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How to install TmodLoader for Terraria

Switch your server type to tmodloader, reinstall cleanly, upload .tmod files, and manage custom world formats or massive mod packs.

Updated July 24, 2026
Terraria

For modded content (Calamity, Thorium, Stars Above, and more), use TModLoader instead of the vanilla server.

Switching to TModLoader

  1. In the Startup tab, set Server Type to tmodloader.
  2. Set World Name to a new name (see the warning below).
  3. Go to Settings and click Reinstall Server. This swaps the server files; your existing worlds and data stay in place.
  4. Start the server. A fresh TModLoader world generates on first boot.

⚠️ World formats do not mix. TModLoader worlds use their own format: a world made under TModLoader will not load on vanilla or TShock, and your vanilla or TShock world will not load under TModLoader. Give each format its own World Name, and when you switch types, switch the World Name with it. Your other worlds stay safely in worlds/ until you switch back.

ℹ️ The version number is supposed to look old. TModLoader intentionally runs on an older Terraria version than vanilla and TShock (the console banner shows both, for example Terraria Server v1.4.4.9 - tModLoader v2026.5.3.0). This is not your server being outdated: players join with the TModLoader client, which runs on that same base version automatically, so everything matches on their end.

Installing Mods

  1. Subscribe to the mods on the Steam Workshop.
  2. Copy the .tmod files from your local TModLoader Workshop folder (path varies; check the current TModLoader docs).
  3. Upload the .tmod files to tmodloader/Mods/ via SFTP.
  4. Enable them in tmodloader/Mods/enabled.json:
[
  "CalamityMod",
  "ThoriumMod",
  "StarsAbove"
]
  1. Restart.

Most overhaul mods are client-required. Players install them through their own TModLoader client and the Steam Workshop. Mismatched mod lists are the top cause of join failures, so publish your required list.

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