How to Host a Terraria Server on Steam

Greetings Devs! Are you ready to embark on a new adventure in Terraria with your friends? One of the best ways to experience Terraria is through multiplayer gameplay. In order to achieve this, you might want to host your own Terraria server on Steam. In this article, we’ll go through the steps and requirements to help you get started!

What is Terraria?

Before we dive into hosting a Terraria server on Steam, let’s first talk about what Terraria is. Terraria is a sandbox-style game that combines elements of action, adventure, and exploration. It’s often compared to Minecraft due to its open-world, retro graphics, and crafting elements. However, Terraria has its own unique charm and features that make it stand out.

The game is set in a 2D world where players can mine resources, gather materials, and build structures. The world is populated with creatures of all shapes and sizes, including bosses that require skill and strategy to defeat. All of this can be experienced either alone or with friends in multiplayer co-op mode.

What is Steam?

Steam is a platform that allows gamers to purchase and play games on their PC. It also provides several features, including a social network, cloud storage, and multiplayer matchmaking. In order to host a Terraria server, you’ll need to have a Steam account and the game installed on your computer.

Step 1: Set Up a Steam Account

The first step in hosting a Terraria server on Steam is to set up a Steam account. If you already have a Steam account, you can skip this step. To set up a Steam account, follow these steps:

Step
Description
1
Go to the Steam website
2
Click on the “Join Steam” button on the top right corner of the page
3
Enter your email address and create a password
4
Click on the “I Agree” button to accept the terms of service
5
Complete the registration process by following the prompts

Step 2: Purchase and Install Terraria

In order to host a Terraria server, you’ll need to have the game installed on your computer. If you haven’t purchased the game yet, you can do so through Steam. To purchase and install Terraria, follow these steps:

Step
Description
1
Open Steam and log in to your account
2
Search for Terraria in the Steam store
3
Click on the “Add to Cart” button
4
Complete the purchase by following the prompts
5
Once the game is purchased, it will be added to your library. Click on the “Install” button to download and install the game

Step 3: Set Up a Terraria Server

Option 1: Using the Built-In Server

One of the easiest ways to host a Terraria server is by using the built-in server features. This allows you to host a server straight from the game without having to download any additional software. To set up a server using the built-in features, follow these steps:

Step
Description
1
Launch Terraria from your Steam library
2
Click on the “Multiplayer” option on the main menu
3
Select “Host & Play” from the list of options
4
Configure your server settings, including the world size, password, and maximum number of players
5
Click on the “Start Server” button to launch the server
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Option 2: Using Dedicated Server Software

If you’re looking for more advanced server settings and features, you might want to consider using a dedicated server software. This requires downloading and installing additional software, but it allows for more customization and control over your server. To set up a dedicated server, follow these steps:

Step
Description
1
Download and install the Terraria server software from the official Terraria website
2
Launch the server software and configure your server settings
3
Forward your ports to allow traffic to your server
4
Share your server IP address with your friends so they can join your server

Step 4: Join a Terraria Server

Once your Terraria server is up and running, you can invite your friends to join you. To join a server, follow these steps:

Step
Description
1
Launch Terraria from your Steam library
2
Click on the “Multiplayer” option on the main menu
3
Select the server you want to join from the list of available servers
4
Enter the server password (if required)
5
Click on the “Join Server” button to connect to the server

FAQ

Q1: Can I host a Terraria server without Steam?

A1: Yes, you can host a Terraria server without using Steam by using third-party software. However, this requires more technical knowledge and is not officially supported by the game developers.

Q2: How many players can join a Terraria server?

A2: The number of players that can join a Terraria server depends on the server settings and the performance of the host computer. The maximum number of players is typically around 8-16.

Q3: Can I modify my Terraria server?

A3: Yes, you can modify your Terraria server by downloading and installing mods. However, it’s important to note that mods can affect the stability and performance of your server.

Q4: Can I play Terraria with friends who don’t own the game?

A4: No, all players who want to play Terraria must have a Steam account and purchase the game. There is no free-to-play option at this time.

Q5: Can I host a Terraria server on a virtual private server (VPS)?

A5: Yes, you can host a Terraria server on a VPS. However, this requires more technical knowledge and configuration than hosting a server on your own computer.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Devs! You’ve now learned how to host a Terraria server on Steam. Whether you’re playing with friends or going solo, Terraria offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Have fun and happy crafting!