So, you’ve got the basics down in Don’t Starve. You’re exploring, scavenging, and desperately trying not to become monster chow. But what about those weird items you stumble upon? Or the hidden mechanics the game doesn’t explicitly tell you about? This Don’t Starve starter guide will cover some of the early-game discoveries that can make the difference between thriving and becoming spider food. Learning these things early on will massively improve your gameplay.
If you’re like many new players, you’re probably experiencing that exciting/frustrating phase where everything is new and confusing. You might be tempted to constantly Google everything. While researching can feel like cheating, it’s sometimes necessary to avoid missing out on cool game mechanics. This guide aims to bridge that gap by highlighting some key elements you might encounter early on but not fully understand.
Image of Chester, a walking chest, in Don’t Starve.
Chester: Your Loyal Luggage Carrier
Spot something that resembles the image above, resembling a bony eyeball? Pick it up! You’ve found a Walrus camp! Just kidding! You’ve actually found the Eyebone! Once you have it, Chester will spawn. Chester is essentially a walking chest. He’ll follow you around, allowing you to store items within him. He’s incredibly useful for carrying extra resources and gear. However, be warned: Chester can die. If he does, he’ll drop everything inside and respawn after one in-game day. Protect your Chester!
Image of a Touch Stone, a resurrection point in Don’t Starve.
Touch Stones: A Second Chance at Life
Keep an eye out for Touch Stones scattered throughout the world. These act as resurrection points. If you die while a Touch Stone is active, you’ll respawn at its location. Note that Touch Stones only function in Survival mode. While they may appear in other modes, they serve purely as decorative elements. Finding a Touch Stone early can be a lifesaver, offering a crucial safety net as you learn the ropes.
Image of a Sinkhole leading to the Caves in Don’t Starve.
Venturing Underground: Exploring the Caves
Feeling brave? If the surface world isn’t challenging enough, consider exploring the caves. You’ll need to locate a sinkhole, often found near mineable rocks. Caves offer new resources, creatures, and challenges. However, be warned: caves are dark, which drains your sanity. Lower sanity makes you vulnerable to attacks from Charlie (the darkness). The caves are home to both valuable resources and deadly creatures.
Important Note: If you’re hosting a server, you need to enable caves in the server options before generating the world. Otherwise, sinkholes will not spawn.
Image of a Treeguard, an enraged tree monster, in Don’t Starve.
The Treeguard: Nature’s Wrath
Chopping down trees is essential for survival, but excessive deforestation can anger the forest. If a large, tree-like creature starts stalking you, you’ve likely summoned a Treeguard. These creatures are tough and can quickly kill an unprepared player. Instead of fighting it immediately, try appeasing it by planting pine cones near it. Once it stops following you, consider luring it towards hostile mobs like pigs or Beefalo during mating season for an easier kill.
Image of a Wormhole connecting two distant locations in Don’t Starve.
Wormholes: Risky Teleportation
Wormholes offer a quick way to traverse the map, but they come at a cost. Each use drains 15 sanity. Friendly followers will also teleport with you. Wormholes connect two distant locations, but there’s no way to know which wormhole leads where until you jump in. Use them strategically, but be mindful of your sanity levels. Consider keeping some sanity-restoring items on hand if you plan on using them frequently.
Conclusion: Embrace the Unknown
Don’t Starve is a game about experimentation and discovery. Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if it means dying a few times along the way. These tips are just a starting point. The world is full of secrets waiting to be uncovered. Use this Don’t Starve starter guide to survive the game! Good luck, and try not to starve!
