Don't Starve Together (DST), the popular survival game developed by Klei Entertainment, has introduced a fascinating update known as the Curse of Moon Quay. This update brings with it a host of new features, including monkey pirates that add a fresh layer of complexity and excitement to the game. In this article, we'll explore the world of monkey pirates, their role in DST, and how players can interact with them.

Introduction to Monkey Pirates

Monkey pirates are part of the Curse of Moon Quay update, which introduces a new island filled with monkeys, pirate-themed items, and challenging gameplay mechanics. The monkeys are not just passive creatures; they are actively involved in pirate raids and can be both allies and enemies depending on how you approach them.

Key Features of Monkey Pirates

  1. Powder Monkeys: These are the primary monkey pirates you'll encounter. They are known for their ability to steal items from players during pirate raids.

A group of monkey pirates attacking a player's boat

A Powder Monkey in the midst of stealing an item from a player's inventory.

  1. Prime Mate: The leader of the pirate monkeys, who can drop valuable items like the Pirate Map upon defe
  1. Queen of Moon Quay: A central figure who can remove accursed trinkets from players, transforming them back into their original form if they've become Wonkey.

Pirate Raids

Pirate raids are a significant aspect of the monkey pirate experience in DST. Here's how they work:

How Pirate Raids Occur

  • Location: Raids occur when players are on a boat within a certain distance from the Queen of Moon Quay.
  • Frequency: The frequency of raids increases based on the average survival time of players on the server.
  • Participants: Raids involve a Pirate Sloop with 2 to 5 Powder Monkeys and a Prime Mate.

What Happens During a Raid

  • Item Theft: Powder Monkeys will steal items from the player's boat and destroy any masts.
  • Combat: If attacked, the monkeys will fight back. Defeating the Prime Mate rewards players with a Pirate Map.
  • Banana Escape: If a Powder Monkey finds a banana, they will immediately leave with it.


Monkey pirates raid a player's boat during a pirate raid.

Interacting with Monkey Pirates

Players can interact with monkey pirates in several ways:

Wonkey Transformation

  • Accursed Trinkets: Killing Powder Monkeys can result in players acquiring accursed trinkets. Collecting enough trinkets transforms the player into Wonkey, a monkey-like character.
  • Wonkey's Abilities: Wonkey has unique abilities, such as increased speed and a preference for bananas as food.

Dealing with Monkey Pirates

  • Baiting with Bananas: Using bananas can distract Powder Monkeys, making them easier to manage.
  • Combat Strategies: Players can use various tactics to defeat monkey pirates, including isolating them and using followers for assistance.

Strategies for Managing Monkey Pirates

Preparation is Key

  1. Inventory Management: Keep valuable items secure to prevent theft.
  2. Defensive Measures: Use followers or defensive structures to protect against raids.
  3. Baiting with Bananas: Use bananas to distract monkeys and avoid combat.

Utilizing the Environment

  1. Nighttime Strategy: Monkeys are less active at night, making it a good time to explore or attack their homes.
  2. Pig Allies: Pigs can fight monkeys, providing a useful distraction or defense.

Conclusion and Additional Resources

The monkey pirates in DST's Curse of Moon Quay update add a rich layer of gameplay, requiring strategic thinking and interaction with the game's environment. Whether you're looking to exploit their love for bananas or defend against their raids, understanding how to manage these monkey pirates is crucial for success in the game.

For more information on DST and its updates, visit the official Klei Entertainment forums or the Don't Starve Wiki. Experimenting with different strategies and exploring the vast world of DST will help you master the art of surviving alongside these mischievous monkey pirates.

Additional Resources

Real-World Analogy: The Monkey Pirates as a Metaphor for Adaptation

The monkey pirates in DST can be seen as a metaphor for adapting to unexpected challenges. Just as players must adjust their strategies to deal with these new enemies, we often face unexpected obstacles in real life. By learning to adapt and use creative solutions, such as baiting with bananas, we can overcome these challenges and thrive in both the game and real-world scenarios.