1) Install the Don't Starve Together Dedicated Server in steam. You can find this by clicking on the "Library" header in Steam and choosing "Tools". Then install the Don't Starve Together Dedicated Server from the list.
Once it has installed...
Attached File preconfig-2.PNG 9.1KB 315 downloads
2) Double-click to run the Dedicated Server and choose "Run Pre-configured Servers" from the pop-up.
This will pop open two windows, one for the Overworld and one for the Cave. Congrats! Your servers are running!
If you don't get this pop-up, you will need to force an update: right click on Don't Starve Together Dedicate Server > Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity of Tool Cache. It should work for a little bit, and then be ready to go.
But you'll probably want to customize them a little so...
Attached File preconfig-3.PNG 22.36KB 282 downloads
3) Shut down your dedicated servers. This is something you'll be doing a lot, so pay attention! Don't shut them down by closing the window, instead, select the window and type c_shutdown() and press the enter key. This will make sure the game saves before the server closes!
Attached File preconfig-4.PNG 43.79KB 224 downloads
4) Edit your settings.ini to customize the server how you want. You may wish to change the game mode, the server name and description, max players, and server intention.
To do this, edit the file settings.ini found in the easyconfig overworld folder, at My DocumentsKleiDoNotStarveTogether_EasyConfigOverworld.
Then just change the values next to these settings:
game_mode = survival (can be survival, endless, or wilderness)
max_players = 6 (any number from 2-6 should work great)
default_server_description = It's my world! (describe your world!)
default_server_name = Ipsquiggle's World (Give it a unique name!)
server_intention = cooperative (can be cooperative, social, competitive, or madness)
If you want the server to be lan-only, then put this option on a new line right underneath server_intention:
lan_only_server = true
Save that file and then...
5) Launch your servers, for real this time! Go back to steam and choose the Run Pre-Configured Servers option once more.
6) Have fun spelunking! Wheeee!
7) When you are done, close your servers cleanly. As above, do this by selecting each of the two server windows, and typing c_shutdown() and pressing enter. This will save and shut down your server. Otherwise your progress will be lost back until the in-game morning.