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DLC Support Overview

Build Information​

Current documentation based on build version: 676042 Last updated: 2025-01-22

System Purpose​

The DLC Support category provides comprehensive infrastructure for managing downloadable content in Don't Starve Together. These systems handle DLC discovery, registration, enablement, content integration, and specialized support for world generation and string handling within DLC contexts.

Key Responsibilities​

  • DLC discovery, registration, and state management
  • Character list management for DLC-specific characters
  • String and localization support for DLC content
  • World generation integration with DLC parameters
  • Demo version management and purchase flow
  • Content prefab loading and asset integration

System Scope​

This category includes DLC infrastructure and management but excludes core mod functionality (handled by Core Mod Support) and general game content systems.

Architecture Overview​

System Components​

The DLC support system is built on a layered architecture where core DLC management provides the foundation for specialized systems like world generation support, string handling, and demo management.

Data Flow​

DLC Discovery → Registration → Enablement → Content Loading → Integration
      ↓              ↓             ↓              ↓              ↓
  File Scan → DLC Index → State Set → Prefab Load → Game Systems

Integration Points​

  • Character Systems: DLC-specific character registration and management
  • World Generation: DLC parameter integration and content selection
  • Asset Loading: DLC-specific prefabs, assets, and resources
  • Localization: DLC string management and translation support
  • Purchase System: Demo version limitations and full version unlocking

Recent Changes​

BuildDateComponentChange TypeDescription
6760422025-01-22DLC SupportstableCurrent DLC management system
6760422025-01-22DLC Support StringsstableCurrent string handling system
6760422025-01-22DLC Support WorldgenstableCurrent world generation support
6760422025-01-22Upsell SystemstableCurrent demo management system

Core DLC Infrastructure Modules​

DLC Support​

Foundation system for DLC discovery, registration, and management.

ModuleStatusDescriptionKey Features
DLC SupportstableCore DLC management infrastructureDiscovery, registration, character lists, prefab loading

Key Functions:

  • RegisterAllDLC() / RegisterDLC(): DLC registration management
  • EnableDLC() / DisableDLC(): DLC state control
  • IsDLCEnabled() / IsDLCInstalled(): DLC status checking
  • GetActiveCharacterList(): Character management for DLC content

Key Constants:

  • REIGN_OF_GIANTS: Reign of Giants DLC identifier (1)
  • MOD_API_VERSION: Current mod API version (10)
  • ALL_DLC_TABLE / NO_DLC_TABLE: DLC configuration presets

DLC Support Strings​

Specialized string handling system for DLC content with prefix/suffix management.

ModuleStatusDescriptionKey Features
DLC Support StringsstableString and localization support for DLCAdjective placement, prefix/suffix management, language support

Key Functions:

  • ConstructAdjectivedName(): Intelligent adjective placement in item names
  • SetUsesPrefix(): Configure prefix vs suffix formatting for specific items
  • MakeAllPrefixes() / MakeAllSuffixes(): Mass formatting configuration

Key Features:

  • Automatic adjective placement based on language rules
  • Function-based dynamic naming logic
  • Integration with localization system

DLC Support Worldgen​

Specialized DLC support for world generation contexts with parameter-based configuration.

ModuleStatusDescriptionKey Features
DLC Support WorldgenstableWorld generation DLC integrationParameter-driven DLC state, JSON integration, lightweight checking

Key Functions:

  • IsDLCEnabled(): Lightweight DLC checking for world generation
  • SetDLCEnabled(): Parameter-based DLC configuration
  • JSON parameter integration for world generation

Key Features:

  • Simplified state management for performance
  • JSON parameter parsing and integration
  • World generation specific DLC logic

Upsell System​

Demo version management and purchase flow system.

ModuleStatusDescriptionKey Features
Upsell SystemstableDemo version and purchase managementTrial time limits, purchase screens, demo restrictions

Key Functions:

  • IsGamePurchased(): Purchase state checking
  • ShowUpsellScreen(): Purchase screen display
  • CheckDemoTimeout(): Trial time management
  • UpdateGamePurchasedState(): Purchase state updates

Key Features:

  • Demo time limitation enforcement
  • Purchase completion tracking
  • Automatic timeout handling

Common DLC Infrastructure Patterns​

DLC State Management​

-- Register and enable DLC
RegisterAllDLC()
EnableDLC(REIGN_OF_GIANTS)

-- Check DLC status
if IsDLCEnabled(REIGN_OF_GIANTS) then
    print("Reign of Giants content available")
end

-- Get DLC-aware character list
local characters = GetActiveCharacterList()

String Handling with DLC Content​

-- Configure adjective placement for DLC items
SetUsesPrefix("wetfood", true)

-- Construct localized names
local item_name = ConstructAdjectivedName(inst, "meat", "wet")
-- Result: "wet meat" (prefix) or "meat wet" (suffix) based on configuration

World Generation DLC Integration​

-- Set DLC state for world generation
SetDLCEnabled({[REIGN_OF_GIANTS] = true})

-- Check DLC during world generation
if IsDLCEnabled(REIGN_OF_GIANTS) then
    -- Add DLC-specific biomes and features
    AddDesertBiome()
    AddSeasonalGiants()
end

Demo Version Management​

-- Check purchase state
if IsGamePurchased() then
    EnableFullGameContent()
else
    -- Apply demo restrictions
    RestrictGameFeatures()
    
    -- Check demo time
    CheckDemoTimeout()
end

System Dependencies​

Required Systems​

Optional Systems​

Performance Considerations​

System Performance​

  • DLC state checking optimized for frequent calls during world generation
  • Lazy loading of DLC content to minimize memory usage
  • Efficient character list caching with DLC-aware updates
  • String construction with minimal overhead for adjective placement

Resource Usage​

  • DLC metadata stored in efficient lookup tables
  • Prefab loading deferred until DLC is actually enabled
  • String configuration uses hash-based lookups for performance
  • Demo state tracking with minimal memory footprint

Scaling Characteristics​

  • System supports multiple concurrent DLC packages
  • Character list scales efficiently with DLC count
  • String handling performance independent of DLC content volume
  • World generation integration maintains constant-time DLC checks

Development Guidelines​

Best Practices​

  • Always check DLC enablement before accessing DLC-specific content
  • Use appropriate string construction functions for localized content
  • Configure DLC state early in world generation process
  • Handle demo limitations gracefully without breaking core gameplay

Common Pitfalls​

  • Accessing DLC content without checking enablement status
  • Bypassing string construction system for DLC item names
  • Not handling purchase state transitions properly
  • Assuming DLC installation equals enablement

Testing Strategies​

  • Test all DLC combinations (enabled/disabled states)
  • Verify string construction with different language configurations
  • Test world generation with various DLC parameter combinations
  • Validate demo timeout and purchase flow scenarios

DLC Integration Patterns​

With Character Systems​

DLC support integrates with character systems to:

  • Provide DLC-specific character lists for selection screens
  • Handle character availability based on DLC enablement
  • Manage character-specific assets and prefabs
  • Support character unlocking through DLC ownership

With World Generation​

DLC systems coordinate with world generation to:

  • Configure world features based on enabled DLC
  • Provide parameter-driven DLC state management
  • Enable DLC-specific biomes, creatures, and resources
  • Support multiple world generation contexts

With Asset Loading​

DLC infrastructure works with asset systems to:

  • Load DLC-specific prefabs and assets on demand
  • Handle asset conflicts between DLC packages
  • Provide fallback mechanisms for missing DLC content
  • Optimize asset loading based on DLC enablement state

With Localization​

DLC support enhances localization through:

  • Intelligent adjective placement based on language rules
  • DLC-specific string handling and formatting
  • Function-based dynamic naming for complex localization needs
  • Integration with translation system for DLC content

Troubleshooting DLC Issues​

Common DLC Problems​

IssueSymptomsSolution
DLC content not appearingMissing characters/featuresCheck DLC enablement with IsDLCEnabled()
String formatting incorrectWrong adjective placementReview USE_PREFIX configuration
World generation missing DLCBase game features onlyVerify GEN_PARAMETERS DLC configuration
Demo restrictions not workingUnlimited play timeCheck purchase state with IsGamePurchased()

Debugging DLC Systems​

  • Use IsDLCEnabled() to verify DLC state during debugging
  • Check RegisteredDLC table for DLC registration status
  • Review string construction with debug prints
  • Monitor demo timeout values and purchase state transitions

Performance Monitoring​

  • Track DLC state checking frequency during world generation
  • Monitor character list construction performance
  • Analyze string construction overhead in localization
  • Measure demo state tracking impact on gameplay

Advanced DLC Features​

Dynamic DLC Management​

  • Runtime DLC enablement and disablement
  • Hot-swapping of DLC configurations
  • Conditional DLC loading based on player preferences
  • DLC dependency resolution and conflict handling

Localization Integration​

  • Language-aware string construction algorithms
  • Cultural sensitivity in adjective placement
  • Support for right-to-left and complex script languages
  • Dynamic string formatting based on context

Purchase Flow Management​

  • Seamless transition from demo to full version
  • Purchase state persistence across sessions
  • Integration with platform-specific purchase systems
  • Graceful handling of purchase failures and timeouts

Future Development​

Extensibility Design​

  • DLC infrastructure designed for easy addition of new DLC packages
  • String system supports new adjective types and placement rules
  • World generation system accommodates complex DLC interactions
  • Purchase system adaptable to different monetization models

Integration Planning​

  • New DLC features should leverage existing infrastructure
  • Consider backward compatibility with existing DLC content
  • Plan for enhanced DLC management tools and interfaces
  • Design for cross-platform DLC synchronization
SystemRelationshipIntegration Points
Core Mod SupportFoundationShared infrastructure patterns
Character SystemsIntegrationDLC character management
World SystemsIntegrationDLC world generation
User InterfaceIntegrationDLC management screens
LocalizationIntegrationDLC string handling

Contributing to DLC Support​

Adding New DLC Features​

  • Follow established patterns for DLC registration and management
  • Maintain compatibility with existing DLC infrastructure
  • Document DLC-specific requirements and dependencies
  • Test integration with all existing DLC combinations

Modifying DLC Infrastructure​

  • Consider impact on existing DLC packages and content
  • Provide migration paths for changed DLC formats
  • Update related documentation and integration guides
  • Coordinate with localization team for string system changes

Quality Assurance​

Testing Coverage​

  • Comprehensive testing of all DLC combination states
  • Localization testing with multiple languages and scripts
  • World generation testing with various DLC parameter configurations
  • Purchase flow testing across different platforms and scenarios

Code Review Standards​

  • Security review for purchase state management and demo limitations
  • Performance review for DLC state checking and string construction
  • API design review for consistency with core systems
  • Compatibility review for cross-DLC interactions and dependencies