Getting Started with Your Terraria Server
This guide covers everything you need to set up your Terraria dedicated server and start playing with friends.
Prerequisites
- An active Terraria server from SpillHosting
- Terraria installed on your PC via Steam
- Your server IP and port, which you find in the game panel
Step 1: Open your server
- Log in on the SpillHosting website with your SpillHosting account
- Open the game panel and select your Terraria server
- The Overview tab shows your server IP and port
Step 2: Configure your server
- Open the Startup tab
- Set the World Name. If no world with that name exists yet, the server creates it on the next start
- Set a Password if you want to restrict access. Leave it empty for an open server
- Choose the World Size: 1 is small, 2 medium, 3 large
- Choose the Difficulty: 0 is Classic, 1 Expert, 2 Master, 3 Journey. The default is 3 (Journey), so change it before the world is created if you want another mode
- Optionally enter a World Seed and a MOTD (message of the day)
- Set Max Players (default 8)
Each field saves on its own as soon as you change it. Size, difficulty and seed only apply when a new world is created.
Step 3: Start the server
- Press Start in the server header
- Open the Console tab and wait for the world to generate. Larger worlds take longer on the first start
The server is ready when the console shows "Listening on port".
Step 4: Connect to your server
- Launch Terraria
- Select Multiplayer
- Click Join via IP
- Select your character
- Enter your server IP address
- Enter the port number from the panel
- Enter the password if one is set
Server commands
The standard Terraria server has no in-game admin login. You manage it from the Console tab in the panel, where you type these commands without a slash:
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
playing |
List connected players |
kick [player] |
Kick a player |
ban [player] |
Ban a player |
say [message] |
Broadcast a message |
time |
Show the current in-game time |
save |
Save the world |
exit |
Save and shut down the server |
motd [message] |
Set the message of the day |
seed |
Show the world seed |
A password changed with the password console command only lasts until the next restart. To change it for good, use the Password field on the Startup tab.
Mods
The Mods tab switches the server to tModLoader for Steam Workshop mods. Switching reinstalls the server and starts a fresh world, so back up your world first if you want to keep it.
Troubleshooting
Can't connect
- Check that the server is running and fully started
- Double-check the IP and the port number
- Make sure you are entering the correct password
- Check that your Terraria version matches the server version. The Terraria version field on the Startup tab sets it (latest by default)
World won't generate
- Check the console for error messages
- Try a smaller world size first
Lag or desync
- Use a server location close to your player group
- Reduce the max player count
- Boss fights and events with many enemies can cause temporary lag
Need help? Use the live chat on our website, or open a ticket with support.
