How to Host a Dedicated Terraria Server in 2026

Learning how to host a dedicated Terraria server lets you create a private, persistent multiplayer world for you and your friends. Unlike Terraria’s Host & Play mode, a dedicated server can continue running without the host actively playing the game.

You can host a Terraria server on your Windows PC, a Linux machine, a VPS, or a dedicated game server. You control the world, difficulty, maximum players, server password, port, backups, and other settings.

TL;DR

For a standard vanilla server, the basic process is simple:

1. Download or locate the Terraria dedicated server software.
2. Create or upload a Terraria world.
3. Configure serverconfig.txt.
4. Open Terraria’s default TCP port 7777.
5. Start the dedicated server.
6. Keep it running with tmux or a system service if required.
7. Share your public IP address and port with your friends.

This guide explains how to set up a Terraria dedicated server on Linux and Windows, configure networking, keep the server online, move an existing world, create backups, install mods, and troubleshoot common connection problems.

What Is a Terraria Dedicated Server?

A Terraria dedicated server is a standalone server process that hosts a Terraria multiplayer world without requiring the host player to stay connected.

The server manages the world and accepts connections from Terraria clients over the network. Players can leave and rejoin while the server remains online.

The default Terraria dedicated server uses TCP port 7777. You can change the port through the server configuration if needed.

A dedicated server is useful when you want:

• A Terraria world that stays available for your group.
• Better uptime than Host & Play.
• Centralized world files and backups.
• Control over player limits and passwords.
• A server hosted on a separate PC or VPS.
• Easier server administration.
• Support for tModLoader-based modded environments.
• A multiplayer world that does not depend on one player remaining online.

For small groups, you can host the server from your own computer. For 24/7 availability, a VPS or managed Terraria hosting service is usually more practical.

Terraria Dedicated Server Requirements

Terraria’s vanilla dedicated server is relatively lightweight. However, resource usage increases with world size, the number of connected players, activity, and mods.

A practical starting point is:

The Terraria server itself does not need a dedicated graphics card.

For a home-hosted server, your internet connection is equally important. Stable upload bandwidth and low latency will have a direct effect on players connecting from outside your network.

If you expect several players or want the server online around the clock, consider using a VPS or dedicated game-server provider.

What Port Does a Terraria Server Use?

Terraria dedicated servers use TCP port 7777 by default.

Your network setup depends on where the server is running.

If you host Terraria at home: You may need to forward TCP port 7777 from your router to the local IP address of the computer running the server.

If you use a VPS or cloud server: You normally do not need router port forwarding. Instead, allow TCP port 7777 through the operating-system firewall and any cloud firewall provided by your hosting company.

For example, a typical connection looks like:

Public IP: 203.0.113.50
Terraria Port: 7777

Your friends then select:

Multiplayer > Join via IP

and enter the server IP address and port.

How to Host a Terraria Dedicated Server on Linux

Linux is a good choice for running a Terraria server on a VPS or separate home server. The following steps work with current Debian and Ubuntu-based systems.

This tutorial uses the Terraria 1.4.5.8 dedicated-server release. Check the current Terraria release before installing the server because the download version changes when Terraria is updated.

Step 1: Prepare the Linux Server

Connect to your Ubuntu or Debian server using SSH.

Update the installed packages:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

For better security, avoid running the Terraria process permanently as root.

Create a dedicated user:

sudo adduser --disabled-password --gecos "" terraria

Create a directory for the Terraria server:

sudo mkdir -p /opt/terraria
sudo chown terraria:terraria /opt/terraria

Using a dedicated account limits the files the Terraria process can access.

Step 2: Install the Required Packages

Install wget, unzip, and tmux:

sudo apt install wget unzip tmux -y

You do not need to install Mono for the standard x86_64 Linux dedicated-server package. Terraria provides a native Linux server binary.

Step 3: Download the Terraria Dedicated Server

Move into the Terraria directory:

cd /opt/terraria

Download Terraria Server 1.4.5.8:

sudo -u terraria wget https://terraria.org/api/download/pc-dedicated-server/terraria-server-1458.zip

When a newer Terraria version becomes available, use the dedicated-server package that matches the current game version.

Step 4: Extract the Terraria Server

Extract the downloaded archive:

sudo -u terraria unzip terraria-server-1458.zip

Move into the Linux server directory:

cd /opt/terraria/1458/Linux

Make the server binaries executable:

sudo chmod +x TerrariaServer.bin.x86*

Set the correct ownership:

sudo chown -R terraria:terraria /opt/terraria

The main 64-bit server binary is:

TerrariaServer.bin.x86_64

Step 5: Create the Terraria World Directory

Create a location for Terraria worlds:

sudo -u terraria mkdir -p /home/terraria/.local/share/Terraria/Worlds

Keeping your worlds outside the version-specific server directory makes future server upgrades easier.

The default Linux Terraria world location is:

/home/terraria/.local/share/Terraria/Worlds/

Step 6: Create serverconfig.txt

You can start Terraria interactively and answer the configuration questions each time. However, a dedicated server is easier to manage with a persistent serverconfig.txt file.

Create it:

sudo nano /opt/terraria/1458/Linux/serverconfig.txt

Add the following configuration:

world=/home/terraria/.local/share/Terraria/Worlds/myworld.wld
autocreate=2
worldname=myworld
difficulty=0
maxplayers=8
port=7777
password=ChangeThisPassword
motd=Welcome to our Terraria server!
secure=1
upnp=0

Save and close the file.

Then assign it to the Terraria user:

sudo chown terraria:terraria /opt/terraria/1458/Linux/serverconfig.txt

Here is what the most important options control:

Replace ChangeThisPassword with a strong password if the server will be accessible from the internet.

Step 7: Start the Terraria Server

Move into the server directory:

cd /opt/terraria/1458/Linux

Start Terraria using your configuration file:

sudo -u terraria -H ./TerrariaServer.bin.x86_64 -config serverconfig.txt

If myworld.wld does not exist, Terraria will create it based on the autocreate, worldname, and difficulty settings.

When the server is ready, you should see that it is listening for player connections.

You can enter:

help

to display available server commands.

Useful commands include:

playing
save
kick PLAYERNAME
exit
exit-nosave

Use:

save

before important maintenance.

Use:

exit

when you want to save the world and shut down the server.

Avoid exit-nosave unless you intentionally want to discard changes since the last save.

Step 8: Open Terraria Port 7777

If UFW is installed, first allow SSH so you do not lock yourself out of a remote VPS:

sudo ufw allow OpenSSH

Then allow Terraria’s TCP port:

sudo ufw allow 7777/tcp

Enable UFW:

sudo ufw enable

Check the firewall:

sudo ufw status

You should see port 7777/tcp listed as allowed.

If your VPS provider has a separate network firewall or security group, allow TCP port 7777 there as well.

Step 9: Verify Terraria Is Listening on Port 7777

You can check whether the server is listening with:

sudo ss -ltnp | grep 7777

A listening entry for port 7777 indicates that the server process is accepting TCP connections.

Step 10: Keep Terraria Running After Closing SSH

If you start Terraria directly in an SSH terminal, the process may stop when the terminal session ends.

You can prevent this with tmux.

Start a tmux session:

tmux new -s terraria

Move into your Terraria directory:

cd /opt/terraria/1458/Linux

Start the server:

sudo -u terraria -H ./TerrariaServer.bin.x86_64 -config serverconfig.txt

Detach from tmux by pressing:

Ctrl+B

followed by:

D

The Terraria server will continue running.

List existing sessions with:

tmux list-sessions

Reconnect later with:

tmux attach -t terraria

You can then use the Terraria console to run save, playing, kick, exit, and other administrative commands.

How to Start Terraria Automatically with systemd

For a long-running VPS, you may also want Terraria to start automatically after a reboot.

Create a systemd service:

sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/terraria.service

Add:

[Unit]
Description=Terraria Dedicated Server
After=network-online.target
Wants=network-online.target

[Service]
Type=simple
User=terraria
Group=terraria
WorkingDirectory=/opt/terraria/1458/Linux
ExecStart=/opt/terraria/1458/Linux/TerrariaServer.bin.x86_64 -config /opt/terraria/1458/Linux/serverconfig.txt
Restart=on-failure
RestartSec=10

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

Reload systemd:

sudo systemctl daemon-reload

Enable Terraria at boot:

sudo systemctl enable terraria

Start the service:

sudo systemctl start terraria

Check its status:

sudo systemctl status terraria

View server output with:

sudo journalctl -u terraria -f

For important maintenance, make a manual world backup first. When you have direct access to the Terraria console, using save followed by exit remains the safest way to perform an intentional shutdown.

How to Use an Existing Terraria World

You do not have to create a new world. You can move an existing .wld file to your dedicated server.

On Linux, place the world file in:

/home/terraria/.local/share/Terraria/Worlds/

For example:

sudo cp /path/to/myworld.wld /home/terraria/.local/share/Terraria/Worlds/

Set the correct owner:

sudo chown terraria:terraria /home/terraria/.local/share/Terraria/Worlds/myworld.wld

Then update serverconfig.txt:

world=/home/terraria/.local/share/Terraria/Worlds/myworld.wld

Start the server again.

This lets you move an existing single-player or previously hosted world to the dedicated server.

Always create a backup of the original .wld file before migrating or upgrading it.

How to Host a Terraria Dedicated Server on Windows

Windows installations of Terraria normally include the dedicated-server executable.

For Steam installations, you can usually find it inside:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Terraria

The dedicated-server program is:

TerrariaServer.exe

Step 1: Locate TerrariaServer.exe

Open Steam and locate Terraria.

Open its installation directory and find:

TerrariaServer.exe

You can also use the standalone dedicated-server package if you do not want to use the files from your Terraria installation.

Step 2: Start TerrariaServer.exe

Double-click:

TerrariaServer.exe

The first launch provides an interactive setup interface.

You can:

• Select an existing Terraria world.
• Create a new world.
• Choose the maximum number of players.
• Select port 7777.
• Configure automatic port forwarding.
• Set a server password.

Once configured, the server starts listening for connections.

Step 3: Create serverconfig.txt on Windows

For a permanent server, create a file named:

serverconfig.txt

inside the Terraria server directory.

Example:

world=C:\Users\YourUser\Documents\My Games\Terraria\Worlds\myworld.wld
autocreate=2
worldname=myworld
difficulty=0
maxplayers=8
port=7777
password=ChangeThisPassword
motd=Welcome to our Terraria server!
secure=1

You can then start Terraria from Command Prompt:

TerrariaServer.exe -config serverconfig.txt

This automatically applies your server settings each time Terraria starts.

Step 4: Allow Terraria Through Windows Firewall

Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.

Allow TerrariaServer.exe through the firewall or create an inbound rule for:

TCP 7777

Do not disable Windows Firewall completely.

Step 5: Forward Port 7777

If your Windows PC is connected to a home router and friends will join over the internet, forward TCP port 7777 to your computer’s private IPv4 address.

For example:

Protocol: TCP
External Port: 7777
Internal Port: 7777
Destination IP: 192.168.1.50

The router interface is different for every manufacturer.

It is also helpful to reserve a static local IP for the Terraria computer. Otherwise, your router may assign it a different address later and break the forwarding rule.

How to Port Forward a Terraria Server

Port forwarding is normally required when you host Terraria from a computer behind a home router.

First, find your server’s local IP.

On Windows:

ipconfig

Look for an IPv4 address similar to:

192.168.1.50

On Linux:

ip addr

Then sign in to your router and locate the Port Forwarding, NAT, or Virtual Server section.

Create a rule that sends:

TCP 7777

to:

Server local IP: 192.168.1.50
Internal port: 7777

Save the rule and restart the router only if your router requires it.

Your friends should connect using your public IP address, not your 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x local address.

If port forwarding does not work even when your settings are correct, your ISP may place your connection behind carrier-grade NAT. In that situation, ask the ISP about receiving a public IP address or consider using a VPS.

VPS Firewall vs. Home Router Port Forwarding

These two settings are commonly confused.

A cloud VPS normally has a public IP already. This means you do not configure your home router.

Instead, allow TCP 7777 in the VPS firewall and the provider’s network firewall if it has one.

How Do Friends Join a Terraria Dedicated Server?

After your server is running:

1. Launch Terraria.
2. Select Multiplayer.
3. Select Join via IP.
4. Choose your character.
5. Enter the Terraria server’s IP address.
6. Enter port 7777, unless you changed it.
7. Enter the server password if configured.
8. Join the world.

Players on the same LAN can normally connect using your server’s local IP address.

Players connecting over the internet should use the public IP address assigned to your router or VPS.

How to Back Up a Terraria Dedicated Server

Your .wld file contains the Terraria world and is the most important server file to protect.

Before creating an important backup, enter the Terraria console and run:

save

For maintenance where the server can be stopped, use:

exit

Then create a backup.

On Linux:

sudo mkdir -p /var/backups/terraria

Create a timestamped archive:

sudo tar -czf /var/backups/terraria/terraria-$(date +%F-%H%M).tar.gz /home/terraria/.local/share/Terraria/Worlds /opt/terraria/1458/Linux/serverconfig.txt

Your backup should include at least:

Worlds/
serverconfig.txt
banlist.txt

For a modded server, also back up your tModLoader world and mod configuration files.

Keep at least one backup outside the Terraria server itself. A backup stored only on the same VPS will not protect you if the server’s disk is lost.

How to Update a Terraria Dedicated Server

The Terraria client and dedicated server should use compatible versions.

When Terraria receives an update, follow this process:

Save world
↓
Stop server
↓
Back up world and configuration
↓
Download the current dedicated-server package
↓
Extract it into a new version directory
↓
Start the updated server with the existing world
↓
Test player connections

Do not delete your old server files or backup immediately.

On Linux, keeping world files outside the version directory makes updates easier because you can replace the server binaries without moving the world.

For example, a future update might use:

/opt/terraria/NEW_VERSION/Linux/

while your world remains in:

/home/terraria/.local/share/Terraria/Worlds/

Update the systemd WorkingDirectory and ExecStart paths if the extracted Terraria version directory changes.

Always confirm that your world loads correctly before deleting the previous server release.

How to Host a Modded Terraria Server

If you want gameplay mods, use tModLoader.

tModLoader is Terraria’s primary modding platform and supports dedicated servers with installed mods.

A modded server normally requires:

• tModLoader dedicated-server files.
• Matching mods on the server.
• Compatible mods on connecting players where required.
• A tModLoader server configuration.
• Additional RAM for larger mod packs.
• Backups of both Terraria and mod-specific world data.

Do not confuse tModLoader with TShock.

tModLoader is used for gameplay and content mods.

TShock focuses on server administration features such as commands, permissions, accounts, protection, and server-side plugins.

Terraria Overhaul, Calamity, Thorium, and similar gameplay modifications belong to the tModLoader ecosystem rather than acting as dedicated-server software themselves.

If you want a heavily modded Terraria server, allocate more memory than you would for vanilla Terraria.

Terraria Dedicated Server vs. Host & Play

Terraria provides both Host & Play and dedicated-server multiplayer.

Use Host & Play when you only want a quick multiplayer session.

Use a dedicated Terraria server when you want a persistent world, remote hosting, 24/7 availability, or more administrative control.

Managed Terraria Hosting vs. Self-Hosting

You do not have to manage the server yourself.

There are three common ways to host Terraria:

Self-hosting provides the most control, but you are responsible for security, networking, updates, backups, and uptime.

A managed Terraria host handles more of the infrastructure for you.

Option 1: Apex Hosting for Terraria

Apex Hosting provides managed Terraria game servers for users who do not want to configure their own Windows or Linux machine.

Key features include:

• Terraria servers that can be deployed quickly.
• Automatic backups and updates.
• DDoS protection.
• 24/7 live chat and ticket support.
• Full FTP file access.
• Multiple RAM options.
• Mod support.
• Server management through a hosting control panel.

This option can be useful if you want to focus on playing Terraria instead of managing Linux packages, firewall settings, operating-system updates, and server processes.

Check Out Apex Hosting for Terraria

Option 2: Kamatera Cloud Server for Terraria

Kamatera provides cloud servers that you can configure as a Terraria VPS.

Unlike managed Terraria hosting, you install and manage the Terraria dedicated server yourself.

Useful features include:

• Configurable CPU and RAM.
• NVMe SSD storage options.
• Linux and Windows server choices.
• Root or administrative access.
• Monthly and hourly server configurations.
• Ability to scale server resources.
• Multiple data center locations.
• Optional backup and managed-service features.

Kamatera is better suited to users who want full server control and are comfortable managing a VPS.

You can use the Linux installation instructions in this guide after deploying an Ubuntu server.

Try Kamatera

Common Terraria Dedicated Server Problems

Terraria Server Is Not Starting

First, check the server configuration for incorrect paths or syntax.

On Linux, confirm that the binary is executable:

chmod +x TerrariaServer.bin.x86_64

Also confirm that the world directory exists and the Terraria user can write to it.

Check the server manually:

cd /opt/terraria/1458/Linux
sudo -u terraria -H ./TerrariaServer.bin.x86_64 -config serverconfig.txt

Running it interactively often displays the exact error.

Friends Cannot Connect to the Terraria Server

Check these items:

Terraria server process is running
TCP port 7777 is listening
Local firewall allows 7777/tcp
Cloud firewall allows TCP 7777
Router forwarding points to the correct PC
Players are using the correct public IP
Players are using the correct port
Client and server versions are compatible

On Linux, verify the listening port:

sudo ss -ltnp | grep 7777

Connection Times Out

A timeout usually points to a networking problem.

Check your router’s port-forwarding rule, operating-system firewall, VPS firewall, public IP address, and ISP network.

Also confirm that the server is actually listening on TCP 7777.

Terraria Server Stops After Closing SSH

This happens when the server is attached to your terminal session.

Run Terraria inside tmux or configure an appropriate system service for persistent hosting.

Permission Denied on Linux

Run:

sudo chmod +x TerrariaServer.bin.x86_64

Also check file ownership:

sudo chown -R terraria:terraria /opt/terraria

Terraria Client and Server Versions Do Not Match

Update the dedicated server to a version compatible with the Terraria client.

Do not keep running an old dedicated-server binary after updating your Terraria clients.

Existing World Does Not Appear

Confirm that the .wld file is in the correct directory:

/home/terraria/.local/share/Terraria/Worlds/

Then specify the complete file path in serverconfig.txt:

world=/home/terraria/.local/share/Terraria/Worlds/myworld.wld

Check permissions if Terraria still cannot read the file.

How to Secure a Terraria Dedicated Server

A public Terraria server is an internet-facing service, so use a few basic security practices.

Run Terraria under a dedicated non-root account on Linux. Use a server password for private worlds. Expose only the ports you need. Keep your operating system and Terraria server software updated.

If you use SSH to administer a VPS, use SSH keys where possible and restrict SSH access appropriately.

You should also create regular backups. Keep at least one backup somewhere other than the Terraria server itself.

For private friend groups, avoid publishing your IP address or password publicly.

Final Thoughts

Hosting a dedicated Terraria server gives you more control than a normal Host & Play session. You can choose the world, difficulty, player limit, password, port, server hardware, backup schedule, and hosting location. Your friends can also access the world without depending on one player to remain inside Terraria.

For a small private group, running the server on an existing Windows or Linux computer can work well. You only need the dedicated-server software, a compatible world, TCP port 7777, and correct network access.

A Linux VPS is a better fit when you want the Terraria server available around the clock. Running the server under a separate user, storing worlds outside the application directory, using serverconfig.txt, and creating regular backups also makes long-term administration much easier.

If you prefer not to manage Linux, firewalls, updates, and server processes yourself, managed game hosting such as Apex Hosting is the simpler route. A configurable cloud platform such as Kamatera provides more control for users who want to manage their own VPS.

Whichever method you choose, back up your world before major updates and keep the Terraria client and server versions compatible. With those basics in place, you can maintain a stable Terraria world that your group can return to whenever they want.

Terraria Dedicated Server FAQ