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Settings Guide: Best Graphics, Server & Performance Tips

Terraria's Settings control gameplay difficulty, UI and input behavior, world creation parameters, autosave and pause behavior, and server configuration. Properly adjusting settings tailors the game to your preferred challenge, multiplayer needs, and platform.

Where to find settings and save files

  • Access Settings from the title screen or in-game Esc menu.
  • Save data locations:
    • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Terraria/Worlds
    • Linux: ~/.local/share/Terraria/Worlds
  • The server executable and example configuration file (serverconfig.txt) live in the Terraria installation directory (e.g., Steam: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Terraria). Use TerrariaServer.exe -config serverconfig.txt to run a server with that file.

Game difficulty and world options

World difficulty (selected when creating a world)

  • Expert Mode: Enemies and bosses have more health, new attacks and debuffs, improved AI, and faster enemy loot/treasure; bosses drop Treasure Bags and exclusive vanity/power items. Respawn is slower and enemies collect dropped coins.
  • Master Mode: Harder than Expert (available as an additional higher-difficulty option).
  • Journey Mode: A creativity-oriented mode that grants special abilities such as changing difficulty, manipulating time, altering enemy spawn rate, and duplicating Research items. Journey worlds can only be entered by characters created as Journey characters.

Character difficulty (selected when creating a character)

  • Sets the difficulty rules for that character across all worlds (Classic/Softcore and other options shown at character creation).

World size and seeds

  • World size choices: Small, Medium (50% larger than Small), Large (twice the size of Small). Size affects travel times and the amount of resources/structures generated.
  • World name appears on the Select World screen and to multiplayer guests.
  • World seed reproduces an identical world when reused; uncommon seeds can dramatically change generation and are not recommended for first playthroughs.

Gameplay and interface settings

  • Autosave: When On, the world saves automatically every 10 minutes. When Off, saves only occur when exiting via the Esc menu.
  • Autopause (single-player only): When On, the game pauses whenever you open the Esc menu or talk to NPCs. Note: enabling Autopause restricts some interactions (inventory drag-and-drop usage is affected; hotbar use remains).
  • Minimap: Toggle map display On/Off.
  • Password masking: Hide passwords with asterisks when joining multiplayer.
  • Zoom: Scales the game viewport independently of resolution; can also be changed with + and - keys in-game.
  • UI Scale (UI Scale/Ul Scale): Scales interface independently of resolution; adjustable only while in-game.
  • Activate Set Bonuses: Configure how armor set bonuses are activated (e.g., press Up twice or Down twice).
  • Smart Doors: Automatically open or close doors when walking through them.
  • Hover Controls: Enable wing hover ability.
  • Autofire: Enable automatic firing for weapons globally.
  • Smart Cursor / Auto Select modes: Make building, tool use, and item placement easier (auto-switches tools or torches when hovering appropriate targets).
  • Cursor and input binding: Rebind keys and take advantage of mouse middle/side buttons for extra input options.
  • Right-click behavior: Right-clicking an enemy with a summon weapon forces minions to target it.

Experimental and advanced client settings (config.json)

  • UseExperimentalFeatures: When true, enables features such as custom seed input and texture pack usage.
  • UseSmartCursorForCommonBlocks: When true, Smart Cursor applies to common block types.
  • SettingsUnlock_WorldEvil: If true, allows choosing Corruption/Crimson even if the world has never entered Hardmode.

Server configuration and networking

  • TerrariaServer.exe accepts command-line parameters and a config file:
    • -config to specify a configuration file.
    • -port to set listen port (default port commonly used is 7777).
    • -players / -maxplayers to set maximum players.
    • -pass / -password to set a server password.
    • -world to load and start with a world.
    • -autocreate to create a world automatically if none is found (size: 1=Small, 2=Medium, 3=Large).
    • -banlist to specify a banlist file (defaults to banlist.txt).
    • -worldname to set the world's display name when auto-creating or loading.
  • Place the server config in the Terraria installation directory or run the server from that directory.

Preparing your network for hosting

  • Assign a static local IP to the server machine to prevent router reassignment from breaking port forwarding.
  • If allowing internet players, forward the server port on your router to the server's static local IP.
  • Ensure the firewall allows TerrariaServer.exe and the chosen port (default 7777).
  • For remote players, provide your router's global IP (or Dynamic DNS name). The game saves IP addresses and not domain names, so instruct players to enter a domain name every time if using Dynamic DNS.

Troubleshooting common connection issues

  • Verify connecting players use the correct IPv4 address or global IP and the correct port.
  • Check firewall and router port forwarding rules.
  • If IP addresses are dynamic, re-check and communicate the current address or use Dynamic DNS and have players enter the domain name rather than a saved IP.

Platform notes

  • Linux/macOS: Server setup and many configuration tasks are performed in a terminal. Use ip addr (Linux/macOS) or ifconfig to find local network interface addresses. Familiarize yourself with basic terminal commands before making changes.

Tips for choosing settings

  • Use Journey Mode for creative play, practicing mechanics, or item research.
  • Use Expert/Master for increased challenge and exclusive loot (Treasure Bags).
  • Turn Autosave On for safety on long runs or unstable systems; use Off if you prefer saving only at exits.
  • Enable Smart Cursor, Auto Select, and Autofire to streamline building and combat, especially on large worlds or creative builds.
  • When hosting, set a clear world name and consider using a password for private sessions. Assign a static IP and forward ports before inviting internet players.