Don't Starve is a popular indie video game that has been praised for its unique art style, open-ended gameplay and intriguing lore. Similar to the gameplay in Rust , the game mainly sees many players desperately trying to find the best methods to survive, working together to make sure that they will not fall victim to the wilderness. However, the game can be very difficult, especially with new players.
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Luckily, there is a variety of characters to choose from, and each of those characters have different stats and abilities. Some of these characters can make the otherwise frustrating game much easier to get through. But, it can be hard to know which characters will work the best.
Woodie
For players who are just beginning the game, some might find themselves choosing Woodie - the strong (although stereotypical) lumberjack who loves cutting down trees. However, there's certainly more to this arborist than meets the eye - Woodie is a Were-Beaver.
Woodie is certainly one of the best players to use, as a main perk is that he starts off with an Axe named Lucy. Compared to other axes, Lucy is a great asset for the players since she can chop down trees faster than other axes and has infinite durability. The Werebeaver, too, can also have its advantages as it not only protects players from the Night Monster but it is also extremely strong and has a good defense dynamic. Just make sure to be near a camp when the transformation occurs so Woodie can get supplies again and continue on with his quest.
Maxwell
Maxwell is a character that can be great if the player likes using a "sanity-focused" playstyle because his "sanity" automatically increases by 20 per minute. His main perk centers around the Codex Umbra, which is a book with infinite durability that can summon shadow puppets at the cost of "sanity." These shadow puppets will help the player cut down trees, mine, and fight enemies. He also starts with several items including a Dark Sword and Night Armor.
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Although Maxwell has a low max health stat of 75 and players will likely be unable to use the "insanity state" if they want to, he is still a good character because the shadow puppets make those aspects less important.
Wolfgang
If the player can efficiently get food, then Wolfgang is actually the easiest character to use. His main perk is that he will transform into "Mighty Form" from his regular form when his hunger stat is high enough. In his Mighty Form, Wolfgang is strong, fast and has a high health stat. With these abilities, he can take on any enemies.
The only problem is that Wolfgang's hunger quickly decreases. If it gets low enough, he will transform into his "Wimpy Mode," which is much weaker than his regular and Mighty modes. Also, Wolfgang freezes for a bit when he transforms, which makes him vulnerable to attacks. Even for new players, however, it should not be too big of a problem since his strength can get the player plenty of nutrients.
Webber
Webber is an exclusive character for the Reign of Giants DLC, which was before the Shipwrecked and Hamlet DLCs . Because he is a child who lives in a spider, Webber is able to befriend spider mobs, who will then defend him. Spiders who are not his friend will simply leave him alone, and he can be around spider dens without his "sanity" or speed being affected. He can grow a beard that provides some warmth and can be shaved off for material. Also, he can safely eat monster food, and he starts a playthrough with some Monster Meat and Spider Eggs.
Although mobs that are hostile to spiders will attack Webber and he also has a relatively low "sanity" stat, his connection with spiders can help keep new players from being overwhelmed.
Willow
As the first character a player can unlock by gaining enough experience, Willow is actually a pretty powerful character. She starts each playthrough with her exclusive item called "Willow's Lighter," which is like a slightly weaker torch that can also start fires. Since this lighter has infinite durability and Willow is immune to fire, the player can start fires whenever they want and stand in those fires to increase "sanity" and Hanhsi.com avoid Charlie.
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However, if the player decides to use Willow, they will have to pay careful attention to Willow's "sanity." When her "sanity" gets low, she starts making random fires, and these fires can damage the built structures that the player made. To prevent this, players should construct an ice fligomatic, which will put them out.
Wendy
Wendy may not seem to be a good choice at first compared to the other characters because she is physically weaker. However, outside her physical strength, she has some abilities that make her powerful. She starts playthroughs with Abigail's Flower in her inventory, and she can use this item to summon her dead sister Abigail. When this is done, Abigail appears as a ghost and attacks hostile mobs.
Along with the strength of Abigail that can attack multiple mobs at once, Wendy also loses less "sanity" from the darkness compared to other characters. All of this makes her a formidable character.
Wigfrid
Wigfrid is another character exclusive to the Reign of Giants DLC. Wigfrid starts each playthrough with a Battle Spear and Battle Helm, which symbolize Wigfrid's strengths as a character. She deals lots of damage to enemies and also can withstand plenty of damage. Plus, she gains health and "sanity" every time she defeats a mob, and this makes her incredibly powerful since she can easily kill tons of enemies from the beginning.
The only thing players need to be really wary of when using Wigfrid is her limited diet. She only eats meat, which means players may have a difficult time trying to get her food. This is not helped by the fact that her hunger and "sanity" are lower than other characters. Players will have to constantly be risking themselves for food while using her, but her strength makes up for that.
Wilson
Since Wilson is the protagonist and first playable character of the game, his stats are well-rounded with no drawbacks, which is perfect for new players who are still learning how to play. Similar to Webber, he can grow a beard, but Wilson's beard provides more warmth. Also, unlike Webber's beard that drops silk when shaved, Wilson's beard drops hair that can be used to make a Meat Effigy.
Although Wilson's beard makes him great for getting through the winter and easy access to Meat Effigies, the balanced stats make it so that he does not have the strengths other characters have. Overall, as the main mascot, Wilson should be considered one of the greats.
Wickerbottom
Wickerbottom would also be a great pick for the player as she has many key assets. As an intelligent librarian, Wickerbottom's knowledge allows her to create things early on in playthroughs, which makes the game way easier for players. For example, she can make all Science Machine recipes without making the Science Machine because she knows it all already. She also has a special perk that allows her to craft special books that give her various abilities. One of these books is "Sleepytime Stories," which puts all nearby mobs to sleep.
While players will have to keep an eye on her "sanity" levels after she uses one of her books and what she eats, players can easily resolve this by having her eat mandrakes and the food "Surf n' Turf." Her high stats are certainly worth the extra risks.
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