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Multiplayer Guide: Host & Play, Dedicated Servers, Ports (7777)

Multiplayer in Terraria lets multiple players share a world, cooperate, compete, or run custom game modes. This page explains how to host and join games, prepare your network, secure and manage multiplayer sessions, and common PvP/competitive formats and tactics.

Hosting options: Host & Play vs Dedicated Server

  • Host & Play: Easiest method. From the title screen choose Multiplayer → Host & Play, pick a character and world (or create one), choose Steam multiplayer mode (Friends Only, Invite Only, or Public), optionally set a password, and start. Best for quick co-op or LAN games.
  • Dedicated Server: Runs as a standalone server process suitable for always-on worlds and many players. The TerrariaServer binary (distributed with the game or downloadable from terraria.org) provides a setup wizard on first run. Dedicated servers are platform-agnostic (Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD with Mono); on Unix systems run the TerrariaServer executable with Mono.

Preparing your network

  • Local Network (LAN): Players on the same router can join using the server computer's IPv4 address. Use ip addr / ifconfig (Linux/macOS/FreeBSD) or Windows' ipconfig to find the local IP.
  • Over the Internet: Remote players must connect to your external (public) IP. You must forward the Terraria port (default 7777) on your router to the server machine and ensure the server has a static local IP.
  • Static IP: Assign a static local IP to the computer running the server to prevent the router from changing it and breaking port forwarding.
  • Finding external IP: Use a simple service like whatsmyip.com or api.ipify.org to discover your public IP for friends to use.

Port forwarding, firewall, and connectivity troubleshooting

  • Forward the server port (default 7777) in your router settings to the server machine. Guides for port forwarding exist for most router models.
  • Ensure firewall rules allow TerrariaServer.exe (or the game when using Host & Play) and the port through.
  • If players cannot connect: verify the IP/port, check firewall and router port forwarding, ensure the server is running, and consider whether dynamic external IP changed (use Dynamic DNS if needed). For LAN play ensure players use the server's local IPv4 address.

Joining games

  • Join via Steam Friends: Multiplayer → Join via Steam (Friends) to see and join a friend's running game. If the host set Invite Only, the host must invite you via the in-game Invite Friends button (Settings → Invite Friends) which opens the Steam overlay.
  • Join via IP: Multiplayer → Join via IP, pick a character, and enter the server IP and port (local IPv4 for LAN, external IP for internet). Password required if host set one.
  • Invite system: For Invite Only worlds, the host uses the in-game invite dialog to send Steam invites; guests accept the invite through the Steam overlay notification.

Server setup and first run

  • For dedicated servers, run TerrariaServer (or TerrariaServer.exe with Mono on Unix), follow the wizard to select or create a world, set a name, password (optional), and max players.
  • On first world generation via server, quit to ensure world files initialize correctly.
  • On Unix servers (FreeBSD/Linux/macOS), install and use Mono where required. On FreeBSD, common practice is to run the server under a dedicated user and manage it with screen and an init script.

Multiplayer modes, rules, and variants

  • Core types: Capture the Gem (CTG), Team Deathmatch, Battle Royale, Hunger Games, Duels, Class Wars, and difficulty-restricted modes (Mediumcore/Hardcore). CTG is the most elaborate community format with specific rules and map design conventions.
  • CTG basics: Two teams, bases placed east and west of map center, gems placed in chests away from bases, a Preparation Time (commonly 15 minutes) for caving and building defenses, then an attack phase to capture the opponent's gem.
  • Variants: Many CTG rule-sets exist (Odyssey, Psi CTG, Softcore CTG, Pedguin CTG, etc.) that change starter gear, allowed items, timing, and victory conditions. Tournaments like Gem Wars run formal brackets and standardized rulesets.

Common multiplayer tactics (team play & PvP)

  • Role division during Preparation Time: Typical roles include cavers (resource gathering), base/defense builder, and support (ammo, traps, wiring).
  • Scouting and ambush: Use Wormhole Potions to teleport teammates for coordinated ambushes; Invisibility potions for stealth while scouting; Sniper Rifles/Scopes/Binoculars can spot opponents.
  • Mobility: High maneuverability is critical in PvP. Equip fast wings, Tabi, a fast grappling hook (e.g., Bat Hook), and consider Swiftness Potions (+25% movement). Vertical mobility often provides better dodging options—choose wings with strong vertical lift.
  • Combat tactics: "Arrow spam" (mass ranged suppressive fire), skybridging, tunneling, hooks + melee to negate knockback, and coordinated team pushes are common. Projectile-limit tactics (spawning many persistent projectiles to block new ones) exist but can cause major lag and disable many weapon types.
  • Railway and boss strategies: For boss fights in multiplayer, rails and bumpers or long circuits can create safe movement patterns for less mobile strategies.

Server security and grief prevention

  • No in-game measure guarantees preventing a determined griefer from damaging structures; even low-tier tools can break blocks.
  • Best practices:
    • Play with trusted people or known communities.
    • Keep backups of world and character files; restore if grief occurs.
    • Hosts can disable Autosave; quitting without saving can revert recent damage (at the cost of losing progress).
    • Public servers should run server-side plugins or management tools (e.g., TShock) to provide protection, bans, and rollback features.

Running public servers and communities

  • If you want more players, list your server on public server lists after confirming port forwarding and firewall settings.
  • Use server rules and announcements to set expectations (e.g., no griefing, permitted PvP rules, allowed items).
  • For tournaments and structured play, adopt a shared ruleset and map standards to ensure fairness (e.g., base distances, chest placements, and Preparation Time).

Troubleshooting and common errors

  • Server not starting: check for typos in config, missing dependencies (Mono on Unix), port conflicts, and run the server from the correct directory. Reinstall if necessary.
  • Connection failures: verify IP and port, check forwarded port and firewall, confirm server is listening, and ensure client uses the right address format (IPv4).
  • Dynamic IP issues: if your external IP changes, update players or use Dynamic DNS and instruct players to join via the domain name.

Miscellaneous tips

  • For Invite Only hosting, use the in-game invite system to control who can join.
  • Use Wormhole Potions and coordinated teleport-based plays for surprise attacks.
  • Save server configuration and world backups regularly, especially before tournaments or large events.

This guide covers practical setup, network preparation, hosting modes, common multiplayer formats and tactics, and basic server administration to run reliable and enjoyable Terraria multiplayer sessions.