Don’t Starve Together: 5 Best Tips for Beginners

Don’t Starve Together receiving a new update has single-handedly managed to bring players back to the heart of Maxwell’s World. Once again, survivors are finding themselves shackled to the pits of the Gothic roots of the hand-drawn hellhole, and thus, struggling to adapt to the harshness of the brittle world and the trials and tribulations it keeps fastened to its core. Not that it comes as much of a surprise, though, what with the co-op survival entry having one of the toughest and most unpredictable environments in modern gaming.

If you’re new to the Don’t Starve movement, and have yet to fully immerse in its many, many unsettling wonders, then be sure to read on for a few quick tips. Truth is, if survival games aren’t your forte, then you’ll definitely want to take these words of advice into consideration before setting out to tackle the hunger. Let’s talk tips, prisoners.

5. Diversity Is Key

Before you do anything in Don’t Starve Together, you’ll need to assign yourself a character, which will give you an idea of the sorts of responsibilities you’ll be undertaking during your time in the world. At this point, you’ll want to do all in your power to create a group that’s both diverse and powerful in its own right. In other words, don’t have every player take on the characters with higher combat skills, but more demanding dietary requirements. If you can help it, aim to make up a squad that features one of each skill type.

Once you set out on your joint venture, you’ll want to start eating away at the map segments, if only to unlock new routes, landmarks, and resource deposits. You’ll want to do this as a unit, as leaving a single player alone at any point in the beginning can be a sure-fire way to get them slaughtered. So, don’t be a hero and take it upon yourself to conquer starvation on behalf of the entire team; it’s a joint effort, so tackle everything as a team — at least until you’ve found your feet.

4. Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

In order to survive the relentless wilds of Maxwell’s World, you’re going to need to learn how to hunt. That said, you should never let desperation consume you and drive you to tackle disadvantageously risky feats. In other words, try not to let the pressures of feeding your team eat away at you — literally. By this, we mean, don’t bite off more than you can chew — especially when it comes to sourcing game from the herds and other packs that occupy the wilderness.

If you can help it, avoid slapping the hooves of a wild animal, as it’ll only wind them up, and of course, bring the full wrath of the entire herd down upon you. To catch a hearty meal, simply lure forest critters (rabbits, for example) out with a carrot or other vegetable. While you wait to snag a kill for your campfire (we’ll get to that in a minute), you can forage for fruits and berries, which can be found in most bushes around the Grasslands.

3. Find a Forever Home

Finding a place to plant roots and transform into a social haven will be one of your first jobs to deal with as a team. And it’s a job that you’ll want to offload as quickly as possible, too, as there are far more pressing matters to deal with in and around Maxwell’s World; figuring out how to deal with that ever-alluring hunger, for example. However, before you throw down your flag, you’ll want to carefully consider whether or not the location in question is both conveniently placed, and not, for example, at the foot of a snake pit.

To create a sustainable campsite, you’ll need a few things: a campfire, tents, and a Science Station, which will allow you to craft additional necessities and other useful items for your future exploits. Just note that, if you do happen to feel the urge to move elsewhere later on in the game, it’ll be slightly tougher to up sticks and leave outright — so do yourself a favor and liaise with your squad before laying the foundations.

2. Play it Safe

Don’t Starve Together isn’t the type of game that likes to hold your hand and accompany you along the primrose path, as you’ll come to discover relatively early on in the journey. In fact, the game goes above and beyond to make it so that most, if not all things can kill you. And while starvation is one thing, there’s also the risks of being trampled, frozen, and even burned to death. So, you’d best keep your wits about you if you’re planning to survive the night.

As far as campfires are concerned, the best way to halt the fire from consuming every last one of your possessions is to keep it contained. As it turns out, wild camping can lead to disastrous consequences, and can be the silent killer that winds up butchering you and your entire team. To prevent an early death, always play it safe, and never take Maxwell’s World for granted. If it looks too dangerous or risky — find another solution and live to see another sunrise.

1. Prepare for Winter

The first couple of seasons in Don’t Starve Together won’t be easy, that’s for sure. That said, nothing compares to the brisk winters that take Maxwell’s World by storm, as they’re brutally unfair by nature, and often claim the most victims due to the lack of meats, protection, and warmth. So, even if you’re a few seasons away from tackling it head on, you’ll always need to keep the beginning of winter at the forefront of your mind.

As crops won’t be able to grow in winter, you’ll need to find a healthy amount of food to stockpile before the season begins. You’ll also need to establish a base that’s sturdy enough to withstand the elements and other curveballs that the season will hurl at you. Point is, the winter will do all in its power to kill you, so it’s better to prepare for what’s to come as early on as possible, and not leave it to the last minute.

So, what’s your take? Do you have useful tips for Don’t Starve newcomers? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.