Don't Starve vs. Don't Starve Together — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 5, 2023
"Don't Starve" is a survival game focusing on single-player experience, while "Don't Starve Together" is its multiplayer version, allowing cooperative gameplay.
Difference Between Don't Starve and Don't Starve Together
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Don't Starve" stands as a unique and challenging single-player survival game. Designed by Klei Entertainment, this game immerses players into a dark and mysterious world where the primary objective is to stay alive. With no instructions provided, players must gather resources, fend off threats, and maintain their sanity. In contrast, "Don't Starve Together" branches out from the original, enhancing the experience by introducing multiplayer capabilities. As the name implies, it fosters cooperative gameplay, allowing friends and strangers alike to work together in surviving the same eerie world.
Though both games share core mechanics and aesthetics, the dynamics change considerably when introduced to a multiplayer environment. In "Don't Starve Together", players can pool resources, delegate tasks, and even resurrect fallen comrades. This not only adds layers of strategy but also provides a different emotional experience compared to the solitude of "Don't Starve".
Comparison Chart
Game Mode
Primarily Single-player
Multiplayer, cooperative
Gameplay Dynamics
Solitary survival experience
Team-based survival with the potential for player resurrection
Release Date
April 23, 2013
December 15, 2014
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Expansion Packs
Has standalone DLCs like "Reign of Giants"
Integrates most expansions from the original and adds new content
Main Objective
Survive alone in a hostile world
Collaborate with others to survive
Compare with Definitions
Don't Starve
Features a unique art style and dynamic environments.
The artistic design of Don't Starve is both eerie and captivating.
Don't Starve Together
The multiplayer version of Don't Starve.
We played Don't Starve Together all night and survived 30 days!
Don't Starve
A game where players must manage hunger, health, and sanity.
Don't Starve challenged me to think strategically about resource management.
Don't Starve Together
Introduces new content and events for players.
The seasonal events in Don't Starve Together are always a treat to participate in.
Don't Starve
A game that thrusts players into a dark world with no instructions.
In Don't Starve, every decision can be the difference between life and death.
Don't Starve Together
Features shared resources and tasks among players.
In Don't Starve Together, we assigned roles to efficiently gather materials.
Don't Starve
Offers various expansion packs for extended content.
I just downloaded the 'Shipwrecked' DLC for Don't Starve.
Don't Starve Together
Allows cooperative gameplay in a survival setting.
Joining forces in Don't Starve Together made facing the hounds much easier.
Don't Starve
A single-player survival game by Klei Entertainment.
I spent hours trying to survive the winter in Don't Starve.
Don't Starve Together
Offers the possibility to resurrect teammates.
Luckily, we found a touchstone in Don't Starve Together to bring back our friend.
Common Curiosities
What is "Don't Starve"?
"Don't Starve" is a single-player survival game developed by Klei Entertainment.
Are there expansions or DLCs for "Don't Starve"?
Yes, "Don't Starve" has several DLCs like "Reign of Giants", while "Don't Starve Together" integrates most of these and introduces new content.
How does "Don't Starve Together" differ?
"Don't Starve Together" is the multiplayer version, allowing for cooperative gameplay.
Can I resurrect in "Don't Starve"?
In "Don't Starve", resurrection methods are limited, while "Don't Starve Together" offers more options, especially with teammates' help.
Which game is harder?
Difficulty can be subjective, but "Don't Starve Together" can be more manageable with cooperation, while "Don't Starve" offers a solitary challenge.
Is there a storyline in these games?
Both games have lore and narrative elements, but the primary focus is on survival.
Which game was released first?
"Don't Starve" was released first in 2013, followed by "Don't Starve Together" in 2014.
Can I customize the game world?
Yes, both games offer settings to adjust world generation parameters.
Can I play "Don't Starve Together" alone?
Yes, but it's designed for multiplayer and might offer a different experience than the original.
Do both games share the same art style?
Yes, they share the same unique art style but may have different content and events.
Do "Don't Starve" and "Don't Starve Together" receive updates?
Both games have received updates post-release, with "Don't Starve Together" getting more frequent content additions.
Can I play with strangers in "Don't Starve Together"?
Yes, you can join public servers or create your own for others to join.
Is the world in both games hostile?
Yes, in both games, players must manage resources and fend off various threats to survive.
How important is teamwork in "Don't Starve Together"?
Teamwork can significantly enhance survival chances, from sharing resources to aiding during threats.
Are the game mechanics the same in both versions?
Core mechanics are similar, but "Don't Starve Together" introduces dynamics suited for multiplayer.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
