How to Set Up DST Dedicated Server?
As professional game server hosting providers, we’ve observed a growing demand for Don’t Starve Together (DST) dedicated servers. This comprehensive guide combines our hosting expertise with practical DST server management solutions, ensuring your gaming community enjoys a stable and optimized playing experience.
Hosting Solutions Comparison
| Hosting Type | Specifications | Best For | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Dedicated | • 4GB RAM • 2 CPU cores • 50GB SSD • 1Gbps Network | Small communities (1-6 players) | $15-25 |
| Standard Dedicated | • 8GB RAM • 4 CPU cores • 100GB SSD • 1Gbps Network | Medium communities (7-12 players) | $30-45 |
| Premium Dedicated | • 16GB RAM • 6+ CPU cores • 250GB SSD • 1Gbps Network | Large communities (13+ players) | $50-80 |
Server Requirements by Usage Scale
Small Scale
• Up to 6 players
• Basic world settings
• Minimal mods
• Basic backup needs
Medium Scale
• 7-12 players
• Custom world generation
• Moderate mod usage
• Regular backups
Large Scale
• 13+ players
• Complex world settings
• Heavy mod usage
• Automated backups
Initial Server Setup Process
Step 1: System Preparation
# Update System
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade -y
# Install Required Dependencies
sudo apt-get install lib32gcc1 lib32stdc++6 libcurl4-gnutls-dev:i386 screen -y
# Create Server Directory Structure
mkdir -p ~/dst-server/{bin,config,mods,saves}
cd ~/dst-server
Step 2: SteamCMD Installation
# Download and Extract SteamCMD
wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz
tar -xvzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz
# Install DST Server
./steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./bin +app_update 343050 validate +quit
Initial Configuration Setup
| Configuration File | Purpose | Location |
|---|---|---|
| cluster.ini | Main server configuration | ~/dst-server/config/ |
| server.ini | World-specific settings | ~/dst-server/config/World1/ |
| modoverrides.lua | Mod configuration | ~/dst-server/config/World1/ |
Essential Server Monitoring Tools
Resource Monitoring
• CPU Usage: htop
• Memory: free -m
• Disk: df -h
• Network: iftop
Server Status
• Process monitoring
• Player count tracking
• Response time checks
• Log analysis
Comprehensive Troubleshooting Guide
Issue Resolution Flowchart
| Common Issue | Diagnosis Steps | Resolution | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| High CPU Usage | • Monitor with htop • Check process priority • Review active mods | • Adjust process priority • Optimize mod list • Upgrade resources | Regular performance monitoring and mod compatibility checks |
| Memory Leaks | • Track memory usage • Monitor swap usage • Check update logs | • Implement auto-restart • Update server version • Adjust memory limits | Scheduled restarts and memory usage alerts |
| Network Latency | • Run ping tests • Check bandwidth usage • Monitor packet loss | • Optimize network settings • Adjust player limit • Update routing | Network monitoring and bandwidth allocation |
Performance Optimization Guidelines
System Optimization
- CPU Settings
- Set process priority to high
- Enable CPU performance governor
- Optimize core allocation
- Memory Management
- Configure swap space
- Set memory limits
- Monitor memory usage
Game Optimization
- World Settings
- Optimize world size
- Adjust entity spawn rates
- Configure save intervals
- Network Settings
- Tune tick rate
- Optimize bandwidth usage
- Configure timeout values
Advanced Configuration Examples
High-Performance Server Configuration
# cluster.ini
[NETWORK]
server_port = 10999
max_players = 12
tick_rate = 15
connection_timeout = 8000
[GAMEPLAY]
game_mode = endless
max_snapshots = 6
pause_when_empty = true
vote_kick_enabled = true
[STEAM]
steam_group_admins = true
steam_group_only = false
[MISC]
console_enabled = true
auto_save_interval = 900
backup_logs = true
Server Maintenance Schedule
| Time Interval | Maintenance Tasks | Priority | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | • Log review • Backup verification • Performance check | High | 30 mins |
| Weekly | • System updates • Mod updates • Full backup | Medium | 2 hours |
| Monthly | • Security audit • Performance optimization • Configuration review | Low | 4 hours |
Security Implementation Guide
Security Checklist
- System Security
- Regular security updates
- Firewall configuration
- SSH key authentication
- Port security
- Game Security
- Admin password protection
- Player authentication
- Mod verification
- Backup encryption
Community Management Tools
Administration
• Player management
• Ban system
• Role assignment
• Activity logging
Communication
• In-game chat
• Discord integration
• Announcement system
• Event notifications
Monitoring
• Player statistics
• Server metrics
• Resource usage
• Performance tracking
Creating and maintaining a successful DST dedicated server requires careful attention to hosting infrastructure, regular maintenance, and proper security measures. Our hosting solutions are designed to provide the perfect foundation for your gaming community, ensuring a stable and enjoyable experience for all players.
