Among survival games, Don't Starve has attracted a large number of players with its unique style and high degree of freedom. In particular, Don't Starve Together, as a classic multiplayer cooperative survival game, has attracted many players. However, if you want to get a truly smooth, stable, and non-disconnected multiplayer gaming experience, it is necessary to build or rent a high-performance dedicated server.
So, how to choose a suitable server for Don't Starve? Will the number of different players, the number of mods, and the game time affect the configuration selection? This article will start from multiple dimensions and take you to an in-depth understanding of the key points in the selection process, helping you avoid pitfalls and reasonably configure a cost-effective Don't Starve server.
1. Why use a standalone server to run Don't Starve Together?
Although the Steam platform allows players to initiate online in "host" mode, this method is limited by the initiator's network and computer performance. Once the host is disconnected or the game is closed, all players will be kicked out of the game.
The use of a dedicated server can run 24/7, supporting remote multi-terminal access at any time; resources are independently scheduled, and will not be stuck due to other programs running on the host; it supports the loading of a large number of Mods, and can run smoothly even with large maps and many players; it is safer and more reliable, and can remotely back up the world and monitor crash logs.
II. Core factors affecting server configuration selection
1. Number of players
This is the most direct reference indicator. The more players there are, the higher the CPU requirements of the server.
2. Mod and world size
Number of Mods: The more Mods there are, the more resources are loaded, and the greater the pressure on the CPU and memory. Especially map expansion and biological expansion Mods;
World settings: map size, whether caves are open, and whether multiple Shards (multiple worlds) are set will significantly increase resource usage.
Recommendation: For every 10 medium-sized Mods loaded, add an additional 0.5GB of memory and 1 core CPU.
3. Archive time and seasonal cycle
The longer a archive runs, the more complex the biome generated, the more data is saved, and the easier it is to increase the burden on the server. Therefore, it is recommended to use high-configuration hosting for old worlds that run for a long time.
III. Recommended server configuration and parameter matching
According to the needs of different types of players, the following are several typical configuration combinations:
Type 1: Entry experience type (1-4 people light mod)
CPU: Intel i3 / AMD Ryzen 3
Memory: 2GB
Hard disk: 30GB SSD
Network: 100Mbps shared bandwidth
Operating system: Ubuntu 20.04 / Windows Server 2019
Suitable for experiencing games or as a backup small world. It is recommended to use overseas VPS or Hong Kong lightweight cloud host.
Type 2: Standard cooperative type (5-10 people + common Mods)
CPU: Intel i5 / Ryzen 5 quad-core
Memory: 4-6GB
Hard disk: 50GB SSD
Network: 100-200Mbps
Features: Support group games, light PVP, cave servers
It is recommended to use a dedicated cloud server to ensure stable Mod loading.
Type 3: Large community type (more than 10 people + cave + Shard server)
CPU: Intel Xeon E3/E5 or AMD EPYC multi-core
Memory: 8GB starting, 16GB recommended
Hard disk: SSD RAID, avoid IO jams
Network: Dedicated broadband, support high concurrency and stable connection
Suitable for guilds, anchor fan groups, RP servers. It is recommended to use domestic BGP servers or East Asia CN2 GIA high-line cloud hosts.
4. Recommended regions for selecting servers
Don't Starve is a peer-to-peer synchronous game. The lower the latency, the smoother the operation.
Hong Kong has direct connection to three networks, low latency. Latency reference (mainland) 20ms-50ms
Taiwan is a neutral choice, with few optimized configurations. Latency reference (mainland) 40ms-70ms
Japan has sufficient bandwidth, suitable for multi-person connection. Latency reference (mainland) 60ms-100ms
Applicable to overseas users in the western United States. Latency reference (mainland) 150ms-200ms
Domestic (BGP) ultra-low latency, best for local players. Latency reference (mainland) 5ms-30ms
If the team is mainly composed of mainland players, it is recommended to choose Hong Kong CN2, Shenzhen BGP, Shanghai dual-line and other computer rooms.
5. System environment recommendations for building a Don't Starve server
1. Operating system selection
Linux is preferred: such as Ubuntu/Debian, which is lightweight, stable, and uses less resources, and is easy to deploy automatically;
Windows needs to be cautious: unless specific plug-ins are required, it uses more resources.
2. Version and port
SteamCMD must be kept updated and compatible with the latest DST server;
Default open ports: 10999, 11000 (game) + 12346 (Master/Shards communication) + Steam communication port 27015.
FAQ：
1. What should I do if there are too many Mods and the server is stuck?
Answer: Disable some Mods that consume a lot of performance, such as automation, AI smart enemies, or improve server memory/single-core performance.
2. How should caves and the main world be deployed?
Answer: Using the Shard server mechanism, it is recommended to deploy two independent processes and allocate independent CPU resources.
3. What should I do if the game has high latency but the configuration is normal?
Answer: Prioritize changing to a server with better lines (Hong Kong CN2 GIA, Mainland BGP), and optimize the network QoS settings.
