Hello and welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to host a modded Terraria server. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know to successfully set up and run a modded Terraria server. From choosing the right hosting provider to installing and configuring mods, we’ll guide you through each step of the process. So, let’s get started!
Part 1: Choosing a Hosting Provider
Before you can start hosting a modded Terraria server, you need to choose a hosting provider that fits your needs. There are several factors you should consider when choosing a hosting provider, including:
1. Server Location
The location of your server can have a significant impact on its performance. Ideally, you want to choose a hosting provider that has servers located close to your target audience. This will help reduce latency and ensure a smoother gaming experience for your players.
2. Pricing
The cost of hosting a server can vary significantly depending on the provider and the plan you choose. Make sure to compare prices and features across different providers to find the best option for your budget.
3. Server Resources
The resources available to your server can also affect its performance. Make sure to choose a hosting provider that offers enough resources for the number of players you expect to have on your server.
4. Customer Support
If you run into any issues with your server, you want to make sure that you have access to reliable customer support. Look for hosting providers that offer 24/7 support and quick response times.
5. Mod Support
Finally, make sure that the hosting provider you choose supports modded Terraria servers. Not all providers allow mods, so it’s important to do your research before signing up.
Once you’ve considered these factors, you can choose a hosting provider that fits your needs. Here are a few popular options:
| Provider | Server Location | Pricing | Server Resources | Customer Support | Mod Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hostinger | USA, Europe, Asia | Starting at $1.99/month | Up to 8 GB RAM, 160 GB storage | 24/7 chat support | Yes |
| Nitrado | USA, Europe, Australia | Starting at $3.40/month | Up to 16 GB RAM, 500 GB storage | Email and ticket support | Yes |
| GTX Gaming | USA, Europe, Asia, Australia | Starting at $6.40/month | Up to 8 GB RAM, 200 GB storage | 24/7 ticket support | Yes |
Part 2: Installing and Configuring Mods
Once you’ve chosen a hosting provider, the next step is to install and configure the mods you want to use on your server. Here’s how:
1. Choose Your Mods
There are countless mods available for Terraria, so it’s important to choose the ones that fit your server’s theme and gameplay style. You can browse and download mods from the Terraria Forums or from modding websites such as CurseForge and NexusMods.
2. Install tModLoader
tModLoader is a tool that allows you to easily install and manage mods for Terraria. To install tModLoader, follow these steps:
- Download the tModLoader installer from the official website.
- Extract the contents of the installer to a new folder.
- Run the tModLoaderServer.exe file to start the server.
3. Install Mods
Once tModLoader is installed, you can start installing mods. Here’s how:
- Download the mods you want to use and extract them to the tModLoader folder.
- Start the tModLoader server and select the mods you want to enable from the Mods menu.
- Restart the server for the changes to take effect.
4. Configure Mods
Many mods come with configurable settings that allow you to customize your server’s gameplay experience. To configure mods, follow these steps:
- Open the Mod Config menu from the Mods menu in tModLoader.
- Select the mod you want to configure and adjust the settings as desired.
- Save your changes and restart the server for the changes to take effect.
Part 3: Configuring Server Settings
Now that you’ve installed and configured your mods, it’s time to adjust your server settings to fit your needs. Here are some important settings to consider:
1. Difficulty
The difficulty setting determines how challenging your server is. You can adjust the difficulty by changing the value of the “difficulty” setting in the server configuration file.
2. World Size
The world size setting determines the size of the world your server generates. You can adjust the world size by changing the value of the “worldsize” setting in the server configuration file.
3. Maximum Players
The maximum players setting determines how many players can join your server at once. You can adjust the maximum players by changing the value of the “maxplayers” setting in the server configuration file.
4. PvP
The PvP setting determines whether player vs. player combat is enabled on your server. You can enable or disable PvP by changing the value of the “pvp” setting in the server configuration file.
5. Whitelist
If you want to restrict access to your server to only certain players, you can enable a whitelist. To do so, add the usernames of the players you want to allow to the “whitelist.txt” file in the server folder.
FAQs
Q: How do I connect to my modded Terraria server?
A: To connect to your server, open Terraria and go to Multiplayer. Select “Join via IP” and enter the IP address and port of your server. Make sure that the mods you have installed are enabled in the Mods menu.
Q: How do I update my mods?
A: To update your mods, download the updated versions and replace the existing files in the tModLoader folder. Restart the server for the changes to take effect.
Q: Can I install mods while the server is running?
A: No, you need to stop the server before installing or removing mods. Make sure to save your progress before stopping the server.
Q: Can I use Steam Workshop mods on my server?
A: No, tModLoader does not support Steam Workshop mods. You can only use mods that are compatible with tModLoader.
Q: Can I use different mods than my players?
A: Yes, you can use different mods than your players. However, make sure that your players are aware of which mods are enabled on the server to avoid confusion.
Q: How do I change the server name?
A: To change the server name, edit the “serverconfig.txt” file in the server folder and change the value of the “servername” setting.
Q: How do I backup my server?
A: To backup your server, copy the entire server folder to a different location. You can also use a backup tool such as Duplicati or Backblaze to automate the backup process.
Q: How do I troubleshoot common issues with my server?
A: If you’re experiencing issues with your server, make sure to check the server logs for error messages. You can also try restarting the server or reinstalling the mods. If the issue persists, contact your hosting provider’s customer support for assistance.
Conclusion
Hosting a modded Terraria server can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it does require some technical know-how. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to set up and run your own modded Terraria server with ease. If you have any questions or run into any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to your hosting provider’s customer support for assistance. Good luck!