How to set up a dedicated Terraria server | Digital Trends (2024)

Terraria's fourth major content update, Journey's End, is here. Fit with new bosses, a balance overhaul, graphical improvements, and over 1,000 new items,Journey's End feels like Terraria 2. One thing that thankfully hasn't changed is multiplayer. Even with the new additions, Journey's Endis a multiplayer game at its core, and the best way to play with your friends is through a dedicated server. Here's how to set up a dedicatedTerraria server, even if you know nothing about networking.

Further reading

• Terraria review

• The best games like Minecraft

• The best simulator games

[/item-list

Setting up the server

Before diving in, here are a few notes. We’re going to show you how to set up a dedicated Terraria server without a configuration file. Terraria has a server setup wizard, which makes the process dead simple. Additionally, if you want others to access your server from external networks, you’ll need to set a static IP for your router and forward a few ports. This varies wildly from router to router, but we have a few helpful resources at the end of this section.

Step 1: First, you’ll want to navigate to your Terraria install folder. If you’re running the game through Steam, the default installation location should be C:Program Files (x86)SteamsteamappscommonTerraria. Once there, open TerrariaServer.exe to launch the server config window and bring up a list of all available worlds. You can find the same executable in C:GOG GalaxyGamesTerraria if you purchased the game through GOG.

Tip: Create a shortcut to TerrariaServer.exe on your desktop for easy access.

Step 2: Each world is stored locally on your computer’s hard drive. If you have not created a world yet or wish to start a new one, type “n” into the command line and hit Enter to create it. You will then get a prompt to set the world size (1 = small, 2 = medium, and 3 = large) and name it. The world will generate after completing the aforementioned steps, and once done, you will be able to select it as the server’s dedicated world.

Step 3: To select a world for the server, type in the corresponding number in the Chosen World field. Afterward, you can make the following configurations:

• Set the maximum number of players. The default is eight, but you may specify a number other than that as the server cap.

• Set the port. Unless you’re running multiple servers and need to set a different port, you can just hit Enter to use the default, which is 7777.

• Enable port forwarding. Type “y” to enable port forwarding or “n” if you do not wish to use it.

• Set your password. If you want to set a password for your server, type it in the field directly right of Password, then hit Enter. Doing so without typing anything will mean there is no password for the server.

Step 4: After this, the world will be set and playable for all those who connect to the server. If you wish to change the settings for the world, you can do so from within the server console window. Changes can be made on the fly, too, even while you’re playing. This allows you to implement changes in your Terraria world in real time. You can make the following configurations to your server:

Step 5: If you’re planning on playing with others who are not connected to the same LAN/router as the host computer, you will need a static IP address and port forwarding for your Terraria server so others can access it. We have a guide on how to change your IP address, as well as how to port forward, if you’re unfamiliar. Port Forward also offers detailed instructions for specific routers, broken down by make and model.

Connecting to the server

Once you’ve got a server up and running, the next obvious step is to connect to it.

Step 1: Launch Terraria as you would normally.

Step 2: Select Multiplayer > Join via IP.

Step 3: Select the character you wish to use.

Step 4: Type in either “localhost” or “127.0.0.1” when asked for the IP address.

How to connect to the server from a different computer than the one on which it’s hosted

Step 1: Launch Terraria as you would normally.

Step 2: Select Multiplayer > Join via IP.

Step 3: Select the character you wish to use.

Step 4: When asked for the IP address, type in the global IP address for the router the server PC is connected to.

How to connect to the server if players will be playing on the same local connection

Step 1: Find your computer’s IPv4 address.

Note: This is a relatively simple process, so don’t freak out if you don’t understand how to do it. To do this, all you need to do is pull up the search bar on your Windows Start Menu and type in the letters “cmd.”

Step 2: Once you’ve done this, run the Command Prompt. After the command prompt is open, type “ipconfig” in the window and click Enter. You’ll see your IPv4 address appear below Ethernet Adapter Local Area Connection or Wireless LAN Adapter Wireless Network Connection 2.

Step 3: Be sure to record the IPv4 address for your computer by writing it down somewhere, then open Terraria like you would normally.

Step 4: Select Multiplayer, then click Join via IP.

Step 5: Pick the character you want to play with.

Step 6: Once the system asks you to type your IP address, enter the IPv4 address you wrote down in Step 2.

Usually, players should be able to connect to the server at the same time, no matter if they use the internet or LAN. If this doesn’t work, double-check that you’ve followed all of the previous instructions. Check that you’ve configured the server and network correctly. After everything is established, you can enjoy playing your games on your brand new server.

Implementing a connection to a special Terraria server may be a bit intimidating for some people. This is typically the case if you have 0 experience working with network configurations. Fortunately, the game is beginner-friendly. So, even those without adequate background should have a smooth setup experience. And even if you aren’t the head networker for your team, it’s still helpful to acquire some back-end knowledge. This will come in handy if you encounter connectivity issues.