This comprehensive guide walks you through establishing a robust Don’t Starve dedicated server on Mac OS, with special considerations for Hong Kong hosting environments. Our optimized configuration ensures minimal latency for Asia-Pacific players while maintaining exceptional stability.

Quick Overview:

This guide covers complete server setup, performance optimization, mod management, and maintenance procedures. Expected setup time: 30-45 minutes.

Key benefits of Hong Kong hosting:

  • Reduced latency for Asia-Pacific players (20-60ms)
  • Improved connection stability for regional gaming
  • Optimized routing for mainland China access

System Requirements and Preparation

Before proceeding with the server setup, verify that your Mac meets these critical specifications:

  • Operating System: macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or newer
  • Memory: 4GB RAM minimum (8GB recommended for modded servers)
  • Storage: 20GB available space (SSD recommended for better performance)
  • Network: Stable internet connection with minimum 10Mbps upload speed
  • Steam Account: Active account with Don’t Starve ownership
  • Technical Skills: Basic familiarity with Terminal commands
Important Preparation Notes:

  • Backup any existing game data before proceeding
  • Close all running instances of Don’t Starve
  • Ensure Terminal has Full Disk Access (System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy)
  • Check your firewall settings to allow incoming connections

Pre-Installation Checklist

Complete these steps before proceeding:

  • ✓ Verify system meets minimum requirements
  • ✓ Install latest macOS updates
  • ✓ Check available disk space
  • ✓ Test internet connection speed
  • ✓ Configure firewall settings
  • ✓ Verify Steam account access

SteamCMD Installation Process

Follow these steps to install SteamCMD, the command-line version of Steam that we’ll use to download and update the server files.

Step 1: Create and prepare SteamCMD directory

mkdir ~/steamcmd
cd ~/steamcmd
curl -sqL "https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_osx.tar.gz" | tar zxvf -
chmod +x steamcmd.sh
Installation Verification:

After running these commands, verify the installation by checking for these files:

  • steamcmd.sh (executable)
  • package/steam_cmd_osx
  • package/config.vdf

Server Installation and Configuration

Step 2: Download server files

# Launch SteamCMD
./steamcmd.sh

# Execute these commands within SteamCMD
login anonymous
force_install_dir ./ds_server
app_update 343050 validate
quit

Server Settings Configuration

Create and configure the necessary server directories and settings files.

Step 3: Create configuration directories

cd ~/steamcmd/ds_server/data
mkdir -p ~/.klei/DoNotStarve
mkdir -p ~/.klei/DoNotStarve/MyCluster/Master

Create a new configuration file named ‘cluster.ini’ in your cluster directory with these optimized settings:

[GAMEPLAY]
game_mode = endless
max_players = 6
pvp = false
pause_when_empty = true
vote_enabled = true

[NETWORK]
cluster_name = Hong Kong DS Server
cluster_description = Optimized for Asia-Pacific Players
cluster_password = yourpassword
cluster_language = en
autosaver_enabled = true
tick_rate = 15
connection_timeout = 8000

[STEAM]
steam_group_only = false
steam_group_id = 0
steam_group_admins = false

[MISC]
console_enabled = true
max_snapshots = 6

[SHARD]
shard_enabled = true
bind_ip = 127.0.0.1
master_ip = 127.0.0.1
master_port = 10888
cluster_key = yourclusterkey123
Security Note:

Remember to change these default values:

  • cluster_password: Set a strong server password
  • cluster_key: Generate a unique cluster key
  • bind_ip: Change to your server’s IP if hosting publicly

Server Launch Configuration

Create a launch script to start your server with optimal parameters.

Step 4: Create start_server.sh

#!/bin/bash
cd ~/steamcmd/ds_server/bin

# Set environment variables
export FPS=30
export PROMETHEUS_METRICS=1

# Launch server with optimal flags
./dontstarve_dedicated_server_nullrenderer \
-console \
-cluster MyCluster \
-shard Master \
-monitor_parent_process $$ \
-backup_logs \
-persistent_storage_root ~/.klei
Launch Script Configuration:

Make the script executable and set proper permissions:

chmod +x start_server.sh
chmod -R 755 ~/.klei/DoNotStarve

Network Configuration

Configure your network settings for optimal performance, especially important for Hong Kong hosting.

Required Ports:

# Add to your router/firewall configuration
TCP: 10999 (Game port)
UDP: 10999 (Game port)
TCP: 8768  (Steam authentication)
TCP: 27016 (Master server port)
UDP: 27016 (Master server port)

Performance Optimization for Hong Kong Hosting

Implement these specialized optimizations to enhance server performance for Asia-Pacific players.

Advanced Network Configuration

# Add to /etc/sysctl.conf for optimal network performance
net.ipv4.tcp_fastopen = 3
net.ipv4.tcp_slow_start_after_idle = 0
net.ipv4.tcp_keepalive_time = 60
net.ipv4.tcp_max_syn_backlog = 4096
net.ipv4.tcp_rmem = 4096 87380 16777216
net.ipv4.tcp_wmem = 4096 87380 16777216
Regional Performance Tips:

  • Configure CDN settings for faster asset delivery
  • Use Hong Kong-based DNS servers for lower latency
  • Implement proper TCP congestion control
  • Enable BBR congestion control if available

Memory and CPU Optimization

System Resource Management

# Create a resource management script (resource_manager.sh)
#!/bin/bash

# Set process priority
sudo renice -n -5 -p $(pgrep -f dontstarve_dedicated_server)

# Set CPU affinity (if multiple cores available)
taskset -pc 0-3 $(pgrep -f dontstarve_dedicated_server)

# Limit memory usage
ulimit -v 8388608 # Limit virtual memory to 8GB

Mod Integration and Management

Properly configure and manage server mods for optimal performance.

Create modoverrides.lua

-- ~/.klei/DoNotStarve/MyCluster/Master/modoverrides.lua
return {
    -- Example mod configuration
    ["workshop-462434129"]={ -- Server API Gems
        configuration_options = {
            ["Restart_Interval"] = 0,
            ["Auto_Restart"] = true,
            ["Backup_Interval"] = 120
        },
        enabled = true
    },
    ["workshop-378160973"]={ -- Global Positions
        configuration_options = {
            SHOWPLAYERSOPTIONS = 1,
            FIREOPTIONS = 1,
            OVERRIDEMODE = false,
            SHAREMINIMAPPROGRESS = true
        },
        enabled = true
    }
}
Mod Performance Considerations:

  • Limit total mods to maintain server stability
  • Test mods individually before deployment
  • Monitor mod impact on server performance
  • Keep mods updated to latest versions

Performance Monitoring Tools

Create monitoring script (monitor.sh)

#!/bin/bash

# Server monitoring script
while true; do
    echo "=== Server Status Check $(date) ==="
    
    # Check CPU usage
    ps aux | grep dontstarve_dedicated_server | grep -v grep
    
    # Check memory usage
    memory_usage=$(ps -o rss= -p $(pgrep -f dontstarve_dedicated_server))
    echo "Memory Usage: $((memory_usage/1024)) MB"
    
    # Check network connections
    netstat -tunap 2>/dev/null | grep dontstarve_dedicated_server
    
    # Check disk space
    df -h ~/.klei/DoNotStarve
    
    # Log results
    echo "----------------------------"
    sleep 300 # Check every 5 minutes
done

Advanced Performance Tuning

Create performance tuning script (tune_performance.sh)

#!/bin/bash

# Optimize disk I/O
sudo blockdev --setra 4096 /dev/sda

# Configure TCP BBR
echo "net.core.default_qdisc=fq" | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf
echo "net.ipv4.tcp_congestion_control=bbr" | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf
sudo sysctl -p

# Optimize network buffers
echo "net.core.rmem_max=16777216" | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf
echo "net.core.wmem_max=16777216" | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf
echo "net.ipv4.tcp_rmem=4096 87380 16777216" | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf
echo "net.ipv4.tcp_wmem=4096 87380 16777216" | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf

# Apply changes
sudo sysctl -p
Performance Monitoring Metrics:

  • Server Response Time: < 100ms target
  • CPU Usage: < 80% sustained
  • Memory Usage: < 6GB for modded server
  • Network Latency: < 150ms for AP region
  • Disk I/O: Monitor for bottlenecks

Server Maintenance and Backup Systems

Create automated backup script (backup_system.sh)

#!/bin/bash

# Configuration
BACKUP_DIR="$HOME/ds_backups"
SERVER_DIR="$HOME/.klei/DoNotStarve"
MAX_BACKUPS=5
TIMESTAMP=$(date +"%Y%m%d_%H%M%S")

# Create backup directory if it doesn't exist
mkdir -p "$BACKUP_DIR"

# Create backup
tar -czf "$BACKUP_DIR/backup_$TIMESTAMP.tar.gz" -C "$SERVER_DIR" .

# Rotate old backups
ls -t "$BACKUP_DIR"/backup_*.tar.gz | tail -n +$((MAX_BACKUPS + 1)) | xargs -r rm

# Log backup completion
echo "Backup completed: backup_$TIMESTAMP.tar.gz" >> "$BACKUP_DIR/backup.log"

Automated Maintenance Schedule

Create maintenance script (maintenance_scheduler.sh)

#!/bin/bash

# Configuration
LOG_FILE="$HOME/ds_maintenance.log"
NOTIFICATION_EMAIL="admin@example.com"

log_message() {
    echo "[$(date '+%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S')] $1" >> "$LOG_FILE"
}

perform_maintenance() {
    log_message "Starting maintenance routine"

    # Stop server gracefully
    ./stop_server.sh
    sleep 30

    # Backup server files
    ./backup_system.sh

    # Update server files
    cd ~/steamcmd
    ./steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./ds_server +app_update 343050 validate +quit

    # Clean old logs
    find ~/.klei/DoNotStarve -name "*.log" -mtime +7 -delete

    # Restart server
    ./start_server.sh

    log_message "Maintenance completed"
}

# Run maintenance
perform_maintenance 2>&1 | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"

Monitoring and Alert System

Create monitoring script (server_monitor.sh)

#!/bin/bash

# Configuration
ALERT_THRESHOLD_CPU=80
ALERT_THRESHOLD_MEM=90
ALERT_THRESHOLD_DISK=85

check_server_health() {
    # Check CPU usage
    CPU_USAGE=$(ps aux | grep dontstarve_dedicated_server | grep -v grep | awk '{print $3}')
    
    # Check memory usage
    MEM_USAGE=$(free | grep Mem | awk '{print $3/$2 * 100.0}')
    
    # Check disk usage
    DISK_USAGE=$(df -h ~/.klei/DoNotStarve | tail -1 | awk '{print $5}' | sed 's/%//')
    
    # Alert if thresholds exceeded
    if (( $(echo "$CPU_USAGE > $ALERT_THRESHOLD_CPU" | bc -l) )); then
        send_alert "CPU usage critical: ${CPU_USAGE}%"
    fi
    
    if (( $(echo "$MEM_USAGE > $ALERT_THRESHOLD_MEM" | bc -l) )); then
        send_alert "Memory usage critical: ${MEM_USAGE}%"
    fi
    
    if [ "$DISK_USAGE" -gt "$ALERT_THRESHOLD_DISK" ]; then
        send_alert "Disk usage critical: ${DISK_USAGE}%"
    fi
}

send_alert() {
    echo "[ALERT] $1" >> "$HOME/ds_alerts.log"
    # Add your preferred alert method here (email, SMS, etc.)
}

Troubleshooting Guide

Common Issues and Solutions:

  • Server Crashes:
    # Check logs for errors
tail -f ~/.klei/DoNotStarve/server_log.txt

# Reset server files
cd ~/steamcmd
./steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./ds_server +app_update 343050 validate +quit
  • Performance Issues:
    # Clear server cache
rm -rf ~/.klei/DoNotStarve/cache/*

# Reset world state
rm -rf ~/.klei/DoNotStarve/MyCluster/Master/save/*
  • Connection Problems:
    # Check network status
netstat -tunap | grep 10999
sudo tcpdump -i any port 10999

Security Measures

Security configuration (security_setup.sh)

#!/bin/bash

# Configure firewall rules
sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 10999 -j ACCEPT
sudo iptables -A INPUT -p udp --dport 10999 -j ACCEPT
sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8768 -j ACCEPT
sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 27016 -j ACCEPT

# Set file permissions
chmod 750 ~/.klei/DoNotStarve
chmod 640 ~/.klei/DoNotStarve/cluster.ini

# Enable logging
sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 10999 -j LOG --log-prefix "DS_SERVER:"

Conclusion

With these configurations and maintenance procedures in place, your Don’t Starve server should provide a stable and optimized gaming experience for players in the Asia-Pacific region. Regular monitoring and maintenance are key to ensuring consistent performance.

Final Recommendations:

  • Regularly review server logs for potential issues
  • Keep all scripts and configurations under version control
  • Maintain documentation of any custom modifications
  • Schedule regular performance reviews
  • Keep backup system automated and verified