Terraria server guide: join, mods, settings and fixes
Updated 31 October 2026 · 3 minute read · Terraria and tModLoader (PC) · By Exclsv Support
Everything you need to run your Terraria server in HQ, in one page.
Join
- Choose Multiplayer, then Join via IP.
- Type the address from your server’s Join page and choose Accept.
- Type the port and choose Accept, then the password if you set one.
With tModLoader, players start tModLoader from Steam (not Terraria). Mobile and console Terraria can’t join a PC server.
Mods
Vanilla Terraria has no mods: choose tModLoader under Loader and version. Then upload .tmod files or add Workshop mods on the Mods page and switch them on and off; HQ writes the enabled list for you. Players are offered the same mods when they join.
Settings
Open Settings, then Game settings. Each setting has a plain label, one line of help and the game’s own default where HQ knows it. Most changes take effect at the next restart; HQ marks the ones that change straight away. Terraria and tModLoader versions can be picked.
Backups and going back
HQ takes an hourly backup (Automatic backups) and keeps each for up to 48 hours, plus an off-site backup every 6 hours with 7 daily copies. To go back, open Backups, then Automatic backups, pick a time and choose Go back. Your world as it is now is kept, so you can undo it.
If it doesn’t work
The server waits at the world menu
The world name doesn’t match a world file. Check the world name in Game settings.
A mod failed to load
tModLoader stops when a mod fails. Switch that mod off on the Mods page.
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