Don't Starve Together Dedicated Server: Admin Commands & cluster.ini Guide
Data Verified: May 2026Definitive DST dedicated server reference. Configure cluster.ini and Master/Caves shards, manage adminlist.txt, run worldgenoverride.lua presets, and size hardware for stable shard-linked communities.
Commands & configuration database
| Command | Default Value | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
cluster_name | My Dedicated Server | Public cluster name shown in the server browser. | |
cluster_password | (empty) | Password required to join the cluster. Leave blank for public. | |
cluster_description | (empty) | Description shown in the in-game browser. | |
max_players | 6 | Maximum concurrent players across all shards. | |
pvp | false | Enables player-versus-player damage. | |
game_mode | survival | survival, endless, or wilderness. | |
pause_when_empty | true | Pauses the simulation when no players are connected. | |
shard_enabled | true | Enables shard linking (required for caves). | |
master_ip | 127.0.0.1 | IP the Caves shard uses to reach the Master shard. | |
master_port | 10888 | Port the Master shard listens on for shard sync. | |
cluster_key | supersecret | Shared secret used to authenticate shards to each other. |
Showing 11 of 11 configuration parameters.
| Command | Default Value | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
c_listallplayers() | N/A | Lists all currently connected players and their KleiIDs. | |
c_kick("KU_id") | N/A | Kicks the player with the given KleiID. | |
c_ban("KU_id") | N/A | Bans the named player. | |
c_save() | N/A | Forces an immediate world save. | |
c_shutdown(true) | N/A | Saves and shuts down the server. | |
c_regenerateworld() | N/A | Regenerates the current shard's world (DESTRUCTIVE). | |
c_resetworld() | N/A | Resets the current shard while preserving player profiles. | |
c_godmode() | N/A | Toggles god mode on the calling admin character. | |
c_give("prefab", qty) | N/A | Spawns the given prefab into the admin's inventory. | |
c_announce("text") | N/A | Broadcasts a global announcement to all players. |
Showing 10 of 10 admin console commands.
Recommended hosting providers
Vetted hosts with one-click Don't Starve Together installs. Links are affiliate placeholders and marked rel="sponsored".
Official DST partner with one-click sharded cluster installs and Klei Workshop mod management.
Visit Nitrado →Budget shard-capable plans with web-based cluster.ini and modoverrides.lua editors.
Visit GTXGaming →Dedicated nodes ideal for long-running endless servers with heavy mod packs.
Visit Host Havoc →Hardware specifications
Sizing guidance for self-hosting a Don't Starve Together dedicated server.
| Tier | Specification | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| Small (1-6 players) | 2 GB RAM / 2-core 3.5 GHz+ CPU | Vanilla 6-player cluster with Master+Caves. Idles around 1 GB total. |
| Community (6-16 players) | 4 GB RAM / 4-core 4.0 GHz+ CPU / SSD | Active modded server with light mods and multiple ruins shards. |
| Heavy / Modded | 8 GB RAM / 4-core 4.5 GHz+ Dedicated Node | Large mod loadouts (Island Adventures, Re-Gorge-itated). Single-thread clock dominates. |
Default file locations
Default installation paths for Don't Starve Together dedicated servers installed via SteamCMD.
Windows
C:\Users\<user>\Documents\Klei\DoNotStarveTogether\MyDediServer\Linux
~/.klei/DoNotStarveTogether/MyDediServer/Pro-Tip: Always stop the server completely before editing configuration files, or the server will overwrite your changes upon restart.
Default ports for port forwarding
Open these on your router and firewall before exposing the server to the internet.
| Service | Protocol | Port |
|---|---|---|
| Game Port | UDP | 10999 |
| Query Port | UDP | 27018 |
| RCON / Telnet | - | N/A (in-game console) |
Frequently asked questions
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