How to host a Terraria server on Windows
This guide covers running your own Terraria dedicated server on a Windows PC by hand: what you need, which ports to open, where the config lives, and how to keep it updated and modded. At the end there's the shortcut: doing the same thing in Rackd.
Requirements
- Windows 10/11. A vanilla server is light: 1–2 GB RAM is plenty for a small group; large worlds and tModLoader need more.
- The official dedicated server from terraria.org (free; you don't need to own the game on the host PC). If you own Terraria on Steam,
TerrariaServer.exeis also in the game folder. - A wired connection and a router you can log in to for port forwarding.
Default ports
| What | Port | Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Game port | 7777 | TCP |
Manual setup, step by step
1. Download
Get the latest dedicated server zip from terraria.org (link at the bottom of the home page) and extract the Windows folder somewhere like C:\TerrariaServer.
2. First run
Run TerrariaServer.exe. It walks you through choosing or creating a world, max players, port (default 7777), whether to auto-forward the port and a password.
3. Run it headless with a config file
To skip the prompts, create serverconfig.txt with lines such as world=, autocreate=2, worldname=, maxplayers=8, port=7777, password=, secure=1, and start with TerrariaServer.exe -config serverconfig.txt. Type exit in the console to save and stop.
4. Firewall and port forwarding
Allow TerrariaServer.exe through Windows Firewall and forward TCP 7777 to the PC's local IP. Players join via Multiplayer → Join via IP.
5. Updates
Server and clients must be on the same version. When a patch drops, back up your .wld files (in Documents\My Games\Terraria\Worlds by default), download the new zip and replace the server files.
6. Mods
Vanilla TerrariaServer.exe doesn't load mods. Use tModLoader's dedicated server (free on Steam), and make sure players run the same mod list.
Port forwarding tips
- Give the host PC a fixed local IP (a DHCP reservation in your router) before you create forwarding rules.
- If your router's WAN IP doesn't match what whatismyip shows, your ISP is using CGNAT and port forwarding won't work. Ask for a public IP or use a tunnel/VPN.
- Test from outside your network (a phone on mobile data), since many routers don't support loopback connections to your own public IP.
Or do it in a few clicks with Rackd
Rackd is a Windows 10/11 desktop app that does the steps above for you:
- One-click install: pick Terraria, name the server, and Rackd downloads the files (the official dedicated server from Re-Logic) and starts it headless with an auto-created world, so there's no interactive world prompt.
- Rackd Connect: asks your router to forward the server's port over UPnP and shows you the address to share, so you don't have to dig through router menus. (If your router has UPnP off or you're behind CGNAT, you'll still need the manual steps.)
- Scheduled updates that never kick players: pick an update window. If anyone is online, Rackd waits and retries instead of shutting the server on them.
- Backups: zip the server folder in one click and restore it when something goes wrong.
- Live console so you can watch the log and send commands.
Download Rackd for Windows 7-day free trial, no card required.
See all games Rackd supports or browse more server hosting guides.