Terraria is one of the best-selling games of all time, and with the latest updates it is still hugely popular. A dedicated server lets you play with friends without the host needing to be online. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Hardware requirements
Terraria servers are lightweight compared to most games:
| Players | RAM | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-8 | 512 MB - 1 GB | Minimal configuration |
| 8-16 | 1-2 GB | Sufficient for most servers |
| 16+ | 2-4 GB | Large servers with mods |
Terraria primarily uses a single CPU thread. A high clock speed matters more than many cores.
Installing the server
- Download the Terraria dedicated server from the official website or via SteamCMD.
- Extract the archive to a folder on your server.
- Start the server:
./TerrariaServer.bin.x86_64(Linux) orTerrariaServer.exe(Windows). - Select or create a world.
- Set a password (optional but recommended).
serverconfig.txt
Use a configuration file for automatic startup:
world=/path/to/world.wld autocreate=3 worldname=MyWorld difficulty=1 maxplayers=16 port=7777 password=secret secure=1 language=en npcstream=60
Start with the config: ./TerrariaServer -config serverconfig.txt
World settings
- autocreate: 1=small, 2=medium, 3=large.
- difficulty: 0=normal, 1=expert, 2=master, 3=journey.
- seed: use a specific seed for reproducible worlds, or leave empty for random.
tModLoader: installing mods
tModLoader is the standard mod loader for Terraria. It is available as a free DLC on Steam:
- Install tModLoader via Steam or manually on your server.
- Mods are managed through the in-game Mod Browser.
- On a server: place .tmod files in the mods folder and restart.
Popular mods: Calamity (new bosses and items), Thorium (extra content), Magic Storage (storage upgrade).
Firewall and ports
The default port is 7777 (TCP). Open it in your firewall:
ufw allow 7777/tcp
Can I run a Terraria server on a VPS?
Yes, and it is actually the ideal solution. Terraria servers use very few resources. A small VPS plan with 1-2 GB RAM is more than enough for most groups.
Does cross-play between PC and console work?
No, Terraria does not have cross-play between PC and consoles. A dedicated server is only for PC players (Steam). Console players have to use the built-in multiplayer system.
How do I back up my Terraria world?
Copy the .wld file in the Worlds folder. Do this regularly, especially for large worlds with a lot of work invested. Automate it with a cron job for daily backups.
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