Don't Starve vs Don't Starve Together — Which Should You Buy?
Don't Starve vs Don't Starve Together: the real differences (single vs multiplayer, content, characters, bosses, difficulty, updates), which to buy, and whether you can play DST solo.
Don't Starve vs Don't Starve Together — Which Should You Play?
Don't Starve (2013) is a single-player survival game; Don't Starve Together (2016) is the multiplayer version — and the better long-term buy for most players. If you're searching "dont starve vs dont starve together," you're trying to pick between two games that look identical but differ in ways that matter: content, updates, difficulty, and whether the multiplayer game can even be played solo (it can). Here's the full comparison, with a clear recommendation.
The One-Sentence Difference
- Don't Starve: the original 2013 single-player survival game. A tighter, more focused, story-driven experience with two major DLCs (Reign of Giants, Shipwrecked) and a third (Hamlet).
- Don't Starve Together: the multiplayer co-op version (2016), which has superseded the original as Klei's main game — it gets the constant updates, new characters, and new bosses, and it can be played solo.
Head-to-Head
| Aspect | Don't Starve (2013) | DST (2016+) |
|---|---|---|
| Players | 1 | 1–6 (solo-viable) |
| Story/DLC | Reign of Giants, Shipwrecked, Hamlet | One world, endless updates (no paid story DLCs) |
| Characters | 11 | 19+ (all originals + DST exclusives) |
| Bosses | Fixed roster | Larger + new seasonal/endgame bosses |
| Updates | Finished (no new content) | Active (major updates through 2025–2026) |
| Mods | Some (Steam Workshop) | Massive mod scene, dedicated servers |
| Difficulty | Classic, tuned for one player | Tuned for teams — harder solo at high levels |
| Price | Cheaper, often bundled | $15 (or in the Mega Pack bundle) |
Can You Play DST Solo?
Yes — and most DST content is fully solo-viable. Many veterans actually prefer DST solo over the original:
- All bosses are beatable solo (Fuelweaver and the endgame take skill, but it's a known solo challenge)
- World settings can be tuned for solo play (relaxed resource settings)
- The content advantage is huge: 19+ characters, the lunar/shadow endgame, and every update since 2016
The honest caveat: DST's bosses and seasonal threats are balanced around teams, so a solo run is harder than the single-player original at the same "stage." New solo players should start with relaxed settings.
Story and Lore: What Each Game Gives You
- Don't Starve (original): the tighter narrative — Wilson's story, Maxwell's origin, and the "What lies beneath" progression. If you care about the story of the series, the original tells it more directly.
- DST: lore exists (the shadow monster war, the lunar/shadown alignment) but it's drip-fed through updates and world events rather than a campaign. You get more lore overall in DST, but less of it is framed as a story.
No. DST works perfectly as an entry point — you don't need the original's story to enjoy it. The only reason to play the original first is if you specifically want the classic single-player campaign experience. The controls and loop are identical, so there's no "learning advantage" to starting with either.
Which Is Harder?
- Don't Starve (original): a fixed, well-tuned difficulty — challenging but fair, built for exactly one player
- DST solo: harder at the endgame (team-tuned bosses), but the settings menu lets you soften it
- DST with friends: easier than both — 2–6 players trivialize most threats (more hands, more resources, revival mechanics)
Community consensus: if you're a solo player who wants the "classic experience," the original is smoother; if you want the most content and don't mind adjusting settings, DST solo wins. If you have any chance of playing with friends, DST is the only choice.
The Buying Recommendation
| Situation | Buy |
|---|---|
| Solo, want classic story | Don't Starve (or the Mega Pack) |
| Solo, want max content | DST |
| Playing with friends | DST (only option) |
| Unsure / want everything | Don't Starve Mega Pack (both games + all DLC, ~75% off on sales) |
On Steam sales, the Don't Starve Mega Pack (Don't Starve + DST + all DLCs) routinely hits ~75% off — cheaper than buying either game alone at full price. If you're hesitating between the two, buy the pack and play both; the original's DLCs (Shipwrecked, Hamlet) are genuinely different games worth trying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Don't Starve and Don't Starve Together?
Don't Starve is the 2013 single-player game with story DLCs; DST is the 2016 multiplayer version with more characters, more bosses, active updates, and solo play support. DST has replaced the original as Klei's main game.
Can you play Don't Starve Together solo?
Yes — fully. All content including the endgame bosses is solo-viable, and many players prefer DST solo for its larger character/boss roster. Team-tuned difficulty can be softened with world settings.
Which is better, Don't Starve or DST?
For most players (2026): DST — more content, active updates, solo-or-multiplayer flexibility. The original's advantage is its tighter single-player story design and its three DLCs.
Do I need to play Don't Starve before DST?
No. DST is a complete entry point; the story connection is optional context, not a requirement.
Is DST harder than Don't Starve?
DST solo is harder at the endgame (team-tuned bosses). The original is a fixed single-player difficulty. DST with friends is easier than both.
Related guides: How to Play DST · DST Platforms · DST Characters Guide
Last updated: August 11, 2026.