Terraria: How to Host a Server on Steam

Hello Dev, welcome to this journal article that will guide you on how to host a Terraria server on Steam. Terraria is a popular sandbox game where players can explore, build, and fight various enemies. Hosting your own server allows you to play with friends and customize the game to your liking. In this article, we will walk you through the process step-by-step. Let’s get started!

Before You Begin

Before we dive into the steps to host a Terraria server on Steam, there are a few things you should know and prepare:

System Requirements

Make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements to run Terraria and host a server. Here are the recommended specifications:

Make sure you have a stable internet connection and enough bandwidth for all players to connect and play smoothly.

Steam Account

You must have a Steam account to download and install Terraria on your computer. If you don’t have one already, go to https://store.steampowered.com/join/ to create a free account.

Port Forwarding

If you want players outside your local network to connect to your server, you need to set up port forwarding on your router. This allows incoming internet traffic to reach your server. Check your router’s manual or consult your internet service provider for instructions on how to do this.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Download Terraria Server Software

The first step is to download the Terraria server software from Steam. Here’s how:

1. Open Steam and log in to your account.
2. Go to the Library tab and select Tools.
3. Find Terraria Server in the list and download it.

The server software should now appear in your Library under the Tools tab.

Step 2: Install Terraria Server Software

Now that you’ve downloaded the server software, it’s time to install it on your computer. Follow these steps:

1. Open Steam and navigate to the Library tab.
2. Click on the Terraria Server software in your Library.
3. Click the Install button and choose the installation location for the server files.
4. Wait for the installation to complete.

Congratulations! You’ve installed the Terraria Server software on your computer. But we’re not done yet.

Step 3: Configure Terraria Server Settings

Before you can start playing on your server, you need to configure some settings. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to the directory where you installed the server files.
2. Open the ServerConfig.txt file in a text editor like Notepad.
3. Edit the settings to your liking. Here are some important ones:

Save the ServerConfig.txt file when you’re done editing.

Step 4: Start Terraria Server

Now it’s time to start your server and begin playing. Here’s how:

1. Open Steam and navigate to the Library tab.
2. Find Terraria Server in your Library and click Play.
3. The server console window will open. Wait for it to say “Server started.”
4. Join your own server by opening Terraria and selecting Multiplayer, then Join by IP. Enter “localhost” as the IP address and the port number you chose earlier.
5. Invite your friends to join your server by giving them your public IP address and the port number. They can enter it under Join by IP in the Multiplayer menu.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully hosted a Terraria server on Steam.

FAQ

Q: Can I run a Terraria server and play the game on the same computer?

A: Yes, you can. However, keep in mind that hosting a server uses up system resources and may affect your gameplay performance.

Q: Can I install mods on my Terraria server?

A: Yes, you can. To install mods, you need to download the tModLoader software and install it on your server. Follow the instructions provided by the mod creator to install the mod files.

Q: How do I update my Terraria server software?

A: To update your Terraria server software, simply click on the Terraria Server software in your Steam Library and select Update. This will download and install the latest version of the server files.

Q: How do I change my server settings after it’s already running?

A: You can change your server settings while it’s running by typing commands into the server console window. For example, to change the maximum number of players allowed, type “maxplayers 10” and press enter. The new setting will take effect immediately.

Q: How do I back up my Terraria server world?

A: To back up your Terraria server world, simply make a copy of the .wld file in the same directory as your server files. You can also use a third-party tool like Terraria World Viewer to export your world to a different format.

Q: Can I play Terraria on a LAN without port forwarding?

A: Yes, you can. If all players are on the same local network, you can play on a LAN without port forwarding. Simply connect to the server using the local IP address of the computer hosting the server.

Conclusion

Hosting a Terraria server on Steam is a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to play with friends and customize the game to your liking. By following the steps in this article, you can easily set up and host your own server. Remember to check your system requirements, configure your server settings, and invite your friends to join the fun. Happy gaming!