Do you dream of building epic structures, battling formidable bosses, and exploring vast, procedurally generated worlds with your friends in Terraria, all from the comfort of your mobile device? While the game offers a "Host & Play" option for local multiplayer, creating a dedicated server for mobile Terraria allows for persistent worlds, more players, and greater control. It's a fantastic way to keep your adventures going even when you're not all in the same room.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of setting up your very own mobile Terraria server, providing both direct device hosting and the more robust PC-based dedicated server approach. Let's get started!
Are you ready to embark on a journey of shared Terrarian adventures?
If the answer is a resounding YES, then let's dive into the fascinating world of hosting your own mobile Terraria server!
Step 1: Understanding Your Options - Device Hosting vs. Dedicated Server
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it's crucial to understand the two main ways you can "host" a Terraria mobile server:
Sub-heading: Option A: In-Game Device Hosting (Simple, but Limitations Apply)
This is the most straightforward method. When you launch Terraria on your mobile device and select "Multiplayer" -> "Host & Play," you are essentially turning your device into a temporary server.
Pros:
Extremely easy to set up. No extra software or complex configurations.
Great for local play (friends on the same Wi-Fi network).
Cons:
The server only runs while your device is in the game. If you close the app or your device goes to sleep, the server shuts down.
Limited player count (usually 2-8 players, depending on your device and connection).
Performance depends heavily on your device's power and internet connection. Lag can be an issue with more players or complex worlds.
Difficult for friends outside your local network to join without complex networking setups (like VPNs).
Sub-heading: Option B: PC-Based Dedicated Server (Recommended for Stability and Features)
For a more permanent, stable, and feature-rich Terraria mobile server, hosting it on a PC is the way to go. This involves running dedicated server software on a computer, which then acts as the central hub for all players, regardless of their device.
Pros:
Persistent world: The server runs 24/7 (or whenever you want it to), even if no one is playing.
Higher player capacity (up to 255 players, though mobile clients might struggle with that many).
Better performance: PCs generally have more processing power and RAM, leading to smoother gameplay.
More control: You can configure various server settings, install mods (like TShock for advanced features), and manage players easily.
Accessible from anywhere: Friends can join from different locations via your public IP address.
Cons:
Requires a separate computer to act as the server.
More complex setup, involving port forwarding and potentially firewall configurations.
Requires a stable internet connection with good upload speed.
Electricity costs for running the PC constantly.
For the remainder of this guide, we will focus primarily on setting up a PC-based dedicated server for mobile Terraria, as it offers the best long-term experience.
Step 2: Essential Preparations for Your Dedicated Server
Before you download any software, let's get your ducks in a row.
Sub-heading: 2.1 Gather Your Gear
You'll need:
A dedicated PC: This can be an old desktop or laptop, but it should meet the minimum system requirements for a Terraria server.
Minimum Requirements: 2 GHz CPU or higher, 1 GB RAM (for 4-6 players), 500 MB disk space, stable internet (at least 5 Mbps upload).
Recommended for 10+ players: Quad-core 3 GHz+ CPU, 4 GB+ RAM, 5 GB+ storage, 10 Mbps+ upload.
A stable internet connection: A wired Ethernet connection is always preferred over Wi-Fi for server stability.
Your mobile device(s) with Terraria installed.
Access to your router's settings. This is crucial for port forwarding.
Sub-heading: 2.2 Find Your PC's Internal IP Address
Your router assigns a private IP address to each device on your local network. You'll need this to tell your router where to send incoming Terraria connections.
On Windows:
Press
Windows Key + Rto open the Run dialog.Type
cmdand press Enter to open the Command Prompt.Type
ipconfigand press Enter.Look for your IPv4 Address (e.g.,
192.168.1.100). This is your internal IP address.
On macOS:
Go to
System Settings(orSystem Preferences).Click on
Network.Select your active network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
Your IP address will be displayed.
On Linux:
Open a terminal.
Type
ip aorifconfigand press Enter.Look for the IP address associated with your active network interface.
Important: It's highly recommended to set a static IP address for your server PC within your router's settings or on the PC itself. This prevents your router from assigning a different IP address to your server after a reboot, which would break your port forward. Consult your router's manual or an online guide for how to do this for your specific router model.
Sub-heading: 2.3 Know Your Router's Default Gateway
This is the IP address you'll use to access your router's administration page.
In the
ipconfig(Windows) orip a/ifconfig(Linux) output, look for theDefault Gateway(e.g.,192.168.1.1).Type this IP address into your web browser's address bar to access your router's login page.
Step 3: Downloading and Setting Up the Terraria Dedicated Server Software
Now, let's get the server software onto your PC.
Sub-heading: 3.1 Download the Terraria Dedicated Server Files
Go to the official Terraria website:
https://terraria.org/Scroll down to the bottom of the page.
Look for "PC Dedicated Server" (for Windows) or "Mobile Dedicated Server" (if available, though typically the PC version works for mobile clients). Download the latest version.
Once downloaded, unzip the files into a new, easily accessible folder (e.g.,
C:\TerrariaServer).
Sub-heading: 3.2 Running the Server Software for the First Time
Navigate to the folder where you unzipped the server files.
Locate and double-click
TerrariaServer.exe(on Windows) or the equivalent executable for Linux/macOS (e.g.,TerrariaServer.bin.x86_64for Linux).A console window will open. Follow the on-screen prompts:
Choose a world: You can select an existing world by typing its number or create a New World by typing
n.World size, difficulty, and evil type: If creating a new world, follow the prompts to choose these settings.
World name: Give your world a memorable name.
Server Port: The default port is 7777. Press Enter to use this, or enter a different port if you have a specific reason. Stick with 7777 unless you know what you're doing.
Automatically forward port? This feature rarely works due to router variations. Just press Enter to skip or type
n. You'll do this manually in the next step.Server Password: You can set a password to restrict access. If you leave it blank, anyone with your IP and port can join.
Once you've made your selections, the server will start, and you'll see "Listening on port 7777" (or your chosen port). Keep this console window open while you want the server to run. Closing it will shut down your server.
Step 4: Configuring Your Network - Port Forwarding
This is often the most challenging step, but it's essential for friends outside your local network to connect. Port forwarding tells your router to direct incoming traffic on a specific port to your server PC.
Sub-heading: 4.1 Access Your Router's Administration Page
Open a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.).
In the address bar, type your router's
Default GatewayIP address (found in Step 2.3) and press Enter.You'll be prompted for a username and password. Common defaults are
admin/adminoradmin/password. If you've never changed them, look on a sticker on your router or consult its manual.
Sub-heading: 4.2 Locate the Port Forwarding Section
Router interfaces vary wildly, but generally, you'll find port forwarding under sections like:
Port ForwardingNAT(Network Address Translation)Virtual ServersFirewall
Sub-heading: 4.3 Create a New Port Forwarding Rule
You'll need to create a new rule with the following information:
Application Name/Service Name:
Terraria(or anything descriptive)Start Port / External Port / Public Port:
7777End Port / Internal Port / Private Port:
7777Protocol:
TCP(some guides suggest both TCP and UDP, but Terraria primarily uses TCP for connections). If your router allows "Both" or "TCP/UDP," select that. Otherwise, start with TCP.Internal IP Address / Device IP Address: Your server PC's internal IP address (found in Step 2.2).
Enable/Activate: Make sure the rule is enabled.
Save your changes! Your router may restart after applying the settings.
Sub-heading: 4.4 Test Your Port Forward (Optional, but Recommended)
You can use online tools to check if your port is open. Search for "port checker" and enter your public IP address (which you can find by searching "what is my IP" on Google) and port 7777. If it shows as open, you're good to go!
Step 5: Inviting Your Friends to Your Terraria Mobile Server
Now for the fun part: getting your friends to join!
Sub-heading: 5.1 Get Your Public IP Address
Your friends will need your public IP address to connect to your server.
Go to Google and search for "what is my IP". Google will display your public IP address.
Important: Your public IP address can change (unless you have a static IP from your ISP). If your friends can't connect later, re-check your public IP. You might consider using a dynamic DNS (DDNS) service (like No-IP or DuckDNS) to get a persistent hostname if your IP changes frequently.
Sub-heading: 5.2 How Your Friends Connect
Your friends open Terraria on their mobile device.
They tap on
Multiplayer.They select
Join via IP.They enter your public IP address in the "IP Address" field.
They enter the port number (default is
7777) in the "Port" field.If you set a password, they'll need to enter that as well.
They tap
Join.
Sub-heading: 5.3 Connecting from the Host PC (You)
If you want to play on your own server from the same PC you're hosting it on:
Open Terraria on your PC.
Go to
Multiplayer.Select
Join.Instead of your public IP, use your internal IP address (e.g.,
192.168.1.100) or simplylocalhostor127.0.0.1.Enter the port (
7777) and password (if any).
Step 6: Advanced Server Management (Optional)
Once your server is up and running, you might want to explore more advanced options.
Sub-heading: 6.1 Server Commands
The Terraria server console accepts various commands to manage the game:
help: Displays a list of available commands.save: Saves the current world.exit: Saves and shuts down the server.kick [player name]: Kicks a player from the server.ban [player name]: Bans a player by name (they won't be able to rejoin).time [day/night/dawn/dusk]: Sets the time of day.maxplayers [number]: Changes the maximum player limit (requires server restart to take full effect).
Sub-heading: 6.2 Using TShock for Mobile Terraria Servers
TShock is a popular mod for Terraria servers that adds a ton of administrative tools, permissions, and plugin support. While primarily designed for PC, TShock can enable cross-platform play between PC and mobile users if configured correctly.
Installation: This is more involved and usually requires downloading TShock separately and replacing certain server files. Refer to the official TShock documentation for the most up-to-date installation instructions.
Benefits with TShock:
Cross-platform compatibility (with a specific plugin).
Advanced anti-cheat.
Player permissions.
Server-side commands for better control.
Plugin support for custom features.
Note: Setting up TShock and cross-play is an advanced topic that often requires specific plugins and careful configuration. If cross-play is a high priority, research dedicated guides for TShock Mobile Crossplay.
Sub-heading: 6.3 Server Hosting Services
If the technical aspects of hosting a dedicated server are too daunting, or you want maximum uptime and performance without managing your own hardware, consider using a paid Terraria server hosting service. Providers like Ultahost, Godlike Host, and AxentHost (some offer free tiers with limitations) specialize in game server hosting and handle all the technicalities for you.
Pros:
Easy setup and management via a web control panel.
Guaranteed uptime.
DDoS protection.
Dedicated resources for smooth gameplay.
24/7 support.
Cons:
Cost.
Less direct control over the server's underlying system.
Conclusion: Your Mobile Terraria Kingdom Awaits!
Congratulations! You've navigated the exciting world of hosting your own mobile Terraria server. Whether you opt for simple in-game hosting or the more robust PC-based dedicated server, you're now equipped to create a persistent and engaging world for you and your friends. Remember that the key to a great multiplayer experience is a stable connection and clear communication with your fellow adventurers. Now, go forth and build, explore, and conquer the vast pixelated realm of Terraria together!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my Terraria server port is open?
You can use an online port checker tool by searching "port checker" on Google. Enter your public IP address and the server port (default 7777) to verify if it's accessible from the internet.
How to make my Terraria mobile server public?
To make your server public, you need to set up port forwarding on your router, directing incoming traffic on Terraria's port (7777) to the internal IP address of your server PC. Then, share your public IP address with your friends.
How to join a Terraria mobile server hosted by a friend?
Open Terraria Mobile, go to "Multiplayer," select "Join via IP," and then enter your friend's public IP address and the server port (usually 7777) along with any password.
How to change the world on my Terraria dedicated server?
To change the world, you need to stop the server (type exit in the console), then restart TerrariaServer.exe and select a different world from the list of options when prompted.
How to use TShock with my mobile Terraria server for cross-play?
TShock installation is a multi-step process. You'll need to download TShock, replace certain server files, and then typically install a specific "Crossplay" plugin. Consult TShock's official documentation for detailed, up-to-date instructions on enabling cross-play.
How to improve performance on my Terraria mobile server?
Ensure your server PC meets or exceeds recommended specifications, use a wired internet connection, reduce the maximum player count, and consider optimizing your world by removing excessive liquid or complex contraptions that might cause lag.
How to add a password to my Terraria mobile server?
When you first launch TerrariaServer.exe, you'll be prompted to set a server password. If you want to add or change it later, you'll need to shut down the server, restart it, and follow the prompts to set a new password.
How to save my Terraria server world progress?
The server automatically saves periodically, but you can manually save by typing save into the server console. Always type exit to shut down the server gracefully, which ensures the world is saved properly.
How to troubleshoot connection issues with my Terraria mobile server?
Double-check your internal IP address, port forwarding rules, and firewall settings. Ensure your public IP address hasn't changed. Have friends try joining from different networks to rule out their local network issues.
How to get a static IP address for my Terraria server?
You can configure a static internal IP address for your server PC within your router's settings or your operating system's network settings. For a static public IP, you generally need to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP), though dynamic DNS (DDNS) services are a common alternative.
