How do I set up a Terraria server?
When your server starts for the first time it generates a new world automatically. To configure it before players join, stop the server and edit serverconfig.txt in the server root via File Manager. Key settings: world (path to your .wld file), worldname (display name), maxplayers (default 8), port (default 7777), password (leave blank for public), and difficulty (0=classic, 1=expert, 2=master, 3=journey).
To use an existing world, upload your .wld file to the Worlds/ folder via File Manager, then update the world path in serverconfig.txt to point to it. Restart the server after saving.
For mods, you need tModLoader instead of vanilla Terraria - check the Startup tab for a variable to switch server type; the Version Manager page that handles this for Minecraft does not cover Terraria. Once running, mods are placed in tModLoader/Mods/ as .tmod files; download mods from the tModLoader browser in-game or from the tModLoader Workshop, then upload the .tmod files via File Manager. Restart after uploading new mods.
To set yourself as an admin, use Terraria's standard in-game password: set password in serverconfig.txt, join the server, then run /password <password> in chat to authenticate as a host.
Want to try this on a real server?
Everything described here is available on the trial too, on the same hardware and the same panel as the paid plans. Try it free for 24-hour, no credit card required.
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