Hello Dev, welcome to our guide on how to host a modded Terraria server. In this article, we will walk you through the necessary steps to create and manage your own custom Terraria server. Whether you are an advanced Terraria player or just getting started, we’ve got you covered. By the end of this guide, you will be able to host your own modded Terraria server like a pro.
1. What is a Modded Terraria Server?
A modded Terraria server is a custom game server that includes modifications to the original Terraria game. These modifications, or mods, can range from simple gameplay tweaks to major content additions. Modded servers offer players a wide range of new experiences and challenges that are not available in the vanilla Terraria game.
Hosting a modded server requires some technical knowledge, but it is relatively easy to set up once you know what you are doing. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to host your own modded Terraria server.
2. Prerequisites
Before we get started, there are a few things you need to have in order to host a modded Terraria server:
Item |
Description |
|---|---|
Terraria Game |
You will need a copy of the Terraria game installed on your computer. |
TShock Server Software |
You will need to download and install the TShock server software, which is the most widely used modded Terraria server software. |
Modded Terraria Server Mods |
You will need to download and install the mods you want to use on your server. These can be found on various websites, such as the Terraria Modding community on Reddit. |
Port Forwarding |
You will need to set up port forwarding on your router to allow external players to connect to your server. This process varies depending on your router, so you should consult your router’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for instructions. |
Dynamic DNS |
If you don’t have a static IP address, you will need to set up a dynamic DNS service to ensure that players can always connect to your server using the same hostname or IP address. This process also varies depending on your router, so you should consult your router’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for instructions. |
3. Installing TShock Server Software
The TShock server software is the backbone of your modded Terraria server. It allows you to install and manage mods, as well as configure server settings and monitor player activity. Here’s how to install TShock on your computer:
Step 1: Download TShock
The first step is to download the TShock server software from the official TShock website. You can find the download link on the homepage of the website. Download the version of TShock that is compatible with your version of Terraria.
Step 2: Extract the Files
Once the download is complete, extract the TShock files to a folder on your computer. You can use any file extraction tool, such as WinZip or 7-Zip. Make sure to extract all of the files in the archive.
Step 3: Run the Server
To run the TShock server, open the folder in which you extracted the files, and double-click the “TerrariaServer.exe” file. This will start the server and open a command prompt window.
Step 4: Set Up Server Configuration
Before players can connect to your server, you need to set up the server configuration. This includes setting the server name, password, and other settings. You can configure the server by typing commands into the command prompt window.
Step 5: Install Mods
Once your server is up and running, you can start installing mods. To install a mod, download it from the modding community and copy the mod files into the “ServerPlugins” folder in your TShock server directory. Then, restart the server to load the mod.
4. Configuring Server Settings
Configuring the server settings is an important part of hosting a modded Terraria server. Here are some server settings you should consider adjusting:
Server Difficulty
You can adjust the difficulty of your server by changing the “difficulty” setting in the server configuration. This setting determines how hard monsters are, how much damage they deal, and how fast they move.
PvP Settings
If you want players to be able to fight against each other, you can enable PvP mode by changing the “pvp” setting in the server configuration. You can also adjust the damage multiplier for PvP combat.
World Size
The size of your world can affect how many players can join your server and how much content there is to explore. You can change the world size by setting the “worldsize” parameter in the server configuration.
Server Password
If you want to restrict access to your server, you can set a password by changing the “password” setting in the server configuration. Players will need to enter the password to join your server.
5. Managing Player Activity
As a server administrator, you may need to monitor player activity and enforce rules. Here are some tools you can use to manage player activity:
Player List
You can view a list of connected players by typing the “/list” command in the server console. This will show you each player’s username, IP address, and ping time.
Kick and Ban Players
If you need to remove a player from your server or ban them from future access, you can use the “/kick” or “/ban” commands in the server console. These commands require the player’s username or IP address.
Chat Commands
You can use chat commands to communicate with players in-game or perform actions, such as spawning items. These commands vary depending on the mods you have installed on your server, but they are typically preceded by a forward slash (/).
FAQ
What mods should I install on my server?
The mods you install on your server will depend on your personal preferences and the type of gameplay experience you want to create for your players. Some popular mods include Calamity, Thorium, and Tremor. You can find a list of recommended mods on the Terraria Modding community on Reddit.
How do I update my TShock server?
To update your TShock server, download the latest version from the official TShock website and overwrite the old files in your server directory. You may also need to update any mods you have installed.
How do I back up my server?
To back up your server, simply copy the server files to a separate location on your computer or a cloud storage service. You should back up your server regularly to prevent data loss.
How do I join my own server?
To join your own server, launch Terraria and click the “Multiplayer” button. Then, click the “Join via IP” button and enter your server’s IP address and port number. If you are hosting the server on the same computer you are playing on, you can simply enter “localhost” as the IP address.
How do I set up port forwarding?
To set up port forwarding, you will need to access your router’s configuration page and create a new port forwarding rule. The exact process depends on your router, but you will need to enter the port number used by your Terraria server (usually 7777) and the IP address of the computer running the server. You can find detailed instructions for your router on the manufacturer’s website or in the router’s manual.
That’s it, Dev! You should now have all the information you need to host your own modded Terraria server. As you explore the world of Terraria with your friends and fellow players, don’t forget to experiment with new mods and settings to keep things fresh and exciting. Happy modding!