Which port should I use?

Always use the port shown in your game server's Overview. Terraria's default port is 7777, but your server usually uses a different one.

Can I join through the Steam friends list?

No. Your tModLoader server isn't available through Steam lobbies or the friends list. Always connect using Join via IP.

tModLoader: Connect to the Server

Find out what you need to play Terraria with mods on your tModLoader game server and how to connect with your friends using the IP address and port → Learn more

10 November 20263 min read0 Views0 helpful

Introduction

Want to play Terraria with mods on your own tModLoader game server with your friends, but aren't sure how to connect? No worries, we've got you covered! We'll show you what you and your friends need and how to connect to the server.

Requirements

A few things need to be in place before you can connect:

You and your friends need tModLoader. It's a separate, free product on Steam, and you need to own Terraria on Steam to use it. You can't connect to a tModLoader server with the regular version of Terraria without tModLoader.
Your tModLoader version must match the server version. You can see which version your server is using in the console when it starts.
You need the same mods as the server. If you're missing any mods, tModLoader will usually download them from the server automatically when you join.
Your server must be fully started. Check the console to see when it has finished loading.

Info

Terraria saves your characters on your own PC, not on the server. It's best to use a separate character for a modded server, so modded items don't end up on your characters without mods.

Find your server details

You can find your server's IP address and port in your game server's Overview. You can copy both with a single click, for example:

Code

123.45.67.89:27001

Important

Terraria's default port is 7777. However, your server uses the port shown in your Overview, which is usually different. Always enter that exact port.

If you've set a server password, you can find it in the Configuration tab under Startup Parameters.

Connect to the server

Launch tModLoader through Steam and select Multiplayer from the main menu.
Click Join via IP.
Select a character or create a new one.
Enter your server's IP address and confirm.
Enter the port from your Overview and confirm by clicking Accept.
If you set one, enter the server password.

If you're missing any of the server's mods, tModLoader will let you know and download them. The game will then reload the mods and connect you to the server. This may take a little while the first time.

Tip

Your server isn't available through a Steam lobby or your Steam friends list. Always connect using Join via IP.

Common problems and solutions

Connection fails

Check in the Overview that your server is online and that you've entered the exact IP address and port. After starting, a server with many mods may take a while before it accepts connections.

tModLoader version message

If the game says you're using a different version from the server, your tModLoader versions don't match. Check in Steam that tModLoader is up to date and that you haven't selected a different version under Betas in the game's properties.

Mods don't match

If tModLoader doesn't download the mods or disconnects afterward, check that the mods and their versions match those on your server. Learn more in our guide Common Issues.

Incorrect password

Check the server password in the Configuration tab. If you've changed it, restart your server for the change to take effect.

Still having trouble or unsure what to do?

Still having problems after troubleshooting? No worries, our support team is available every day. Just start a support chat in your ZapX customer account and describe your problem in as much detail as possible. We'll look into it as soon as we can and help you resolve it!

Conclusion

If you've followed all the steps, congratulations—you should now be connected to your server. To learn how to add mods to your server, check out our guide Install Mods (tModLoader). If you have any other questions or need help, our support team is available every day! 🙂

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Yes. You need tModLoader, a separate free product on Steam, and you must own Terraria on Steam. You can't join using the regular version of Terraria.

Usually not. tModLoader automatically downloads missing mods from the server when they join. Their tModLoader version must match the server's version.

Launch tModLoader, select Multiplayer and Join via IP, choose a character, and enter the IP address and port shown in your Overview.

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tModLoader: Connect to the Server

Introduction

Requirements

Find your server details

Connect to the server

Common problems and solutions

Connection fails

tModLoader version message

Mods don't match

Incorrect password

Still having trouble or unsure what to do?

Conclusion

Frequently asked questions

tModLoader

Requirements

Find your server details

Connect to the server

Common problems and solutions

Connection fails

tModLoader version message

Mods don't match

Incorrect password

Still having trouble or unsure what to do?

Conclusion

Game Server

Servers & Hosting

ZAPX

Resources

ZAP-Hosting