How to Host a Terraria Server in 2026
Terraria dedicated servers are straightforward to set up, but tModLoader adds a few extra steps that trip most people up. This guide covers both vanilla and tModLoader setups including Calamity and Thorium.
Vanilla Terraria vs tModLoader — choose first
Vanilla Terraria is the base game with no mod support. tModLoader is the official mod platform (owned by Re-Logic) that lets you run Calamity, Thorium, Overhaul and most community mods. For modded multiplayer, tModLoader is almost always the right choice — it ships with a dedicated server binary separate from the base game.
RAM planning
Vanilla Terraria is lightweight — 2–4 GB is sufficient for most groups. tModLoader with content mods is heavier: 6 GB for a small group with a moderate mod list, 8 GB for Calamity + Thorium + several smaller mods running simultaneously. The server's memory grows with the number of active mods.
Install the server
Vanilla: Steam app ID 105600 dedicated server or the TerrariaServer.exe from the game files. tModLoader: Download the tModLoader server zip from the GitHub releases page, matching your tModLoader version. Extract and run TML-server.exe (Windows) or the equivalent shell script on Linux.
Configure serverconfig.txt
The main config file sets world name, port (default 7777), max players, password and world seed. Key settings: `worldname`, `maxplayers` (1–255), `password` for a private server, and `port 7777`. Place the config in the tModLoader or Terraria server directory.
Install mods (tModLoader only)
Drop mod `.tmod` files into the Mods folder of the server (~/Documents/My Games/Terraria/tModLoader/Mods on Linux). Enable them in enabled.json or the in-game mod manager. Players need the same mod list at the same version to connect — mismatched mods cause connection rejection.
Open port 7777/TCP
Terraria uses TCP 7777 by default. Open this port in your firewall/UFW. For the Steam multiplayer invite system, you don't need to port-forward — but for direct IP connections (which are more reliable for dedicated servers), TCP 7777 must be reachable.
Connect and play
In the Terraria client: Multiplayer → Join via IP → enter the server's IP address and port 7777. All players need the same tModLoader version and mod list. World generation on first boot takes 30–90 seconds — this is normal.
FAQ
Do I need tModLoader to play Calamity or Thorium?+
Can players with different OS connect to the same server?+
What Terraria port does the server use?+
How many players can a Terraria server support?+
Does tModLoader version need to match between server and client?+
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