Don’t Starve

Don’t Starve is a downloadable game that is a unique mix of different genres: adventure games, action games, RPG, and survival games. The creators of Don’t Starve are the Canadian studio Klei Entertainment, which is also responsible for several other good titles such as the acclaimed stealth game Mark of the Ninja. Don’t Starve was released on  23 April 2013 and is available for PC computers and for the consoles Sony PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Xbox One.

How to Download Don’t Starve

The game can be downloaded from Steam. Check out also our review of the multiplayer version of the game Don’t Starve Together.

The Plot

During the gameplay, the player takes the role of Doctor Wilson, a scientist, and a stereotypical British gentleman. Due to an unfortunate accident and a demon’s intervention, he lands in a hostile world called The Wild. The player’s task is to make sure that the protagonist survives his adventure intact and finds his way back home. The main adversaries on this quest will be darkness, hunger, and wild beasts. In order to counter these dangers, we will have to build shelters and campfires as well as construct various tools.

Gameplay Loop, Mechanics, and Atmosphere in Don’t Starve

The game mechanics are based mainly on gathering resources and goods required for further processing. Because, after all, we control a scientist we are able to construct various machines. The level of their complexity is increased as we make progress in the game. The system of items crafting allows for gathering any resource that might come in handy or necessary for survival. We will need food, protection, and clothing.

Don’t Starve – the Elements of an RPG

The more days we manage to live the more experience points we receive. With the new levels, we unlock new playable characters. There are a total of nine of them and each of them has unique abilities of survival. Besides collecting all the possible resources we will have to fight against monsters and animals. The fight will consist of fast attacks and dodges. Sometimes we will see a random door that always leads to an interesting mini-game with many levels.

The 2D graphics in Don’t Starve suits well the atmosphere of the game. The sharp cartoonish drawings make the game look very distinct.  The characters in the game are comic and funny and we will find numerous references to the mass culture. The production has also a great soundtrack which changes depending on what is actually happening on the screen,

The title doesn’t have huge system requirements and will run smoothly even on old computers.

Visual Style, Sound Design, and PC Optimization


If you enjoy games in this genre, check out our PC reviews of Treasure Adventure World and Warface.

PC gamers looking for another classic release can explore our complete gameplay review and Windows requirements for Ultimate Chicken Horse.

If you want another standout pick to check out next, read our complete Streets of Rogue review, rating, and official download guide.

Don’t Starve PC System Requirements

Check the verified minimum and recommended Windows hardware specifications from the official Steam release of Don’t Starve before installing.

Component Minimum Recommended
Processor 1.7+ GHz or better See minimum
Memory 1+ gigs of RAM GB RAM See minimum
Graphics Radeon HD5450 or better; 256 MB or higher See minimum

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get the official Don’t Starve download?

Click the green download button on this page to access verified storefront and installer options for Don’t Starve on Windows PC.

What platforms support Don’t Starve?

Don’t Starve developed by Klei Entertainment runs on Windows PC; check our specification box above for hardware and storage details before installing.

Is Don’t Starve free to download or a paid release?

Don’t Starve is distributed under a official release model through official digital gaming platforms.

What makes Don’t Starve worth playing?

Our hands-on review breaks down the core gameplay loop, visual presentation, controls, and replay value of Don’t Starve.

Don’t Starve, screenshot 1Don't StarveDon’t Starve, screenshot 3Don’t Starve, screenshot 4Don’t Starve, screenshot 5Don’t Starve, screenshot 6Don’t Starve, screenshot 7Don’t Starve, screenshot 8Don’t Starve, screenshot 9

9 Total Score
Don't Starve: Review Summary

Gameplay
9.2
Graphics
8.9
Sound & Music
9.1
Replayability
8.8
PROS
  • Rewarding core loop and distinct atmosphere in Don't Starve
  • Well-scaled Windows PC system requirements for smooth frame rates
  • Cohesive visual identity paired with fitting audio design
  • High replayability for returning PC players
CONS
  • Learning all systems in Don't Starve takes a few early sessions
  • Integrated graphics hardware may need medium detail presets
User Rating: 5 (1 vote)
Game Details
Publisher
Klei Entertainment
Publisher Website
Platforms
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8
Windows 10
Linux
macOS
Android
iOS
PS3
PS4
PlayStation Vita
Xbox One
Wii U
License
full version
File Size
500 MB
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