Don't Starve Together: Can't connect to server — every fix
Fix a Don't Starve Together dedicated-server connection in the right order. Match the branch, wait for the cluster to register, paste c_connect from Overview, open UDP 10999, then share the cluster password.
If Don't Starve Together cannot connect, work through these checks in order. Do not delete the cluster first. The usual failure after a Klei patch is a client on a different branch than the dedicated cluster.
Stop as soon as one fix works. If you are helping somebody else, test with one player before asking the whole group to retry.
1. Match the branch and version
The client and dedicated cluster must run the same DST build and the same Steam branch.
Update the player's game
Close DST, let Steam finish the update, and leave the beta opt-in off unless the server is also on that beta.
Update the dedicated cluster
Stop the server. On berrybyte, Auto Update pulls the current dedicated build on the next start. Restart once after the patch is live.
Compare versions
The version on the main menu must match the version in the cluster log.
If you do not want to babysit Klei patches, rent a Don't Starve Together server that updates on start.
2. Wait until the cluster has registered
A DST dedicated cluster talks to Klei and Steam before it is joinable. Connecting during that window fails even when the address is correct.
Confirm Overview shows running
On berrybyte the process must be running, not still installing.
Read Console
Wait until the master shard (and the caves shard, if you enabled one) finish registering.
Retry one client
Test with one player. Do not ask the whole group to mash Browse Games while the cluster is still announcing.
3. Join with c_connect
The public list is optional. The reliable test is the in-game console.
Copy the command from Overview
On berrybyte, open How to join. The copy value is already
c_connect("host", port).
Paste it in the DST console
Launch Don't Starve Together, press ~, paste the command, and press Enter.
Do not use a LAN address from another network
Use the public host from Overview. 127.0.0.1 only works
on the machine that is running the cluster.
4. Check the UDP shard ports
The master shard defaults to UDP 10999. A caves shard needs a second port. TCP on those numbers does not create a working game path.
Use the ports the cluster bound
On berrybyte, Overview is the source of truth. Do not assume 10999.
Forward UDP for every shard (self-host)
Read cluster.ini and each shard's server.ini. Forward
every listed UDP port.
berrybyte opens the allocated shard ports for you. Self-hosters who are fighting NAT can rent a DST server that already has them reachable.
5. Share the cluster password
cluster_password in cluster.ini rejects a blank or mistyped
string. Friends-only clusters also hide from Browse Games.
Read the configured password
On berrybyte, open Settings → Game Settings.
Send the exact string, or clear it
Check capitalisation and characters that chat apps rewrite. Clear it for a public test, then restart.
6. Confirm both shards started
A cluster with caves enabled is not joinable if only the master started.
Read Console for both shards
Look for a caves process that exited on a token or port error.
Fix the cluster token
A missing or revoked Klei cluster token prevents registration. Replace it, then restart.
If none of the six fixes worked
Confirm both shards registered. Then check the leftover causes:
- Mods in
dedicated_server_mods_setup.luathat the client does not have. - A Steam group or admin-only cluster setting.
- Check steamstat.us.
- Check berrybytestatus.com.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I connect to a Don't Starve Together server?
Match the game branch first. A beta client will not join a live dedicated cluster. If the versions match, wait until the cluster has registered with Klei and Steam, then paste c_connect from Overview, open UDP 10999, and share the cluster password.
How do I join a DST server by IP?
Launch Don't Starve Together, press ~ to open the console, and run c_connect("host", port) using the address from Overview. On berrybyte the How to join dialog already builds that command.
Why is my DST server missing from Browse Games?
New clusters can take a few minutes to list. c_connect does not need the browser. A cluster set to LAN or Friends only will never appear in the public list.
What port does a DST dedicated server use?
The master shard defaults to UDP 10999. A caves shard uses a second port. berrybyte allocates those ports and opens them. Forward the ports in cluster.ini.
Why does DST say the server is running a different version?
The client and dedicated cluster are on different branches or different patches. Update the game, then restart the cluster so both sides match. Do not mix the beta and the live branch.