Don't Starve Reviews
Don’t Starve is an uncompromising wilderness survival game full of science and magic. Enter a strange and unexplored world full of strange creatures, dangers, and surprises. Gather resources to craft items and structures that match your survival style.
App ID | 219740 |
App Type | GAME |
Developers | Klei Entertainment |
Publishers | Klei Entertainment |
Categories | Single-player, Steam Cloud, Full controller support, Remote Play on TV, Steam Trading Cards, Steam Workshop, Remote Play on Phone, Remote Play on Tablet |
Genres | Indie, Simulation, Adventure |
Release Date | 23 Apr, 2013 |
Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Supported Languages | English, Simplified Chinese |

486 Total Reviews
472 Positive Reviews
14 Negative Reviews
Very Positive Score
Don't Starve has garnered a total of 486 reviews, with 472 positive reviews and 14 negative reviews, resulting in a ‘Very Positive’ overall score.
Reviews Chart
Chart above illustrates the trend of feedback for Don't Starve over time, showcasing the dynamic changes in player opinions as new updates and features have been introduced. This visual representation helps to understand the game's reception and how it has evolved.
Recent Steam Reviews
This section displays the 10 most recent Steam reviews for the game, showcasing a mix of player experiences and sentiments. Each review summary includes the total playtime along with the number of thumbs-up and thumbs-down reactions, clearly indicating the community's feedback
Playtime:
65609 minutes
beware of the dark have caution while fighting keep your sanity up and most importantly Don't Starve
👍 : 0 |
😃 : 0
Positive
Playtime:
15484 minutes
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.
👍 : 1 |
😃 : 0
Positive
Playtime:
1271 minutes
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.
👍 : 0 |
😃 : 0
Positive
Playtime:
1024 minutes
Solid all around game. One of my favorites. Great for survival folks that like to be a little unsettled.
👍 : 0 |
😃 : 0
Positive
Playtime:
51 minutes
epic game buy it if u ilke 2d survival open world games
👍 : 0 |
😃 : 0
Positive
Playtime:
8368 minutes
fantastic worldbuilding, artstyle and gameplay mechanics. good game.
👍 : 0 |
😃 : 0
Positive
Playtime:
56 minutes
# 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.
👍 : 0 |
😃 : 0
Positive
Playtime:
991 minutes
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.
👍 : 0 |
😃 : 0
Negative
Playtime:
273 minutes
old but solid survival game, lots of neat stuff to find too
👍 : 0 |
😃 : 0
Positive
Playtime:
2454 minutes
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!!!
👍 : 5 |
😃 : 0
Positive