How to Run a tModLoader Server and Install Mods
tModLoader lets you run modded Terraria. A modded server needs the tModLoader server files and the same mods on both the server and every player's game.
Before you start
All players must use tModLoader, not plain Terraria, and the same tModLoader version as the server. Mods must be the same version too, so decide on a mod list before inviting players.
Install the server
- Choose a tModLoader server setup on your panel, or upload the tModLoader server files in the Files tab.
- Start the server once so the folders are created.
- Stop it from the Console tab.
Add mods
Mods are .tmod files in the server's Mods folder, and a file named enabled.json lists which mods are active. Mods can be downloaded from the Steam Workshop on a PC and then uploaded, or installed with the server's Workshop tooling where available. Ask us on Discord which method suits your setup.
- Upload the .tmod files into the Mods folder.
- Add each mod's name to enabled.json, or enable them using the tModLoader menu where supported.
- Start the server and watch the console as each mod loads.
Server settings
tModLoader uses the same serverconfig.txt as vanilla, so world, world size, difficulty, max players and password work the same way. Start with a small mod list and a fresh world.
Players joining
When a player joins with missing mods, tModLoader can offer to download them from the server, depending on the settings. Mods large in size may be slow, so Workshop installs are often faster.
Troubleshooting
- Mod mismatch: make sure every player and the server have identical mod versions.
- Server will not load: read the console and the logs for the failing mod, then remove it.
- Crashes after updating: remove outdated mods, since mod authors need time to update.
- Back up worlds before adding or removing mods, as worlds can break.
Tip: keep a text file with your mod list and versions so you can rebuild the server quickly.
Contact us on Discord for help.