Getting started with your Terraria server
Getting Started With Your Terraria Server
Terraria has two main server options: vanilla TerrariaServer (built into the game) and TShock (a powerful third-party server with plugins, permissions, and anti-grief). This guide covers the vanilla boot and basic config. See the Terraria guide index for TShock and modding.
Initial Boot (Vanilla)
- Open your Terraria server in the panel and click Start.
- First boot uses the Startup tab values (or prompts for world settings).
- Once you see
Listening on port 7777, the server is ready.
How to Connect
In the Terraria client: Multiplayer, Join via IP, enter your IP and port (default 7777), then the password if set.
Configuration: serverconfig.txt
Vanilla Terraria reads serverconfig.txt at the server root, one key=value per line:
world=Worlds/MyWorld.wld autocreate=2 seed=hello worldname=My GSK Terraria World difficulty=1 maxplayers=8 port=7777 password= motd=Welcome to the server! secure=1
| Setting | Notes |
|---|---|
| world | Path to the world file (created if missing) |
| autocreate | 0 = disabled, 1 = small, 2 = medium, 3 = large |
| difficulty | 0 = Classic, 1 = Expert, 2 = Master, 3 = Journey |
| maxplayers | Up to 255, capped by your slot purchase |
| password | Blank for none |
| secure | 1 = enable connection security (recommended) |
Restart after editing.
World Management
Worlds live in Worlds/, each a single .wld file (plus a .bak Terraria writes automatically).
To upload a single-player world: find it at Documents\My Games\Terraria\Worlds\, upload the .wld to Worlds/ via SFTP, set world=Worlds/YourWorld.wld, and restart.
To wipe, delete the .wld file. The server regenerates one from autocreate and seed.
What to Read Next
- TShock Setup for the more capable server with commands and permissions
- TModLoader and Mods for modded content like Calamity and Thorium
- Maintenance for performance, backups, and troubleshooting