How to Change the Game Mode on Your Don't Starve Together Server

Changing the Game Mode on Your DST Server

The game mode setting defines how your Don't Starve Together server handles death, world persistence, and player behavior. You can change it to better match your server's style—whether you're playing casually or want a high-stakes survival experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Log in to the RocketNode Game Panel.
2. Select your Don't Starve Together server from the list.
3. Stop the server from the Overview tab.
4. Go to the File Manager tab.
5. Navigate to the following path: /DoNotStarveTogether/config/server/cluster.ini
6. Locate the line: game_mode = survival
7. Change survival to one of the following supported values:

• survival: Players become ghosts when they die and must be revived. If all players die, the server resets.
• endless: No server reset. Ghost players can revive themselves at the Florid Postern.
• wilderness: Players spawn randomly on the map. Death results in losing all progress and respawning at a new location.

8. Save the file and return to the panel.
9. Start your server from the Overview tab.

Which Game Mode Should You Choose?

• Survival (default): Great for cooperative groups who want a challenge and are willing to help each other survive.
• Endless: Best for casual players and longer-term worlds where death shouldn't reset progress.
• Wilderness: Ideal for solo survivalists or PvP-style servers with high risk and no second chances.

Need help deciding which mode fits your server? Reach out via ticket or visit the RocketNode Helpdesk.