Don't Starve

Survive a strange wilderness with science and magic

gameSurvival Crafting survival sandbox indie

Visit Website

Our Verdict

Best for

Hardcore survival fans who love hand‑drawn indie aesthetics

Skip if

Casual gamers averse to permadeath and steep learning curves

What is Don't Starve?

Don’t Starve is an uncompromising wilderness survival game where you must gather resources, craft tools, and build structures to stay alive. Play as Wilson, a Gentleman Scientist trapped in a mysterious world filled with strange creatures and magical dangers.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

msrp$14.99

developerKlei Entertainment

publisherKlei Entertainment

age ratingESRB E

multiplayerSingle player

critic score79/100

release date2013-04-23

Key Features of Don't Starve

Gather resources and craft items to survive the harsh environment.

Build structures and campfires to manage health, hunger, and sanity.

Experience a procedurally generated world that changes each playthrough.

Face permanent death, making every decision critical and tense.

Utilize both scientific inventions and magical abilities to overcome threats.

Navigate a dynamic day‑night cycle that influences creature behavior and resource availability.

Use Cases for Don't Starve

Solo Survival Challenge

Test your strategic planning by surviving as long as possible alone.

Creative Base Building

Design and construct elaborate shelters using the game's crafting system.

Exploration and Discovery

Uncover hidden biomes, creatures, and lore in the procedurally generated world.

Skill Mastery Practice

Learn and perfect the timing of day‑night cycles and resource management.

Pros & Cons of Don't Starve

Pros

Deep survival mechanics
Rich, hand‑drawn art style
Highly replayable worlds
Engaging blend of science and magic

Cons

Steep learning curve for newcomers
Permadeath can be frustrating
Limited multiplayer options

Frequently Asked Questions

What platforms is Don’t Starve available on?

PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, and Linux.

Is there a multiplayer mode?

The base game is single‑player only; multiplayer is available in the separate Don’t Starve Together expansion.

What is the ESRB rating?

The game is rated ESRB E for Everyone.

When was the game originally released?

Don’t Starve was first released on April 23 2013.

Pricing Overview

View full pricing →

Paid (One-time)

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

Reviews & Ratings0.0

Write a Review See all reviews →

No reviews yet. Be the first to write one!

Top Alternatives & Similar Games

View all alternatives & similar games→

Terraria

AI-suggested

Terraria is a 2D sandbox action-adventure game with platforming and role-playing elements where players create a character and explore a procedurally generated world. You will mine resources, craft equipment, build structures, and battle formidable enemies and bosses to unlock new tiers of items and biomes. The game features a flexible gear-based class system, NPC recruitment tied to achievements, and robust support for both single-player and multiplayer modes. With official modding support through tModLoader, players can enjoy endless replayability and community-created content across numerous platforms.

Compare with Don't Starve

Rust

AI-suggested

Rust drops you onto a procedurally generated island where you must manage hunger, thirst, and health while fending off wildlife and hostile players. Starting with only a rock and torch, you gather resources to craft tools, weapons, and shelters. Form clans, raid bases, or go solo in a persistent world that resets regularly, offering endless challenges and emergent gameplay for survival enthusiasts.

Compare with Don't Starve

Project Zomboid

AI-suggested

Project Zomboid drops you into the Knox Event, a deadly outbreak that began in Kentucky in 1993. You must scavenge, craft, build, farm, and fight to stay alive, whether alone or with friends. The game offers a massive open world, hardcore survival mechanics, and a cute tutorial raccoon to guide newcomers, all while challenging you to see how long you can last before the inevitable death.

Compare with Don't Starve

Starbound

AI-suggested

After a ship crash leaves you stranded in space, Starbound lets you beam down to countless procedurally‑generated planets to gather resources, repair your vessel, and uncover the mysteries of the galaxy. The game blends platforming, role‑playing, and survival mechanics, giving you the freedom to forge your own story—whether you become a hero saving the universe or a colonist building a new home. With single‑player, co‑op, and multiplayer modes, you can adventure alone or with friends, crafting gear, building bases, and battling alien creatures across diverse biomes. Its indie roots shine through a vibrant pixel art style and deep sandbox systems that encourage creativity and exploration.

Compare with Don't Starve