Create a Terraria Server: Windows and Linux Guide

A dedicated Terraria server keeps your shared world online even when the original host is not playing. You control the world, password, player limit, and server rules. If you want to use gameplay mods, you need a separate tModLoader server instead of the standard vanilla dedicated server.

You can host Terraria on a Windows PC or Linux server, but the machine and internet connection must remain available. A hosted Terraria server avoids home-router forwarding, public-IP limitations, and operating-system maintenance.

What you will learn

• how to choose between vanilla Terraria and tModLoader
• how to install a Terraria dedicated server on Windows or Linux
• how to configure serverconfig.txt and create or import a world
• how to open port 7777 in the firewall and router
• how to manage mods, commands, backups, and updates
• how to fix common connection and version errors

Create a Terraria server in eight steps

1. Choose vanilla for an unmodified game or tModLoader for mods.
2. Get the vanilla dedicated server from the Terraria installation folder or the official standalone server package.
3. Create serverconfig.txt with the world path, port, player limit, and optional password.
4. Start vanilla with TerrariaServer.exe -config serverconfig.txt on Windows or ./TerrariaServer.bin.x86_64 -config serverconfig.txt on Linux.
5. Allow at least port 7777/TCP through the firewall and forward it in your router when hosting from home.
6. Join through Multiplayer → Join via IP and enter the address and port.
7. For mods, install tModLoader instead and copy install.txt and enabled.json to the server.
8. Stop the server before backups and regularly protect the world, configuration, and tModLoader data.

Table of contents

• Requirements and hardware
• Vanilla server or tModLoader
• Install the vanilla Terraria server
• Create a Terraria server on Windows
• Create a Terraria server on Linux
• Start Terraria automatically with systemd
• Configure the Terraria server
• Create or load a Terraria world
• Configure the Terraria port and firewall
• Connect to the Terraria server
• Create a tModLoader server for mods
• Terraria server commands and administration
• Back up the Terraria server
• Update the Terraria server
• Troubleshooting
• Frequently asked questions
• Related guides
• Summary

Requirements and hardware

Terraria is relatively lightweight compared with many modern survival games. A small vanilla world can run on a modest system, while large groups and modded servers need more memory and CPU time.

The server configuration accepts up to 255 players, but this is not a realistic performance target for most home systems or small virtual servers. Eight to sixteen players is a practical range for private worlds. Active enemies, projectiles, wiring, farms, and mods all affect performance.

You will also need:

Self-hosting compared with a hosted server

For a ready-to-use setup without home-network configuration, you can rent a Terraria server from DeinServerHost.

Vanilla server or tModLoader

Vanilla and tModLoader are separate server installations. Select the correct one before downloading files.

Choose vanilla when the group wants the standard game without server-side mods. Client-side resource packs do not by themselves require tModLoader.

Choose tModLoader for gameplay mods and modpacks. The server and every player need compatible tModLoader builds, mod lists, dependencies, and mod versions.

Install the vanilla Terraria server

On Windows, the normal dedicated server is included with Terraria. Re-Logic also provides an official standalone package for Linux and separate server installations.

Create a Terraria server on Windows

1. Open the Steam library.
2. Right-click Terraria.
3. Select Manage → Browse local files.
4. Find TerrariaServer.exe in the Terraria folder.
5. Create serverconfig.txt in the same directory.
6. Open PowerShell in that folder and launch the server with the configuration file.

.\TerrariaServer.exe -config .\serverconfig.txt

The -config parameter selects the configuration file. Use a full path when the file is stored elsewhere:

.\TerrariaServer.exe -config "C:\Terraria-Server\serverconfig.txt"

You can alternatively download the official dedicated-server package from the Terraria website and extract it to a separate folder. This keeps the game client and server installation independent.

@echo off
TerrariaServer.exe -config serverconfig.txt
pause

Create a Terraria server on Linux

Download the current official Terraria dedicated-server package and copy its Linux files to a directory such as /opt/terraria. Run the service through a dedicated account rather than root whenever possible.

Example layout:

/opt/terraria/
├── TerrariaServer.bin.x86_64
├── serverconfig.txt
└── worlds/

Assign ownership and make the binary executable:

sudo chown -R terraria:terraria /opt/terraria
sudo -u terraria chmod +x /opt/terraria/TerrariaServer.bin.x86_64

Start the server with the configuration file:

cd /opt/terraria
sudo -u terraria ./TerrariaServer.bin.x86_64 -config /opt/terraria/serverconfig.txt

If the file does not launch, check the architecture and permissions first:

file /opt/terraria/TerrariaServer.bin.x86_64
ls -l /opt/terraria/TerrariaServer.bin.x86_64

Start Terraria automatically with systemd

Create /etc/systemd/system/terraria.service:

[Unit]
Description=Terraria Dedicated Server
After=network-online.target
Wants=network-online.target

[Service]
Type=simple
User=terraria
Group=terraria
WorkingDirectory=/opt/terraria
ExecStart=/opt/terraria/TerrariaServer.bin.x86_64 -config /opt/terraria/serverconfig.txt
Restart=on-failure
RestartSec=5
KillSignal=SIGINT
TimeoutStopSec=60

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

Reload systemd and enable the service:

sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable --now terraria.service

Check its state and live log:

sudo systemctl status terraria.service
sudo journalctl -u terraria.service -f

For similar self-hosted survival-game setups, see How to create a Valheim server and How to create a Project Zomboid server.

Configure the Terraria server

serverconfig.txt stores the main server options and is loaded with -config serverconfig.txt. Lines beginning with # are comments and are ignored.

Important serverconfig.txt options

Difficulty values used when creating a world:

Linux serverconfig.txt example

# World file and directory
world=/opt/terraria/worlds/friends-world.wld
worldpath=/opt/terraria/worlds
autocreate=2
worldname=FriendsWorld
difficulty=0

# Network and players
port=7777
maxplayers=8
password=ChangeThisPassword

# Messages and protection
motd=Welcome to our Terraria server!
secure=1
language=en-US
banlist=/opt/terraria/banlist.txt
upnp=0

Use Windows paths when hosting on Windows:

world=C:\Terraria-Server\Worlds\FriendsWorld.wld
worldpath=C:\Terraria-Server\Worlds

Create or load a Terraria world

The server can generate a new world during its first launch or load an existing .wld file.

Automatically create a new world

Set a target path, world size, and name:

world=/opt/terraria/worlds/new-world.wld
autocreate=2
worldname=NewWorld
difficulty=0

World size values:

At startup, Terraria checks the file set under world=. If no file exists and autocreate is enabled, it generates a new world.

Import an existing world

1. Fully stop the game or old server.
2. Locate the required .wld file.
3. Copy it to the new server's world directory.
4. Set world= to the file's full path.
5. Give the server account read and write permission.
6. Start the server and confirm the world name in the console.

Common local world locations:

A world may also have .wld.bak or other .bak backup files. tModLoader commonly stores mod-specific world data in a matching .twld file. Always transfer the .wld and .twld pair together for a modded world.

Configure the Terraria port and firewall

The default Terraria server port is 7777. Standard direct connections use TCP.

Allow the port in Windows Firewall

Open PowerShell as Administrator:

New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Terraria Server TCP 7777" -Direction Inbound -Protocol TCP -LocalPort 7777 -Action Allow

Optional UDP rule:

New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Terraria Server UDP 7777" -Direction Inbound -Protocol UDP -LocalPort 7777 -Action Allow

Allow the port with UFW on Linux

sudo ufw allow 7777/tcp
sudo ufw status

Optional UDP rule:

sudo ufw allow 7777/udp

Forward the port in a home router

Create a forwarding rule to the local IP address of the Terraria host:

Reserve the server's local address through DHCP so it does not change later.

If the public address fails only from inside the same network, try the local address. Some routers do not support NAT loopback.

Connect to the Terraria server

1. Launch the same Terraria version used by the server.
2. Open Multiplayer.
3. Select a character.
4. Choose Join via IP.
5. Enter the server address.
6. Confirm port 7777 unless it was changed.
7. Enter the server password when required.

Create a tModLoader server for mods

Terraria gameplay mods require tModLoader, which is installed separately from vanilla Terraria. You can install the server through SteamCMD app ID 1281930 or use the official tModLoader management script.

Install tModLoader with SteamCMD

Install SteamCMD using Valve's official instructions. Create an installation directory and download tModLoader with a Steam account:

mkdir -p /opt/tmodloader/server
steamcmd +force_install_dir /opt/tmodloader/server +login YOUR_STEAM_USERNAME +app_update 1281930 validate +quit

Steam may request Steam Guard or two-factor verification during the first sign-in. Make the launch script executable and start the server:

cd /opt/tmodloader/server
chmod +x start-tModLoaderServer.sh
./start-tModLoaderServer.sh -config /opt/tmodloader/serverconfig.txt

On Windows, use the batch file:

start-tModLoaderServer.bat -config C:\tModLoader-Server\serverconfig.txt

Install with manage-tModLoaderServer.sh

The official management script can install tModLoader, Workshop mods, and updates. Place manage-tModLoaderServer.sh in the main server directory and prepare the expected folder structure.

chmod +x manage-tModLoaderServer.sh
./manage-tModLoaderServer.sh install-tml --username YOUR_STEAM_USERNAME

After adding the mod lists, install the mods:

./manage-tModLoaderServer.sh install-mods

Start the server with:

./manage-tModLoaderServer.sh start

When using a custom location, repeat the same --folder argument in later commands.

Install mods on the tModLoader server

The easiest method is to export a mod pack from a tModLoader client:

1. Open Workshop → Mod Packs in tModLoader.
2. Enable the required mods.
3. Select Save Enabled as New Mod Pack.
4. Select Open Mod Pack Folder.
5. Copy install.txt and enabled.json to the server's Mods directory.
6. Run ./manage-tModLoaderServer.sh install-mods or use the equivalent installation function in your server manager.
7. Restart the server and check the log for missing dependencies.

Example layout:

/opt/tmodloader/
├── manage-tModLoaderServer.sh
├── serverconfig.txt
├── Mods/
│   ├── install.txt
│   └── enabled.json
├── Worlds/
│   ├── modded-world.wld
│   └── modded-world.twld
└── server/
    └── start-tModLoaderServer.sh

Terraria server commands and administration

Enter commands directly in the running server console. No leading slash is required there.

Setting secure=1 adds protection against certain cheats, but it does not replace current software, secure file permissions, or proper network administration.

Back up the Terraria server

The world is the most important server data. Stop the server before copying files, or run save followed by exit, so the backup does not capture a file while it is being written.

Files to include

Linux backup example

sudo systemctl stop terraria.service
sudo tar -czf /srv/backups/terraria-$(date +%F-%H%M).tar.gz \
  /opt/terraria/worlds \
  /opt/terraria/serverconfig.txt \
  /opt/terraria/banlist.txt
sudo systemctl start terraria.service

Adjust paths and the service name to match your installation.

Windows backup example

$Date = Get-Date -Format "yyyy-MM-dd-HHmm"
New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force "D:\Terraria-Backups\$Date" | Out-Null
Copy-Item "C:\Terraria-Server\Worlds" "D:\Terraria-Backups\$Date\Worlds" -Recurse
Copy-Item "C:\Terraria-Server\serverconfig.txt" "D:\Terraria-Backups\$Date\serverconfig.txt"

Update the Terraria server

Update vanilla Terraria

1. Create a complete backup.
2. Shut down the server cleanly.
3. Update Terraria through Steam or download the current official dedicated-server package.
4. Replace program files without overwriting the world, serverconfig.txt, or ban list.
5. Start the server and confirm the version printed in the console.
6. Join with a client running the same Terraria version.

Update tModLoader and mods

With the management script, update tModLoader and the mods listed in install.txt:

./manage-tModLoaderServer.sh install

Update mods only:

./manage-tModLoaderServer.sh install-mods

Update tModLoader only:

./manage-tModLoaderServer.sh install-tml

For a direct SteamCMD installation, run the app update again:

steamcmd +force_install_dir /opt/tmodloader/server +login YOUR_STEAM_USERNAME +app_update 1281930 validate +quit

Before the first post-update launch, verify that all mods support the installed tModLoader build. For a major migration, archive the entire old server directory as well as the normal world backup.

Troubleshooting

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM does a Terraria server need?

A small vanilla Terraria server usually needs about 1 to 2 GB of RAM. Plan for 2 to 4 GB or more for larger groups, big worlds, and tModLoader, then monitor actual use.

Which port does a Terraria server use?

A Terraria server uses port 7777/TCP by default. Allow the port in the firewall and forward it to the local server address when hosting from home.

What is the difference between the normal server and tModLoader?

The normal dedicated server runs unmodified Terraria, while tModLoader provides server-side mods and modpacks. tModLoader servers and players need compatible builds and matching mods.

How do I install mods on a Terraria server?

Install mods on a tModLoader server through Steam Workshop and the mod-pack files install.txt and enabled.json. Copy them into the server's Mods directory, install the Workshop items, and restart the server.

How many players can a Terraria server support?

The server configuration supports a maximum of 255 players. Eight to sixteen players is much more practical for a typical private server because world activity, networking, and mods affect performance.

Where are Terraria world files stored?

Terraria worlds are .wld files stored in the configured world or worldpath location. Local defaults are commonly %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Terraria\Worlds\ on Windows and ~/.local/share/Terraria/Worlds/ on Linux.

How do I create a new world on the server?

Set autocreate=1, 2, or 3, add worldname=, and define the target file under world=. Terraria creates the world during startup when no file exists at that path.

Related guides

More dedicated-server setup guides:

• Create a Valheim server
• Create a Palworld server
• Create a Project Zomboid server
• Create a Rust server

Planned Terraria topics include a complete serverconfig.txt reference, tModLoader administration, mod installation, world transfers, backups, console commands, and performance tuning.

Summary

For a normal Terraria server, run TerrariaServer.exe on Windows or TerrariaServer.bin.x86_64 on Linux. Store settings in serverconfig.txt, use port 7777/TCP, and select a world with world= or generate one through autocreate. Mods require a separate tModLoader installation with compatible versions on the server and every client.

Back up the world and configuration before every update, and stop the server before manually copying world files. To avoid router setup, public-IP restrictions, and operating-system maintenance, you can use a hosted Terraria server.