If you are encountering an error similar to "Dedicated Server Failed To Start - There was some sort of trouble starting the server. Please try again."
Generally, this error message shows up because something on the computer is blocking the game application from being able to fully start dedicated servers, especially when loading a world with caves enabled.
If you are encountering this dedicated server error, please ensure that the following Don't Starve Together .exe files have been added to your security software and/or Windows Security's allowed/trusted program list:
- \Steam\steamapps\common\Don't Starve Together\bin64\dontstarve_steam_x64.exe
- \Steam\steamapps\common\Don't Starve Together\bin64\dontstarve_dedicated_server_nullrenderer_x64.exe
- \Steam\steamapps\common\Don't Starve Together\bin\dontstarve_steam.exe
- \Steam\steamapps\common\Don't Starve Together\bin\dontstarve_dedicated_server_nullrenderer.exe
Controlled Folder Access
If you currently have Windows Ransomware Protection enabled, it may block the game from being able to access, read, or write files on the hard drive. If that is the case, you will need to allow/add the game’s .exe file (dontstarve_steam.exe) through Controlled Folder Access, in order for the game to be able to do so. Here’s how to do this:
- Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection;In Virus & threat protection, scroll down to Ransomware Protection, click on “Manage ransomware protection”
- Check to see if Controlled folder access is ON, if it is, click on “Allow an App through Controlled folder access”
- Click on + Add an allowed app > choose “Recently Blocked Apps” if Don't Starve Together was blocked previously or “Browse All Apps” and manually add Don't Starve Together. Each of these options will add the .exe file(s) to the controlled folder access. If you are not sure where the file is located, generally it is within your Steam folders at \steam\steamapps\common\Don't Starve Together\
- Specifically, these files:
- \Steam\steamapps\common\Don't Starve Together\bin64\dontstarve_steam_x64.exe
- \Steam\steamapps\common\Don't Starve Together\bin64\dontstarve_dedicated_server_nullrenderer_x64.exe
- \Steam\steamapps\common\Don't Starve Together\bin\dontstarve_steam.exe
- \Steam\steamapps\common\Don't Starve Together\bin\dontstarve_dedicated_server_nullrenderer.exe
Mod-Related Issues
There are times when the dedicated server is not able to start due to failed or crashing mods.
If you have enabled mods for your dedicated server, please try to disable all mods in case you have any enabled (or installed) that may interfere with the dedicated server's ability to initialize.
If the issue persists after following the troubleshooting steps above, follow the additional steps in our other guide linked here, as there are similar steps that will help with resolving your specific issue.
If all fails, please post your issue as well as your client_log.txt file in our Don't Starve Together Bug Tracker.