Skip to content

Maintaining your Terraria server

Back up worlds and TShock data, troubleshoot missing worlds, pin specific software versions like v6.1.0, or track latest updates safely.

Updated July 24, 2026
Terraria

Backups

Worlds are small (a few MB even when large). Daily snapshots via the Backups tab are cheap and effective. Always back up before plugin or mod changes.

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).
  • 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.
  • 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 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. After changing it, click Reinstall Server to apply. Worlds and data are untouched by reinstalls.

Made with 💜 by GameServerKings