is don't starve together cross platform

2 min read 11-03-2025

Don't Starve Together, the popular survival game, has captivated players with its challenging gameplay and unique art style. A common question among players is whether they can play together across different platforms. Let's dive into the details and explore the cross-platform capabilities of Don't Starve Together.

Don't Starve Together Cross-Platform Compatibility: The Short Answer

Unfortunately, Don't Starve Together is not currently cross-platform. This means players on PC (Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store) cannot directly play with players on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch. Each platform has its own separate servers.

Why Isn't Don't Starve Together Cross-Platform?

The lack of cross-platform play in Don't Starve Together likely stems from several technical and logistical challenges:

Different Platform Architectures: Each platform (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch) has its own unique operating system and architecture. Integrating these disparate systems to allow seamless multiplayer is complex and resource-intensive.
Network Infrastructure: Creating a robust and stable cross-platform network requires significant investment in infrastructure and ongoing maintenance. The developers, Klei Entertainment, would need to build and maintain a system capable of handling a large number of players across numerous platforms.
Certification and Compliance: Each platform (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, Switch) has its own certification process and requirements. Getting cross-platform functionality approved and working smoothly on all platforms adds considerable time and complexity.
Potential for Cheating: Cross-platform functionality can sometimes increase the risk of cheating and exploits if not carefully managed. Implementing robust anti-cheat measures for a cross-platform environment adds to the technical burden.

Can I Still Play with Friends on Different Platforms?

While direct cross-platform play isn't available, there are still ways to connect with friends using different platforms:

Join a Dedicated Server: If your friend has a sufficiently powerful PC they can host a dedicated server. This option can work for some players but is not ideal for most due to technical complexity and maintenance.
Find Public Servers: While less reliable, joining public servers might put you in a game with friends on different platforms. The odds of this are very low.

Future Possibilities of Cross-Platform Play

Klei Entertainment has not officially announced plans for cross-platform functionality in Don't Starve Together. However, the increasing popularity of cross-platform play across many online games makes it a possibility in the future. Keeping an eye on Klei's official announcements and community forums is the best way to stay updated.

Alternatives to Don't Starve Together with Cross-Platform Capabilities

If cross-platform play is a must-have feature for you, several other survival games offer this functionality:

Minecraft: A highly popular sandbox game featuring extensive cross-platform support.
Valheim: Another popular survival game with cross-platform capability (though details may vary based on platform).
Terraria: A highly-rated 2D sandbox game with cross-platform support.

Conclusion: Don't Starve Together's Cross-Platform Status

While Don't Starve Together currently lacks cross-platform functionality, the game continues to be enjoyed by millions on various platforms. The possibility of future cross-platform support remains, but for now, players must stick to their respective platform's servers.