Multiplayer Setup

Play Terraria with friends using mods. Complete guide for hosting and joining modded servers.

Installing Mods • Mod Profiles • Connection Issues

Critical Requirement

All players must have the exact same mods installed and enabled. Mod versions and load order must match. Learn how to manage mods properly and sync with friends using Workshop collections.

Hosting a Modded Server

Option 1: Host & Play (Easy)

  1. 1. Enable your desired mods in "Mods" menu
  2. 2. Select "Multiplayer" → "Host & Play"
  3. 3. Create or select world
  4. 4. Friends join via Steam or IP address

Option 2: Dedicated Server (Advanced)

For 24/7 servers or larger player counts:

# Download dedicated server from GitHub
# Extract files
# Configure serverconfig.txt
# Place mods in Mods folder
# Run: tModLoaderServer.exe (Windows)
# Or: ./tModLoaderServer (Linux/Mac)

Joining Modded Servers

Step 1: Get Mod List

Ask the host for their mod list or Workshop collection link.

Step 2: Install Same Mods

Download and enable the exact same mods as the host.

Step 3: Connect

Join via Steam invite or enter IP address in "Join via IP".

Syncing Mods with Friends

Using Workshop Collections

The easiest way to share mod setups with friends:

Creating a Collection:

  1. 1. Visit Steam Workshop in browser
  2. 2. Click "Collections" → "Create Collection"
  3. 3. Add all your mods to collection
  4. 4. Publish and share link with friends

Subscribing to Collection:

  1. 1. Open collection link
  2. 2. Click "Subscribe to All"
  3. 3. Steam downloads all mods automatically
  4. 4. Enable all mods in tModLoader

Manual Mod List Sharing

If not using Steam Workshop:

  1. 1. Host shares list of mod names and versions
  2. 2. All players download same mods via Mod Browser
  3. 3. Verify mod list matches exactly
  4. 4. Enable in same order

Port Forwarding for Hosting

Required if friends can't connect via Steam invite.

How to Port Forward

Step 1: Find Your Router IP

Windows: ipconfig (look for Default Gateway)
Mac: System Preferences → Network
Usually: 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1

Step 2: Access Router Settings

Enter router IP in browser, login with admin credentials

Step 3: Forward Port 7777

  • • Protocol: TCP & UDP
  • • Port: 7777 (Terraria default)
  • • Forward to your PC's local IP

Step 4: Configure Firewall

Allow tModLoader through Windows Firewall on port 7777

Troubleshooting Multiplayer

Can't connect to server?

  • ✓ Verify 100% identical mod lists (same versions!)
  • ✓ Check mod load order matches
  • ✓ Verify firewall allows tModLoader
  • ✓ Try port forwarding (port 7777)
  • ✓ Use Steam invite instead of IP
  • ✓ Both players restart tModLoader

High latency/lag in multiplayer?

  • ✓ Reduce number of active mods
  • ✓ Host should have strong internet
  • ✓ Use dedicated server for 5+ players
  • ✓ Disable visual mods on clients

Desyncing issues?

  • ✓ All players must restart after enabling mods
  • ✓ Ensure mods loaded in same order
  • ✓ Some mods don't support multiplayer well
  • ✓ Check mod descriptions for MP compatibility