How to Change Terraria Server Type
How to Change Your Terraria Server Type (Vanilla, tShock or tModLoader)
Section titled “How to Change Your Terraria Server Type (Vanilla, tShock or tModLoader)”Switching your Terraria server between server software is quick with AleForge’s Game Swap. Whether you want to move from Vanilla to tModLoader for mods, or add tShock for admin tools, you can do it from the panel in a few minutes.
Server types you can choose from:
| Server type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Terraria Vanilla | The standard game, ideal for a simple co-op world |
| tShock | Public servers that need permissions, region protection and anti-grief tools |
| tModLoader 1.4 | Modded worlds with mods like Calamity and Thorium |
Before You Start
Section titled “Before You Start”- Create a backup. Open the Backups page and create a new backup of anything you don’t want to lose.
- Stop your server from the Console page before you swap.
- Know that mods and worlds can be linked. A world built with modded content may not load correctly on Vanilla or tShock, so keep a backup of your original world.
Step-by-Step: Change Your Server Type
Section titled “Step-by-Step: Change Your Server Type”1. Open Game Swap
Section titled “1. Open Game Swap”Log in to the AleForge Panel, select your server, and click Game Swap in the left-hand menu under Management.
You’ll see your slots. Your current server is marked Current and shows its running status. Empty slots show New Game.
2. Start a New Game in an Empty Slot
Section titled “2. Start a New Game in an Empty Slot”Click + New Game on an empty slot. The Install New Game window opens. Choose Terraria from the game templates.
3. Pick Your Server Type
Section titled “3. Pick Your Server Type”Under Server Version / Type, open the drop-down and choose the software you want:
- Terraria Vanilla
- tModLoader 1.4
- tShock
4. Name Your Instance (Optional)
Section titled “4. Name Your Instance (Optional)”Enter an Instance Name such as “Main world” or “Clean test”. This helps you tell your servers apart, and you can leave it blank and rename it later.
5. Decide About “Delete Active Server”
Section titled “5. Decide About “Delete Active Server””Below the name field is a Delete Active Server option.
- Leave it unticked if you want to keep your current server saved in its slot, so you can swap back to it at any time.
- Tick it only if you want your current server’s data permanently deleted. This can’t be undone.
Warning: If you tick Delete Active Server, your current server data is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. Make sure you have a backup first.
6. Confirm and Wait
Section titled “6. Confirm and Wait”Confirm your choice when prompted. AleForge starts the swap, and you’ll see Processing game swap… while it backs up your current instance and sets up the new one.
This runs in the background, so you can safely leave the page and come back later.
7. Check Your Startup Settings
Section titled “7. Check Your Startup Settings”When the swap finishes, open the Startup page and make sure your settings are correct, including your world name, world size and any other options for the new server type.
8. Start Your Server
Section titled “8. Start Your Server”Open the Console page and click Start. Once the console shows the server is running, you and your friends can join.
Tips for a Smooth Switch
Section titled “Tips for a Smooth Switch”- Moving to tModLoader? Use the Mod Manager to install your mods once the server is running.
- Moving to tShock? Set up your admin account and permissions after the first start.
- Not happy with the new type? Go back to Game Swap and switch to your previous slot. Your earlier server stays saved unless you chose to delete it.
- Seeing a problem? Check the Console for errors and restore your backup if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Section titled “Frequently Asked Questions”Will I lose my world when I change server types?
Section titled “Will I lose my world when I change server types?”Your current server is saved in its slot unless you tick Delete Active Server, and the swap backs it up first. Even so, create your own backup before you start.
Can I switch back later?
Section titled “Can I switch back later?”Yes. Use Game Swap to return to your saved slot whenever you like.
Which type should I choose for mods?
Section titled “Which type should I choose for mods?”Choose tModLoader 1.4. It works with the Mod Manager, which installs mods and their dependencies from the Steam Workshop.
Which type should I choose for a public server?
Section titled “Which type should I choose for a public server?”tShock is built for it, with permissions, region protection and anti-grief tools.
How long does a swap take?
Section titled “How long does a swap take?”It runs in the background and usually finishes within a few minutes. You can leave the page while it works.
Need a Terraria Server?
Section titled “Need a Terraria Server?”Looking for managed Terraria hosting with Vanilla, tModLoader and tShock? Check out AleForge’s Terraria server plans.