Cluster Token for DST Server: How to Get One

This guide explains how to create a cluster token for a Don’t Starve Together dedicated server. A cluster token is a special code that links your server to your Klei account, allowing it to appear in the server list and enabling Steam authentication for players. You’ll need a Klei account (free) and access to the game’s official website. No prior server experience is required.

What You’ll Need

• A Klei Entertainment account (sign up at accounts.klei.com)
• The email address and password for that account
• A web browser
• Your server’s cluster directory (where you’ll paste the token later)

Step-by-Step

1. Log in to the Klei Accounts page. Go to accounts.klei.com and sign in with your Klei account credentials. If you don’t have one, click “Register” and follow the prompts to create it.
2. Navigate to the Game Servers section. After logging in, you’ll see a dashboard. Look for a tab or link labeled “Game Servers” (sometimes under “My Games”). Click it.
3. Click “Add New Server”. This button is usually on the right side of the Game Servers page. It opens a form where you’ll name your server.
4. Enter a server name. Type a name for your server cluster. This is just an identifier for you; it doesn’t have to match the in-game server name. For example, “My DST Server”.
5. Submit the form. Click the “Add Server” or “Create” button. The page will reload and show your new server in the list.
6. Generate the token. Next to your server entry, click “Generate Token” (or a similar button). A popup or new section will appear with a long string of characters. This is your cluster token.
7. Copy the token. Highlight the entire token string and copy it to your clipboard. Be careful not to miss any characters—it’s usually a mix of letters and numbers.
8. Save the token in your server’s cluster.txt file. On your server machine, navigate to your cluster directory (e.g., ~/.klei/DoNotStarveTogether/MyCluster on Linux or Documents/Klei/DoNotStarveTogether/MyCluster on Windows). Open the file named cluster_token.txt (create it if it doesn’t exist). Paste the token into that file and save it.
9. Restart your server. Stop your dedicated server process, then start it again. The server will read the token and register with Klei’s master server.

Common Mistakes

• Copying extra spaces or missing characters. When you copy the token, make sure you don’t include line breaks or stray spaces. Paste it into a plain text editor first to verify.
• Putting the token in the wrong file. The token must go into cluster_token.txt, not server.ini or settings.ini. Double-check your cluster directory structure.
• Using a token from a different server. Each server cluster needs its own token. If you copy a token from another server, it won’t work.
• Not restarting the server. The server only reads the token at startup. If you edit the file while the server is running, the change won’t take effect until you restart.

Tips

• Keep the token private. Anyone with your token can control your server. Don’t share it publicly.
• Use a dedicated email for Klei. If you run multiple servers, it’s easier to manage them under one account.
• Backup your cluster_token.txt. If you lose the file, you can always generate a new token from the website, but backing up avoids downtime.
• Token regeneration is safe. If you suspect your token is compromised, generate a new one from the Klei website—it will invalidate the old one.

Troubleshooting

Server not appearing in the server list? First, verify that the token is correctly pasted (no extra spaces). Then check that your server’s cluster.ini has offline_server = false and lan_only_server = false. Also, ensure your server’s ports (UDP 10999 and 27016) are forwarded if you’re behind a router.

Getting “Invalid Token” error? This usually means the token was copied incorrectly or the file has a typo. Regenerate the token from the Klei website, copy it again, and paste it carefully. Also, make sure the file is saved as plain text (no .txt extension issues on Windows—it should be exactly cluster_token.txt).

Token works but players can’t join? Check that your server’s server.ini has the correct steam_authentication settings. Usually, you don’t need to change anything, but if you’ve modified it, set steam_authentication = true.

Forgot which server a token belongs to? Log in to the Klei website, go to Game Servers, and you’ll see the token associated with each server name. You can regenerate it if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same cluster token for multiple servers?

No. Each server cluster (a world with its own caves) needs a unique token. You can create multiple tokens on the Klei website, one per server.

Do I need to buy Don’t Starve Together to get a token?

Yes, you need to own the game on Steam (or another platform linked to Klei) to create a token. The token is tied to your Klei account, which is linked to your game purchase.

What if I lose my cluster_token.txt file?

You can generate a new token from the Klei website at any time. The old token will become invalid, so you’ll need to update the file on your server.

Can I use a token on a non-dedicated server (like a hosted one)?

Yes, but the process is the same. The token is placed in the server’s cluster directory, regardless of whether it’s on your own machine or a hosting provider.

Does the token expire?

No, cluster tokens do not expire. They remain valid until you manually revoke or regenerate them.

Why does my server show as “LAN” instead of online?

This usually means the token isn’t being read. Check that the file is named correctly and is in the right folder. Also, ensure your server’s cluster.ini has offline_server = false.

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