BETA IS NOW CLOSED
Please see this post for details: http://steamcommunity.com/app/322330/discussions/0/1479856439032038653/

Ok, Here we go!

As we mentioned last week, we’re introducing dedicated Event Servers servers specially for the event. Whether you start your own game or join up in a quick match you and your team will be playing on a dedicated server running specially for the event.

We’ve been playtesting for a little while now and we’re currently putting on some finishing touches. This next week of testing is to iron out both balance and bug fixes. In particular, we need to stress test the servers all over the world to make sure they hold up.

The Forge will be open for everybody in November. If you’d like to join in the Beta, please follow the instructions below. 

You can can follow the directions here and get started immediately or keep reading below for more details. 

Access The Forge Beta

If you would like to access The Forge, follow these steps: 

• In Steam, click on Library > Games.
• Scroll down to Don't Starve Together.
• Right-click and select Properties.
• Go to the BETAS tab.
• In the dropdown, select the name of the branch you want to play. "forgebeta - The Forge Beta branch"
• In that same Properties window, go to the Local Files tab and press "Verify Integrity Of Game Files."
• Your game will be updated to The Forge Beta branch.
• Launch and play Don't Starve Together

F.A.Q.

What is The Forge?
The Forge is the first of a series of limited time events that we are creating for Don’t Starve Together. During this time players can earn event themed skins and rewards that are only dropped during the event. 

Yeah, but WHAT is The Forge?
The Forge is a limited time 6-player co-op challenge, where the goal is to try and defeat the Grand Forge Boarrior in an arena. The only way to survive will be to work together.

The Forge is played on official Klei servers that are available only during the event. There are no community hosted servers during this event. 

What else is in The Forge?
With The Forge we are introducing a lot of other things that we can also use for future events. 

• New character skins, emotes, item skins and more. In total over 200 items.
• New free on-demand dedicated event servers (Forge Only).
• Tons of new main menu UI additions and changes.
• Simple Matchmaking with friends / community groups.
• Updated drop system (Now 4 items per Chest - Forge only).
• Implemented ability to purchase item sets.
• Event “level” progression.
• And more!

What kind of feedback are you looking for?
First, we really want to know if something is broken. But we’re also looking for gameplay feedback. If you find a security vulnerability or gameplay exploit, we ask that you send it to us directly at livesupport@kleientertainment.com so that we don’t have issues with abuse. Please also include your steam id so we can investigate and follow-up on the issue properly.

If I play the regular game during the event, can I still earn skins?
You can. However, with one big difference. All common drops will now reward an event chest that contains Forge event items. Regular common items will return after the event. 

Is The Forge free?
Yes! Events are free for everyone who owns DST. Players will have the option to purchase a single character’s Warrior Skin Set for $2.99, or the entire Warrior Skin Set collection for $12.99. 

We hope that with this mechanism, we can both continue creating great free content while also supporting the development team. In addition, this method of funding allows us to provide content to all our players, instead of splitting the player community if we implemented it with a DLC paywall.

What about Forge Chests?
While we think it’s fun to get and open random drops, in terms of purchasing we felt it was better if players could buy the skins directly. We hope you feel the same!

When does the Forge end? 
The Beta will last one week, until October 30. For the full launch, The Forge will last 3 weeks from the time it launches and we expect it to launch around the second week of November, but we don’t have a solid date yet. 

Can I keep the items I gain during the Beta?
The Forge will be in a test environment and will not be using production services. You will not be able to use the items you have in the live service and you will not be able to bring the items you earn during beta to the live service. We will be providing items to players in the beta once The Forge goes live depending on how long you spent playing the beta.

What is available during the Beta?
Pretty much everything is available. The only thing not available is skin purchasing and of course any finishing touches, balance changes and bug fixes that come from testing. 

Where do I submit feedback and bug reports?
Please submit your bug reports here, and feedback here.