Don't Starve

Unforgiving at times, but Don't Starve is a classic and well-rounded game that relies on you finding out how things work yourself. I saw Yogscast play it back in the day and I've been with the product since early access in 2013 and I've loved watching the dev team continue to put in hard work into the game, adding seasons, caves, bosses, and more over the years. The modding scene is huge where you'll find fantastic quality of life and new features alike. I prefer the original game over DST just for the mods which break less often and I personally like it a bit better, especially since DS includes Shipwrecked and you can still play with Reign of Giants enabled if you want. It's my favorite top-down 2D survival and sanity management can be a real yet fun challenge, especially for first-time players who have no clue what effects it. 10/10.

I haven't even discovered all of what Don't Starve has to offer mainly because its difficulty but it's a really cool survival game and I just love the game art and theme. The fact that you just don't get any clue on how to play the game, it makes for a real adventure, you'll have a lots of fun with this one. And once you mastered the core of the game you could try the expansions as well

I genuinely forgot how awesome this game is, i actually found it back in the day when i had a really bad PC and looked for some good low spec video games, and Don't Starve was number 1 on the list, i check it out and instantly fell in love, i love survival games probably more than any other gaming genre so this game is really a must have, and the price isn't even bad it's less than 10 bucks.

this is a survival game off the back of minecraft, yet it just does its own thing. there is lots of ways to play this game, but its all about survival. every day feels like you can go out and do something new. there is a very real sense that you dont belong here and that the world is hostile. but if you go deep enough and try hard enough. you can master this world and become what is essentially a god. you will die lots, so be prepaired. and remember dont starve

Such a hard game. I haven't learned much but how to die fast and hard very simple look and feel but a hell of a learning curve for me it's fun as hell and it's easy to get lost in the gameplay playing it on the steam deck is great

ngl after coming back to singleplayer on my new steam account i dont wanna get any of the dlcs cuz ik they alter regular mode as well and i want that nostalgia value from the og ds with no dlc changes

been playing this games for years, its one of the 1st indie games i bought and its one of the best ones to come out of early 2010s indie games and still holds up to this day. now i know what your thinking, you only have 2.3 hrs on record as of making this review and yes i do, but i have gotten this game on, ps3 1st, ps4 it was one of the 1st ever games i bought on it and i played it while i waited for my free copy of d1 to download, ps vita, switch, ios back when i had a iphone and android. its one of those games that just so good you cant help but give the devs the money and its always priced fairly and hasn't been increased in price with its growth like so many other indie games, its always $10 to $20 which is more then fair imo. the only downside i can think of is it can have a bit of learning curve but once you get going ( even if you suck at the combat like i do ) its gets good even if it can get a bit easy but if you mess around your not getting away for free. if you like what you see pick it up if you don't then don't.

€ PRICE / QUALITY

☐"IT'S A TRAP!"(Admiral Ackbar)
☑ "That'll do, pig. That'll do."(James Cromwell)
☐"SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!"(Philip J. Fry)

PC REQUIREMENTS

☑ Minimum
☐Medium
☐High
☐ Extreme

GRAPHICS

☐Cheap
☑Acceptable
☐Masterpiece

GAME TIME (hours)

☐0>2
☐2>5
☐5>15
☐15>30
☐30>50
☐50>75
☐75>100
☑100>?

STORY

☑ None
☐Bad
☐Good
☐Amazing

DIFFICULTY

☐Simple
☑Easy to learn, hard to master
☑Hard
☐Blackhole (FiolaSoft Studio)
☐Impossible

BUGS

☐Game itself is one big BUG
☐Bugs destroying the game
☐Bugs
☐Few little bugs
☑Perfect

It's too hardcore for me. Death means starting all the way over again. Too repetitive. I can't even fathom doing boss battles because if you die, your save file is done. Not for the faint of heart.

A tough but rewarding survival game with a cool hand-drawn art style and tons of weird creatures

Its Very Fun and it has a lot of character also if your tried of the Normal game there's a lot of DLC also don't get mad if you die this game is trial and error.

Interesting solo survival game with fun graphics. I enjoyed my time playing this game.. until i died from starvation on the first winter.

Ah yes, the game that started it all. The sequel, coop version Don’t Starve Together wins the hearts of many Klei fans, but all isn’t lost for the original Don’t Starve. This game still provides the same visuals, characters, and randomly generated worlds that challenges our survival skills. The only real difference is we’re mostly playing as Wilson and have a more linear progression and goals in the game for the story mode.

This game also has the Shipwrecked DLC which let’s us play as pirates and drive a ship with cannons. That’s something the coop version doesn’t have.

Overall, I wouldn’t toss this game out the window just because it lacks the challenges and multiplayer feature that Don’t Starve Together has. Don’t Starve still fulfills the survival experience for solo players, with just as much mischief and chaos!

Yes, yes, I've got hundreds of hours in it. But, even when you can handle them, the constant attacks from hounds and other nuisances eventually become tiresome. You deal with the attack, clean up the mess, then it seems like you only get a few minutes clear before the next wave. The balance between getting stuff done and routine survival is a little bit too harsh, and sometimes crosses past the edge of what I find enjoyable. I do like the early challenge of getting set up, but either the grind eventually gets to me and it gets boring or I make a careless mistake and die. You never really get a chance to stop and chill, and I miss that. All work and no play, sort of thing.

just play don't starve together because its pretty much the same exact game but with multiplayer. i love this game and got it because i have 100+ hours on xbox but this version is kind of unnecessary and it doesn't have any achievements.

This is downright amazing. The art is amazing, and you can costomize your world! the add-onns are reccomended

Great game, the art is fun, its still somewhat difficult, but it is a good cozy(ish) game to play and then wonder where the time went. Its fun and satisfying to play and all the different characters are fun to try out too.

I played it while i was younger and now rediscovered it. Back then I was scared to fight the mobs that looked scary and didn't quite get the mechanics of the game, so I died often. Now that I'm older its easier to play since I'm not scared of mobs and I understand the game more. 10/10 would recommend.

Personally the only survival game I actually get enjoyment out of, A great artstyle, OST, and cheap dlc that makes the game more fun

Really fun so far. Some of it feels very tedious.

Very fun! Modding community is lovely and there's a lot to do in-game (you don't even need to follow the story line to enjoy). The story itself is full of a lot of cool puzzles and challenges if you end up going that route.

old but solid survival game, lots of neat stuff to find too

Love the vibe, but I keep bouncing off from it because of the repetive and slow gameplay. Should probably give the multiplayer version a chance, some day.

# Don't Starve Review: A Haunting Tale of Survival

Don't Starve is a brilliantly unforgiving survival game that combines Tim Burton-esque gothic art with punishing roguelike mechanics. Developer Klei Entertainment has crafted a unique experience that manages to be both whimsical and deeply unsettling.

## Artistic Vision
The game's hand-drawn art style immediately catches the eye with its Edward Gorey-inspired aesthetic. Characters and creatures are rendered in a distinctive sketchy style, while the world features a dark, Victorian-gothic sensibility. The attention to detail extends to the animations, which maintain a puppet-like quality that enhances the game's eerie atmosphere.

## Survival Mechanics
At its core, Don't Starve is about managing multiple survival needs simultaneously. Players must:
- Maintain hunger, health, and sanity meters
- Gather resources to craft tools and structures
- Navigate dangerous environments and hostile creatures
- Plan for changing seasons that dramatically affect gameplay

The game excels at creating tension through its interlocking systems. Every decision carries weight – do you risk exploring at night to find crucial resources, or play it safe and potentially miss out on valuable items?

## World and Story
The game's world is procedurally generated, ensuring each playthrough feels fresh. While there isn't a traditional narrative, the environment tells its own story through environmental storytelling and mysterious set pieces. Players piece together the dark tale of Maxwell, the world's mysterious overseer, through subtle clues and careful observation.

## Learning Curve
Don't Starve's difficulty is perhaps its most defining feature. The game offers minimal guidance, expecting players to learn through trial and error – often with fatal consequences. While this can be frustrating for new players, it makes each discovery and survival milestone feel genuinely rewarding.

## Content and Replayability
The base game offers:
- Multiple playable characters, each with unique abilities
- Extensive crafting system with hundreds of items
- Seasonal challenges that force adaptation
- Various biomes with distinct resources and threats
- Hidden content that rewards exploration

## Technical Performance
The game runs smoothly across platforms, with minimal loading times and stable performance. The simple yet effective UI makes inventory management and crafting intuitive once learned.

## Pros:
- Distinctive, atmospheric art style
- Deep, interconnected survival mechanics
- High replay value
- Rewarding learning experience
- Regular content updates and strong mod support

## Cons:
- Steep initial learning curve
- Can feel punishing for casual players
- Limited direct narrative
- Some mechanics remain obscure without external research

## Verdict
Don't Starve earns a 9/10 for its unique blend of artistic vision, challenging gameplay, and deep mechanics. While its difficulty may deter some players, those who persist will find one of the most rewarding survival experiences in gaming. The game's influence can be seen in many subsequent survival games, and it remains a benchmark for the genre years after its release.

This is a game that doesn't just ask you to survive – it dares you to thrive in its hostile world. For players willing to embrace its challenges, Don't Starve offers an unforgettable journey into a darkly beautiful wilderness.

fantastic worldbuilding, artstyle and gameplay mechanics. good game.

epic game buy it if u ilke 2d survival open world games

Solid all around game. One of my favorites. Great for survival folks that like to be a little unsettled.

beware of the dark have caution while fighting keep your sanity up and most importantly Don't Starve

I have this game on every device i own, worth every penny.

I think dont starve together just have more content, but i still enjoyed this game nonetheless

last time i played this on a potato PC it loaded quite fast now I am using an alien-ware rig that's pretty great I have been waiting to get into the game for more than 10 minutes I am about to shelf it again this is ridiculous at this point in the games life it should load super fast

Really fun game. Wish I knew the multiplayer version was a separate game before I got this one, but playing solo is still fun. This games aesthetic aura is pure vibes.

Great game! Had to watch some tutorial to figure out how to play as a beginner. So far, I have not survived past 20 days, but that is all part of the learning experience! Definitely a challenging and fun game!!!

In the wilds of Don't Starve, every day is a new adventure, and every night is a fight for survival. The game throws you into a randomly generated world where the line between friend and foe is blurred, and the environment itself can be as deadly as the creatures that roam it. From the moment you spawn, the clock is ticking, and the need to gather resources, craft essential items, and establish a secure camp is paramount.

One of the most striking aspects of Don't Starve is its ability to keep you on your toes. You'll encounter a menagerie of creatures, from the relatively benign pigs to the utterly terrifying hounds that prowl the darkness. The game's crafting system is both deep and satisfying, allowing you to tailor your playstyle with a variety of tools, weapons, and structures.

But be warned: this isn't a game where you can simply relax. The balance between risk and reward is delicate, and one wrong move can mean the end of your journey. Starving is just the beginning of your problems; losing your sanity and facing the horrors that lurk in the shadows are far more pressing concerns.

Despite the permadeath mechanic, which can be frustrating, there's a certain thrill in starting over, knowing that each new world is a blank canvas for your survival strategies. The game's dark humor and stylish, Tim Burton-esque aesthetic only add to the appeal, making Don't Starve a unique and engaging experience that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned survival vet or a newcomer to the genre, Don't Starve offers a rewarding challenge that's as entertaining as it is demanding.

As you can see by the amount of hours I have dedicated to this game I absoluelty love it! It's the perfect blend of whimsical and cozy with difficult challenges and some adrenaline filled moments. The animation and soundtrack are great. So far I'm still not bored of this game, I still discover new things and keep coming back.

If you don't like minecraft, don't worry, this isn't that.

Great game. Each session only lasts about 20min-1hr before I die and have to start over, but I have easily done it hundreds of times now. I love this game, even if I am horrible at it

if your choosing ds or dst almost always choose dst (unless its for the DLC's)

(Not a bad game ofc just dst over it)

would not recomend if not good at slow paced survivals personaly i dont like it but if i would invest time in it i think i would like it but not sure

A fun challenging game with a harsh but continuously entertaining learning curve with constant danger and excitement.

Well crafted game. There are different plots at the DLCs, but IMO it's always better to not survive alone. 7.8

挺容易上瘾，但是我感觉问题是在掌握了大部分必备的技巧之后，仍然一直不能分神，一个游戏如果需要长期专注（毕竟这不是几分钟几十分钟一把的竞技游戏），那娱乐性就要扣分了

This is my favorite game! If you are into building/making stuff, you will like this game. Its quite challenging but you'll have a feeling of fulfillment after figuring out how to survive for several days.

Fun base game for a survival open world crafting game, with winter being an absolute threat

Incredible modding scene which makes the game even better and way more fun

Praise the chinese modding scene for being a ridiculously large portion of mods in this game for some reason??

Cool mechanics. Needs Steam achievements

Hate hate hate hate. Originally I enjoyed the game. But it's horrible to spend so many hours on a session only to miss adding a log to the fire and losing everything. It's beyond worthless. This game is not possible to enjoy. I even put the custom settings to make it much easier - but the one shot death from a moment of distraction to lose everything is the one reason I will recommend everyone to NEVER BUY THIS GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Literally makes me want to break the computer and send the developers of this game to jail for this game. Unless someone can give me a mod to prevent losing all of your work on death - I will uninstall this infuriating game. Hate Hate Hate Hate. Never buy it - just save yourself and save your money.

the game is one of those where you like the visuals. but you absolutely don't understand what to do and how to play it properly
without wiki there is no point in playing. and with wiki you spoil it for yourself. sad.

The game is very well-made and for being one of the original "craft & survival" genre games, it's noteworthy for its still-solid game design and its unique aesthetic. The big reason why I am not recommending it is maybe universal to most crafting/survival games - there's no over-arching goal to the game.

Beyond mastering the basic necessities of survival and finding the gubbins needed to progress to the next world (which is the same but randomized), there's no reason you should do anything. There are dungeons you can explore and bosses you can defeat, the pinnacle of which will be the ability to build a turret that defends you against monster waves. There's another game mode inside the main game, the completion of which will reward you with a unique playable character. There's experience for each day surviving, which unlocks yet more characters - but still without an end goal.

I guess if the game had an actual plot, or if the world felt more independently alive, it would be more enticing to play. But unfortunately that's not the case, so after cracking the basic survival curve I lost interest in continuing.

The only upside this has over DST is the Adventure mode, which is a super fun challenge. The DLC are really fun but you can just download mods for DST.

This is a game where you will laugh to yourself after all your hard work goes up in flames.