How to Make a Terraria Server
A beginner-friendly walkthrough for running your own Terraria server — use the built-in dedicated server, pick or create a world, set the port and password, open the port and invite friends. Plus TShock for plugins and the one-click hosted route.
Terraria can be hosted two ways: self-host the dedicated server that ships with the game (or the free Linux server from terraria.org), or use a managed host. Self-hosting is free but ties up a PC, exposes your home IP and needs port-forwarding; a host gives you a 24/7, DDoS-protected server with a panel for a couple of euros a month.
For plugins, permissions and an economy, most public servers run TShock instead of the vanilla server — we cover both.
What you'll need
A quick checklist before you begin — have these ready and the rest is easy.
- A machine for the server — a spare PC for testing, or a host for 24/7 uptime.
- The dedicated server (ships with the game) or TShock for plugins.
- Only about 1–2 GB of free RAM for vanilla; more for TShock/modded.
- Open port: TCP 7777.
- A way for friends to connect — port-forwarding at home, or a clean IP from a host.
Set up a Terraria server, step by step
Choose self-host or a managed host
Self-hosting is free but needs a PC on 24/7 and port-forwarding. A managed host gives you an always-online server and a panel in minutes. Want zero hassle? Pick a host and skip to step 5.
Get the dedicated server
The Windows dedicated server (TerrariaServer.exe) ships with the game; the free Linux/standalone server is on terraria.org. For plugins, download TShock instead — it is a drop-in replacement with permissions and commands.
Pick or create a world
Run the server; it asks you to create a new world (size, difficulty, name) or load an existing one. Bigger worlds and higher difficulty use a little more RAM.
Set the port and password
You can pass settings on the command line or in a serverconfig.txt. The default port is 7777 (TCP). Set a password to keep the server private.
worldname=My World port=7777 maxplayers=8 password=changeme autocreate=2
Open the port
Forward TCP 7777 to the server so friends can connect. On a managed host the port is handled for you and you just share the address.
Invite friends
Share your address (public IP or domain, plus the port if it is not 7777). Players choose "Join via IP" in the multiplayer menu and enter it.
Keep it smooth and fun
Terraria is light
A vanilla server is happy with 1–2 GB RAM. Heavy TShock plugin stacks or big modded servers (tModLoader) want more.
Use TShock for plugins
TShock adds permissions, commands, anti-grief and an economy — the standard for public Terraria servers. It replaces the vanilla server.
Back up your world
The .wld world file is your whole server. Schedule backups so a crash or griefer never erases it.
Protect your IP
Self-hosting exposes your home IP. A managed host puts a clean, DDoS-protected IP in front of your world.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
Friends can't connect
TCP 7777 isn't reachable. Forward it on your router and share your public IP, or use a host with a clean public IP.
Server closes right after starting
A config or world error. Check the world name/path and that autocreate is set, or run interactively to create the world first.
Plugins won't work
The vanilla server has no plugin support. You need TShock (a separate server build) for plugins and commands.
"Lost connection" mid-game
Usually a network drop or the host PC sleeping. Keep the machine awake, or move to a host with stable uptime.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Want your world online 24/7 without port-forwarding? Our Terraria hosting runs on fast CPUs and NVMe behind a multi-Tbps Frankfurt network — TShock-ready, protected and instant.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to make a Terraria server?
Yes, self-hosting is free — the dedicated server ships with the game (and a free Linux build is on terraria.org). It does tie up a PC and needs port-forwarding; a managed host runs it online for you for a couple of euros a month.
What port does Terraria use?
The default is TCP 7777. Forward it at home so friends can connect, or let a host handle it.
How much RAM does a Terraria server need?
A vanilla server needs only about 1–2 GB. TShock with many plugins, or a tModLoader modded server, wants more.
What is TShock and do I need it?
TShock is a server replacement that adds permissions, commands, anti-grief and economy features. You do not need it for a small friends server, but it is the standard for public ones.
How do friends join my server?
They pick "Join via IP" in the multiplayer menu and enter your public IP (or domain) and port. Make sure the port is reachable.
Can I use my single-player world?
Yes. Copy your .wld world file to the server and load it on startup, or set autocreate/worldname to point at it.
Keep reading
Terraria is a trademark of Re-Logic. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Re-Logic. You must own a legitimate copy of the game to play.
