Terraria may have been first released in 2011, but it continues to see thousands of players each month. This beloved classic provides endless possibilities, allowing people to create complex worlds, explore, fight, and more.
Of course, it's always more fun to invite your friends to join, which means you'll need to set up a Terraria server. You have a few options available if that's what you want to do. You can host a server yourself or use a dedicated server provider.
Here's what you need to know about the different types of servers and how to set one up.
If you're only interested in online co-op games or in-home LAN, the Host & Play option works fine.
You can set up a Terraria server hosted via your computer, and friends can join using your IP address. This is a feature that the game supports without any third-party software necessary. You won't need to download anything to get it to work.
You need basic computer skills to do this, as you'll have to set up port forwarding on your PC. Here's what you'll need to get started:
Using your computer's command prompt, you can find the default gateway. You can also find your IPv4 address, which you'll need later.
Type the default gateway into the address bar on your browser. This will bring up a login screen. Use the default username and password provided, or use the one you've created (if you changed it.)
Find the section on port forwarding. The location or wording may vary slightly depending on the brand of router you use. From here, you can add a virtual server.
At this point, you can add the private IP address (IPv4) and the port numbers. The default port number is 7777.
There are some issues with this method. For one, security software such as Windows Defender Firewall can block other players from joining. However, you can turn this feature off; remember to turn it back on later.
Provide your friends with your IP address so they can join the game.
Important Note: Giving your IP address out can put you at risk. Cybercriminals can use your IP address to find sensitive information, steal your identity, or hack your device. Be very careful if you choose to give this number to others.
Launch TerrariaServer.exe and activate port forwarding. You can launch the world by selecting "Multiplayer" and "Join via IP".
There are several reasons someone may not want to host a server on their computer. For one, it risks their information and opens up the possibility of being hacked. For another, it requires some technical skills and making a mistake can result in frustrating troubleshooting.
Also, when you host a game from your computer, the server only remains up while your server window is open.
So, what if you want to host a game without putting your information at risk and without any technical skills?
If you want to keep your game running, you plan on using mods, or you're interested in making the most of the game without worrying about internet connection or equipment, you'll need a dedicated server. Renting a server is the best solution, as you receive everything you need to run the game for a small monthly fee.
Terraria's 2D look means the hardware requirements to run it are much lower. The developers recommend 512 MB for a vanilla world (no modifications) and minimal players.
You'll want 1-2 GB or more for games with more players and larger worlds. And for games with 50 players on up, you need at least 4 GB.
You have a few options, depending on your plans for the game. Here's a breakdown of what we offer (standard plans) at AleForge.
A vanilla server is plenty if you love the basic game and the classic look. For $2.99 a month, you get 2 GB memory and 5 GB SSD disk space.
You can also customize the number of cloud backups you have and the number of CPU cores.
Our modded plan has more than enough power for all your customizations. It includes 4 GB memory and 10 GB SSD disk space for only $5.99 a month.
As with our other plans, you can choose the number of CPU cores and cloud backups you need. You can save more with our three, six, or 12-month plans.
Gaming servers are highly customizable, allowing you to create a plan that truly fits your needs. Our custom plan is the ideal solution if you're on a quest for the perfect server.
Starting at $8.99 a month, these plans fit all your needs. Select the amount of memory you need, SSD disk space, cloud backup slots, etc.
Our premium plans offer even better network performance and top-of-the-line hardware. For only a few dollars more, you get the best performance with 2 CPU cores. You can run modded games with multiple players without worrying about lag.
Our high-performance hardware means our customers receive many benefits when they sign up—for instance, cross-platform compatibility and mod support.
With a 99.9% uptime guarantee, you never have to worry about connection issues. Whether you're playing with a few friends for fun or streaming live, our game servers remain fully operational.
You also don't need special skills to set up a gaming server, making this one of the best server options for newbies. Setting up a plan that meets your needs is simple, and your friends can join with a custom URL.
Plus, we have locations worldwide, so you can always find a best server location.
The beauty of gaming technology is that it gets easier and more affordable each year to play with your friends worldwide. Now that you know more about the different types of servers, you can select the best option for your needs.
Are you ready to get your Terraria server up and running? Here at AleForge, we have plans for gamers on every budget. Please look at our options and browse our different plans to find the perfect fit for your game.
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