The compass is very useful in multiplayer.
Eh. It’s a different design methodology. Minecraft is totally impenetrable without outside information. It might be helpful to know what you’re in for before starting a game, but some people like games with systems you have to either figure out or crowdsource. That said, I never thought of Don’t Starve as that kind of game. I don’t think I’ve ever looked at a wiki for it. I’ve probably missed some of the interactions and content, but I’ve been able to survive for many dozens of days without one.