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Learn how to fix common issues with your tModLoader game server—from version errors and mods to missing worlds. Find out more →
10 November 20264 min read0 Views0 helpful
Introduction
Can't connect to your tModLoader game server, a mod won't load, or is a different world there after a restart? Don't worry—most issues have a simple cause. Here, we'll show you the most common issues and how to fix them quickly yourself.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Make sure you're using tModLoader instead of Terraria, your tModLoader version matches the server's, and you've entered the port shown in the Overview.
Your tModLoader version doesn't match the server's. The Console shows the server's version when it starts. Check that tModLoader is up to date in Steam.
The .tmod file must be directly in the mods folder, and its name must be listed in enabled.json. Also check whether the mod requires other mods, then restart the server.
tModLoader stores mod data in the .twld file. Upload it along with the .wld file and use the same mods.
Terraria saves characters on the player's PC, not on the server. Back up your characters yourself.
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Navigation
tModLoader
Issues and solutions
The most useful tool for troubleshooting is your game server's Console. It shows which tModLoader version your server is running, which mods it loads, which world it opens, and whether any errors occur.
Connection
“You cannot connect to a tModLoader Server with an unmodded client”
You launched the regular Terraria game. To connect to a tModLoader server, you need tModLoader, a separate free product on Steam. Launch tModLoader and connect through Multiplayer → Join via IP.
Message “You are on …, server is on …”
Your tModLoader version doesn't match the server's version. You can see which version your server is using in the Console when it starts. Check in Steam that tModLoader is up to date and that you haven't selected a different version under Betas in the properties.
Connection fails or takes forever
Check in the Overview that your server is online, and after starting it, wait until the Console has finished loading. This can take a while if you have many mods.
Enter the IP address and port exactly as shown in the Overview. Your server usually doesn't use the default port 7777.
Your server can't be reached through the Steam friends list. Always connect using Join via IP.
Set the password using the Server Password startup parameter. You need to restart your server after changing it. A password changed only in serverconfig.txt will be overwritten the next time the server starts.
Mods
Mod isn't loaded by the server
Check the Files tab:
Is the mod a .tmod file located directly in the mods folder?
Is its name listed in the enabled.json file in the mods folder? The name must exactly match the mod's internal name; capitalization matters.
Is enabled.json valid JSON? There should be a comma between entries, but not after the last entry.
Does the mod require other mods? If a dependency is missing, the Console displays an error when the server starts. Upload and enable the missing mod as well.
Normally, tModLoader downloads any missing mods from the server when you join. If that doesn't work, install the mods yourself through Workshop → Download Mods in tModLoader, and make sure you use the same versions as the server. If you've installed a different version of a mod, tModLoader will offer to switch to the server's version.
Server won't start after adding a mod
A mod can crash while loading, for example if it isn't compatible with the server's tModLoader version. The Console shows which mod caused the error. Remove that mod's name from enabled.json and restart the server. Then upload a version of the mod that's compatible with your server's tModLoader version.
World
A new, empty world appears after a restart
Your server loads the world specified by the World File Name startup parameter. If this file doesn't exist in the worlds folder, your server creates a new world. In the Savegames tab, check the exact name of your world file and enter it without .wld.
New size, difficulty, or seed doesn't take effect
Automatic World Generation, Difficulty, World Name, and World Seed only apply when a new world is created. Enter a new name under World File Name so your server creates a new world with these settings. Your old world will remain intact. For details, see our guide to Server configuration.
Mod content is missing from an uploaded world
tModLoader stores your mod data in the .twld file alongside the .wld file. Upload both files and use the same mods on the server that were used to play the world.
Character or inventory is missing
Terraria saves characters on each player's PC, not on the server. This means a server backup won't include any characters. Back up your characters yourself on your PC.
Performance
Server lags or uses a lot of memory
Each mod requires additional memory, and large content mods can use a lot. Keep an eye on usage under Statistics and upgrade your server if needed. Remove any mods you don't use from enabled.json.
DDoS and other network threats
Game servers can be targeted by attacks that flood them with traffic, causing lag or disconnections. ZAP-Hosting provides built-in protection systems to protect your server against common attacks. If you suspect an attack, contact our support team.
Preventive measures
Regular backups can save you a lot of stress. We already back up your game server automatically every day. With the ZapX Pass, you can also create your own backups at any time and restore them with one click—with ZapX Pass Pro, you can even automate backups on your own schedule. Also, before installing new mods or updating existing ones, download your world, including its .wld and .twld files, from the Savegames tab.
Conclusion
These steps should help you resolve your issue. If they don't, feel free to contact our support team—we're here for you every day and happy to help! 🙂
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