How to set up a Terraria server

A Terraria server is one of the simplest in the genre, which is exactly why people rush the install. The mistakes only surface when the first friend cannot connect.

Dedicated server or hosted session

Terraria lets you open a world from inside the game, but it then exists only behind the host's machine. A dedicated server keeps the world available at all times.

What you need to start

Server software, one open port and very little memory. Terraria is exceptionally light here — it only becomes demanding with a large world and mods.

The port

Terraria uses a single TCP port. If it is closed, nobody sees the server and nobody can connect directly by address either.

Creating or importing a world

The server can generate a new world or use an existing one. Importing a single-player world is the common way to start: the explored map and the base are not lost.

World size is decided immediately

Small, medium or large is chosen at creation and never changes. A large world means more adventure but also a heavier file and longer backups.

The password

A server without a password is open to anyone who knows the address. On Terraria that means a stranger can dismantle the base and empty the chests.

The player limit

By default the server accepts eight players. You can raise it, but each extra player loads more of the world: raise it in steps.

The first connection

Before inviting the group, connect yourself. If the world loads and the character appears, the install is sound.

Common mistakes

A closed port and the wrong world file. Both look the same at first: the server runs but nothing happens.

Shut down cleanly

Terraria writes the world on shutdown. Killing the process mid-write remains the leading cause of a lost world.

Note the seed

Without the seed, the same world cannot be regenerated. Keep it with the backups.

Most of what precedes is a matter of organisation rather than technique: the decisions are made before you start, the backups have to actually run, and the rules are written while nothing has gone wrong yet. Our Terraria server hosting takes on the part there is no reason to do by hand — automatic backups, tModLoader support and instant setup, along with a panel where settings, files, mods and restarts are handled without ever opening a command line.