Don't Starve Together
" Captivating multiplayer survival RPG with deep mechanics and steep learning curve "
Don't Starve Together Review
Don't Starve Together (DST) is a deeply engaging multiplayer survival game praised for its unique, dark, whimsical art style and challenging gameplay. Players must gather resources, craft, and build while managing hunger, sanity, and environmental threats. The game offers a broad variety of characters, each with distinct abilities, and a procedurally generated world that keeps experiences fresh. Its difficulty curve is steep, with a punishing learning phase that requires players to learn from repeated deaths and external guides. Despite this, the game rewards perseverance with deep gameplay mechanics and cooperative multiplayer fun. DST is regularly updated with new content and supports extensive modding, enhancing replayability and customization. The multiplayer aspect fosters teamwork but also tests friendships, adding a social dynamic to survival challenges. While solo play is possible, the game shines brightest with friends. Some players note tedious early progression and a lack of in-game tutorials, but the overall experience is widely regarded as rewarding and addictive.
Highlights
Players consistently praise DST's distinctive Tim Burton-inspired art style and atmospheric soundtrack, which create a charming yet eerie world. The gameplay mechanics—such as managing hunger, sanity, and darkness—offer a unique survival challenge. The variety of characters with special abilities and the vast crafting and building options add depth and strategic diversity. Multiplayer co-op is highly valued for its dynamic interactions and shared experiences, with the game providing a free copy to gift to friends. The ongoing content updates and robust modding community keep the game fresh and engaging over time.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on DST’s steep learning curve and poor new player onboarding, with many players finding the game unintuitive and difficult without external tutorials or guides. Combat can feel clunky and unfair, especially in laggy online sessions. Early game progression is considered slow and sometimes tedious, with limited viable early weapons and armor making boss fights challenging. Some players find the interface and mechanics overwhelming, and the lack of in-game guidance can deter newcomers. Loading times on lower-end PCs and occasional minor bugs were also mentioned as areas for improvement.
Pros
- • Unique and captivating Tim Burton-inspired art style and atmosphere.
- • Deep and rewarding survival mechanics involving hunger, sanity, and darkness.
- • Wide variety of characters with unique abilities enhancing replayability.
- • Extensive crafting and building systems for creative gameplay.
- • Engaging multiplayer experience that fosters teamwork and social interaction.
- • Regular content updates keep the game fresh and exciting.
- • Robust modding community adds customization and extended gameplay.
Cons
- • Steep learning curve with little in-game tutorial support for new players.
- • Combat system can feel clunky and unfair, especially with lag.
- • Early game progression is slow and can be tedious without mods.
- • Interface and mechanics can be overwhelming and unintuitive.
- • Loading times can be long on mid to low-end PCs.
- • Some players find the game punishing and frustrating initially.
- • Lack of viable early armor and weapons makes boss fights difficult.
Rating Criteria
Fight, Farm, Build and Explore Together in the standalone multiplayer expansion to the uncompromising wilderness survival game, Don't Starve.
