glitches, the game's stability remains a concern for many players, especially given its early access status.
- “The game runs great and is not buggy.”
- “There are almost no glitches and bugs, as the staff at Klei work pretty diligently to keep them patched.”
- “Also, the game is still frequently updated, and is well taken care of by the devs. No glitches to speak of, everything runs smoothly enough, and there is a lot to get and to do.”
- “The game is a buggy mess and lacks obvious quality of life features.”
- “Players will constantly encounter crashes, freezes, and other problems that make it almost impossible to play the game.”
- “The game is riddled with bugs, glitches, and crashes, making it almost impossible to play.”
emotional
244 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
1%
1%
The emotional aspect of the game is a significant highlight, with many players expressing feelings of joy, sadness, and a sense of community. Users frequently mention crying during gameplay, whether from frustration or heartfelt moments, and appreciate the game's ability to evoke deep emotions in a whimsical yet dark setting. The overall sentiment reflects a blend of wholesome interactions and emotional challenges, making it a memorable experience for many.
- “The game made me feel something that I hadn't felt in a while.”
- “You made me feel safety, security, and hope in a world full of horrors, starvation, insanity, and dread.”
- “This game has made me cry with joy.”
- “I cried.”
- “It can be physically and emotionally painful.”
monetization
240 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
61%
29%
The monetization model in this game primarily revolves around cosmetic microtransactions and DLC characters, which many players find fair and non-intrusive, as they do not affect gameplay. While some users express concerns about the prevalence of microtransactions and potential cash grab tactics, others appreciate the ability to earn items through gameplay and daily drops. Overall, the consensus is that while the monetization is extensive, it remains largely optional and does not hinder the core gaming experience.
- “I was able to get two characters for free just from daily drops, so I can't say it's got unfair monetization.”
- “The monetization is fair, and the art style is super charming.”
- “The game is still receiving regular updates and the only microtransactions are for cosmetics and additional characters.”
- “It seems that this is simply a landing page for microtransactions.”
- “Maybe it could be fun for you if you drop literally $200+ in desperate DLC cash grabs for a 5+ year old game that can't even do a proper map that shows a simple (north, south, east, west) format to give you any sort of reasonable bearings to explore or progress through a game of it.”
- “In addition to this, in recent years the creators have added a variety of in-game purchases, such as loot boxes, DLC characters, skins, and more, which all leave a bit of a bad taste in my mouth.”
optimization
202 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
36%
14%
The game's optimization is a mixed bag, with many players praising its ability to run smoothly on low-end systems and its minimalist graphics that enhance performance. However, significant issues such as lag, crashes, and poor network optimization during multiplayer sessions have been frequently reported, leading to frustration among users. Overall, while some players enjoy a seamless experience, others face considerable performance challenges that detract from gameplay.
- “The minimalist graphics are purposeful, enhancing the game’s mood and ensuring smooth performance on a range of PCs.”
- “It's pretty well-optimized to run on my somewhat decent laptop; I love the sound design, and the cohesive art style looks so good.”
- “The game itself has excellent optimization and is a perfect six-player experience for those of you that can gather that many and have fun in casual, competitive, or cooperative playstyles.”
- “The performance is absolutely appalling.”
- “It's not like you can just ignore it either, because performance is tied to your survivability in the sense that combat becomes impossible on a laggy server.”
- “Poorly optimized game; if you have a low-medium quality PC, I don't recommend buying it. You can only play on the surface; if you add the caves, the game closes, and having the caves is 'primary' in this game.”
character development
142 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
49%
49%
2%
Character development in the game is highly praised for its charming and intricate designs, with each character possessing unique backstories and abilities that enhance gameplay. The deep lore and attention to detail in character design contribute significantly to the game's immersive atmosphere, making it engaging for players both solo and in multiplayer settings. Overall, the combination of quirky aesthetics and well-crafted narratives creates a memorable experience that resonates with the community.
- “Klei does an excellent job at world building, character development, and horror aspects of the game.”
- “The character design is amazing; you can play as characters such as a lumberjack who eats wood to not become a beaver, a woman who gains sanity from burning everything, and an opera singer who is so into the part that she refuses to eat anything other than meat, just to be a true Viking.”
- “I love the community, the gameplay, the art style, the lore, and the character development!”
- “I've always believed character design should match their background - so Wendy, a pitiful girl who lost her family, is now a grave robber who wears shrouds all day, is that right?”
- “Character design is bad too; looks like my little sister's drawings.”
- “It has such a generic art style and an even worse generic monotonously boring gameplay.”

Buy Don't Starve Together

73h Median play time

197h Average play time

10-300h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 712 analyzed playthroughs

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