How to install TShock for Terraria

TShock replaces the vanilla Terraria server with a far more capable one: a command system, groups, permissions, anti-cheat, plugins, and region protection. The vanilla server it replaces has its own small console command set, which works differently: no slash, typed in the Console tab of your rented Terraria server, and no permissions at all.

Step 1: Change the Terraria Server Type

1. In the Startup tab, set Server Type to tshock (the other options are vanilla and tmodloader).

2. Go to Settings and click Reinstall Server. This swaps the server files to TShock; it does not touch your worlds or data.

3. Start the server.

Your world and TShock data survive the switch

Switching is non-destructive: your world in worlds/ carries straight over from vanilla, and if you later switch away and back, your TShock accounts, permissions, and config in tshock/ are still there.

Step 2: First TShock Boot on Your Terraria Server

TShock's first boot generates tshock/config.json, tshock/sscconfig.json, and tshock/tshock.sqlite. It also prints a one-time setup code in the console:

To setup the server, join the game and type /setup 2566305
This token will display until disabled by verification. (/setup)

Nothing to type in the console; you claim admin in-game with that code (next steps). The code is also saved to tshock/setup-code.txt if it scrolls away. The yellow notices about UUID login on boot are TShock's normal defaults, not errors.

Step 3: Configure tshock/config.json

Open it in the File Manager. Highlights:

{
  "ServerNickname": "My TShock Server",
  "ServerPassword": "",
  "MaxSlots": 8,
  "PreventBannedItemSpawn": true,
  "DisableTombstones": true,
  "RestUriEnabled": true,
  "EnableWhitelist": false
}

Restart after edits.

The Startup tab wins over config.json

Two values are managed by the panel and override the config: the player cap comes from the Max Players variable and the join password from Server Password, both in the Startup tab.

Step 4: Claim Superadmin with /setup

Join the server, open chat with Enter, and run these in order:

/setup 2566305
/user add YourName YourStrongPassword owner
/login YourName YourStrongPassword
/setup

Line by line: /setup <code> (using the code from the console or tshock/setup-code.txt) grants you temporary superadmin. /user add creates your permanent account in the owner group. /login signs you in. Running /setup again closes setup mode, which also stops the "setup-code.txt is still present" notice on future boots.

Players create their own accounts with /register <password>, and you can promote staff later with /user group <name> owner.

Step 5: Common Commands

/help                          Show available commands
/group list                    List groups
/user add <user> <pass> <group> Create a user in a group
/user group <user> <group>     Set a user's group
/region                        Region protection commands
/ban add <player> <reason>     Ban a player
/give <item> <player> <count>  Give an item
/spawn                         Teleport to spawn
/save                          Save the world now
/reload                        Reload configs

What to Read Next

• TShock Plugins to extend TShock
• TModLoader and Mods if you also want modded content

Made with 💜 by GameServerKings