---
title: "Maintaining your Terraria server"
description: "Back up worlds and TShock data, troubleshoot missing worlds, pin specific software versions like v6.1.0, or track latest updates safely."
url: "https://www.gameserverkings.com/knowledge-base/terraria/maintaining-your-server/"
category: "Terraria"
category_url: "https://www.gameserverkings.com/knowledge-base/terraria/"
published: "2026-07-24T02:38:34.456Z"
updated: "2026-08-07T21:07:36.577Z"
source_format: "markdown"
site: "GameServerKings"
---

# Maintaining your Terraria server

## Backups

Worlds are small (a few MB even when large). Daily snapshots via the **Backups** tab are cheap and effective.

> [!IMPORTANT] Mod and plugin changes are the risky ones
> Always back up before plugin or mod changes. See [the backup and restore walkthrough](/knowledge-base/general/how-to-create-a-backup/).

## Common Issues

- **Cannot connect**: Confirm players are using the exact IP and port from the **Address** at the top left of your panel ([the assigned port is often not 7777](/knowledge-base/terraria/getting-started-with-your-server/)). The `port` [console command](/knowledge-base/terraria/terraria-server-commands/) prints the value the server actually bound to.
- **Changed Server Type but the same server boots (or it errors)**: Changing the type only takes effect after a **Reinstall Server** from the Settings tab. Reinstall, then start.
- **World seems missing after switching to TModLoader**: Expected. TModLoader worlds use their own format, so it generated a fresh world. Your vanilla or TShock world is still in `worlds/` and loads again when you switch back. See [TModLoader and Mods](/knowledge-base/terraria/how-to-install-tmodloader/).
- **Lost the TShock setup code**: It is saved in `tshock/setup-code.txt`. If setup was already completed and you have lost owner access, stop the server, delete `tshock/tshock.sqlite` (this wipes all TShock accounts), and start again for a fresh setup code.
- **Mods will not load in TModLoader**: Check `enabled.json` syntax; it is a JSON array and trailing commas break it.
- **World corrupted**: Restore the `.wld` from a backup. Terraria writes a `.bak` next to the world that you can rename if no other backup exists.

## Updating and Version Pinning

The **Server Version** variable in the Startup tab of your [managed Terraria server](/games/terraria-server-hosting/) controls which build installs. `latest` tracks the newest release of whichever Server Type you run. To pin a version (for example, to hold back until your plugins or mods catch up after a Terraria update), set it explicitly: a terraria.org build number like `1456` for vanilla, or a release tag like `v6.1.0` for TShock or `v2026.05.3.0` for TModLoader.

> [!IMPORTANT] A version change only lands on Reinstall
> After changing it, click **Reinstall Server** to apply. Worlds and data are untouched by reinstalls.

## What to Read Next

- [TShock Setup](/knowledge-base/terraria/tshock/) for the /setup superadmin flow
- [TModLoader and Mods](/knowledge-base/terraria/how-to-install-tmodloader/) for the mod enable file

---

Made with 💜 by GameServerKings