Server Setup Guide for [Terraria] Gamers

Game Server Requirements

Embarking on the journey of hosting a Terraria server demands a foundational understanding of the underlying hardware and software prerequisites. The computational demands of a Terraria server, while not as intensive as some graphically demanding modern titles, are nonetheless crucial for a fluid and enjoyable multiplayer experience. The primary considerations revolve around the central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), and storage, with network bandwidth playing a pivotal role in connectivity.

The CPU, often considered the "brain" of the server, dictates its ability to process game logic, manage player interactions, and handle the dynamic world generation and physics calculations inherent in Terraria. For a small server catering to a handful of friends (2-4 players), a dual-core processor with a clock speed of at least 2.0 GHz is generally sufficient. As the player count scales upwards, particularly into the realm of 10-20 concurrent users, a quad-core processor with higher clock speeds (e.g., 3.0 GHz or above) becomes increasingly imperative. The architecture of the CPU also plays a role; modern architectures with efficient instruction sets will outperform older ones even at similar clock speeds. ( Computer Science: An Overview ) The number of threads a CPU can handle simultaneously is also a factor, as Terraria server processes can benefit from parallel execution, though the game engine itself may not fully saturate a high-thread-count CPU.

RAM is another critical component, serving as the server's short-term memory for active data. Terraria world data, player inventories, entity positions, and ongoing calculations all reside in RAM. For a basic server with a small world and few players, 2 GB of RAM dedicated to the server process might suffice. However, as world size increases (e.g., large worlds in Terraria can be quite expansive), the number of players grows, or if numerous mods are introduced, RAM requirements escalate significantly. A general recommendation for a moderately sized server (5-10 players) would be 4-8 GB of RAM. For larger communities or heavily modded servers, 16 GB or even more might be necessary to prevent lag and crashes. Insufficient RAM can lead to frequent disk I/O as the server attempts to swap data to slower storage, resulting in noticeable performance degradation.

Storage, while not directly impacting real-time performance as much as CPU or RAM, is crucial for world persistence and quick loading times. Solid-state drives (SSDs) are overwhelmingly preferred over traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) for server storage. The significantly faster read/write speeds of SSDs translate to quicker world loading, faster saving, and reduced stuttering when the server needs to access large amounts of data. While a Terraria world file itself might only be tens or hundreds of megabytes, the constant saving and loading operations benefit immensely from SSD performance. A minimum of 20 GB of SSD space is recommended for the operating system and Terraria server files, with additional space allocated for backups and potential mod installations.

Network bandwidth is the lifeline of any online game server. It dictates the speed and reliability of data transfer between the server and connected players. For Terraria, which is not as bandwidth-intensive as some first-person shooters, a stable internet connection with adequate upload and download speeds is essential. A general guideline for a small server is an upload speed of at least 5-10 Mbps. As player count increases, this should scale upwards, with 20-50 Mbps or more being ideal for larger communities. Latency, measured in milliseconds (ms), is equally important. Lower latency means quicker response times between player actions and server reactions, leading to a smoother gameplay experience. Hosting providers often specify guaranteed bandwidth and low-latency connections, which are critical factors to consider.

Finally, the operating system (OS) on which the server runs is a consideration. Terraria servers can operate on Windows, Linux, or macOS. Linux distributions, particularly lightweight server-focused versions like Ubuntu Server or Debian, are often favored for their efficiency, stability, and lower resource overhead, making them ideal for dedicated server environments. Windows Server editions also provide a robust platform but may consume more resources. The choice of OS can influence the ease of setup, maintenance, and the availability of specific tools or scripts for server management.

In summary, the optimal Terraria server requirements are a dynamic interplay of these components, directly proportional to the desired player count, world size, and the extent of modding. A careful assessment of these factors will lay the groundwork for a successful and enjoyable multiplayer experience.

Beginner's Guide

Setting up your very own Terraria server, while seemingly daunting, is a rewarding endeavor that unlocks a personalized multiplayer experience. This guide will walk you through the fundamental steps, from downloading the server software to configuring it for your friends.

The first step involves acquiring the Terraria server software. This is typically included with the game itself. Navigate to your Terraria installation directory. On Windows, this is often found at C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Terraria. Within this directory, you'll find an executable file named TerrariaServer.exe. This is the heart of your server.

Before launching the server, it's crucial to understand port forwarding. Imagine your home network as a fortress with a single gate (your router). For external players to connect to your Terraria server, you need to tell your router to direct incoming connections on a specific "port" to the computer hosting the server. The default port for Terraria is 7777. You'll need to access your router's administration panel, usually by typing its IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1) into a web browser. The exact steps for port forwarding vary significantly between router models, so consulting your router's manual or searching online for "port forwarding [your router model]" is highly recommended. You'll typically look for sections like "Port Forwarding," "Virtual Servers," or "NAT Settings." You'll need to specify the internal IP address of the computer hosting the server, the external and internal port (7777 for Terraria), and the protocol (TCP/UDP, or often "Both").

Once port forwarding is configured, launch TerrariaServer.exe. A command-line interface will appear, guiding you through the initial setup. You'll be prompted to choose a world. You can either select an existing world from your single-player saves or create a new one. If creating a new world, you'll specify its size (Small, Medium, Large) and difficulty (Journey, Classic, Expert, Master). The server will then ask for the maximum number of players. Be mindful of your hardware limitations when setting this value. Next, you'll be asked for the server port (default 7777) and whether to automatically port forward (which often fails and is why manual port forwarding is recommended). Finally, you can set a server password, which is highly advisable to prevent unwanted guests.

After these initial configurations, the server will start. You'll see messages indicating world loading and server initialization. Once it says "Server started," your server is live!

To connect to your server, your friends will need your public IP address. You can find this by searching "What is my IP" on Google. Provide this IP address and the server port (7777) to your friends. They will then launch Terraria, select "Multiplayer," "Join via IP," and enter the details. If you are playing on the same local network as the server, you can connect using the server's local IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.X).

Managing your server involves a few key commands. In the server console, you can type help to see a list of available commands. Some essential commands include:

save: Saves the current world state.

kick [player name]: Removes a player from the server.

ban [player name]: Prevents a player from rejoining.

time: Displays the current in-game time.

exit: Shuts down the server gracefully, saving the world first.

Regularly saving your world is paramount to prevent data loss. Consider setting up automated backups if your hosting solution allows it. As you become more comfortable, you might explore server configuration files (like serverconfig.txt) for advanced settings, such as setting a welcome message, enabling PvP, or adjusting spawn rates.

This beginner's guide provides the essential steps to get your Terraria server up and running. With a little patience and attention to detail, you'll soon be exploring new worlds with your friends.

Hosting Service Comparison and Recommendations

Choosing the right hosting service for your Terraria server is a pivotal decision that directly impacts performance, reliability, and your overall experience. The landscape of game server hosting is diverse, offering a spectrum of options from free solutions to premium dedicated servers. This section will dissect the various types of hosting, compare their advantages and disadvantages, and provide recommendations tailored for the Terraria gamer.

Types of Hosting

Self-Hosting: This involves running the Terraria server directly on your personal computer or a dedicated machine within your home network.

Advantages: Free (excluding electricity and hardware costs), complete control over the server environment, no data caps from a host.

Disadvantages: Requires technical expertise for port forwarding and network configuration, reliant on your home internet connection's stability and upload speed, consumes local resources (CPU, RAM), server goes offline when your computer is off, potential security risks if not properly secured.

Recommendation: Ideal for small groups of friends (2-4 players) who are comfortable with technical setup and have a robust internet connection. Not suitable for large communities or 24/7 uptime.

Shared Game Hosting: This is the most common and often most affordable option. Multiple game servers (from different users) share resources on a single physical server.

Advantages: Cost-effective, easy setup with user-friendly control panels, often includes DDoS protection, 24/7 uptime, no need for port forwarding.

Disadvantages: Performance can be inconsistent due to "noisy neighbors" (other servers consuming excessive resources), limited customization options, resource allocation is shared.

Recommendation: Excellent for most Terraria players looking for a balance of cost and convenience. Suitable for small to medium-sized communities (5-15 players) who prioritize ease of use and consistent uptime over absolute peak performance. Look for hosts specializing in Terraria to ensure optimized configurations.

Virtual Private Servers (VPS): A VPS provides a virtualized slice of a physical server, offering dedicated resources (CPU, RAM, storage) within that virtual environment. You have root access to your VPS, allowing for greater control.

Advantages: Dedicated resources ensure more consistent performance than shared hosting, full root access for extensive customization and modding, scalable resources, often more affordable than dedicated servers.

Disadvantages: Requires more technical knowledge to set up and manage the operating system and server software, still shares the underlying physical hardware with other VPS instances (though resources are dedicated).

Recommendation: A strong choice for experienced Terraria players or communities (10-25+ players) who desire greater control, plan to run heavily modded servers, or require specific software installations. It offers a significant performance boost over shared hosting without the full cost of a dedicated machine.

Dedicated Servers: You rent an entire physical server, with all its resources exclusively yours.

Advantages: Maximum performance and stability, complete control over hardware and software, unparalleled customization, ideal for very large communities or complex setups.

Disadvantages: Most expensive option, requires significant technical expertise for setup, maintenance, and security.

Recommendation: Overkill for most Terraria servers. Only consider this for extremely large communities (50+ players), professional esports teams, or if you plan to host multiple game servers simultaneously.

Key Factors for Comparison

When evaluating hosting providers, several critical factors should guide your decision:

Performance: Look for hosts offering high-clock-speed CPUs (e.g., Intel i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen equivalents), ample RAM (4GB+ for Terraria), and SSD storage. Some hosts specify "game-optimized" CPUs, which can be beneficial.

Location: Choose a server location geographically close to the majority of your players to minimize latency (ping). A lower ping translates to a smoother, more responsive gameplay experience.

Uptime Guarantee: Reputable hosts offer 99.9% or higher uptime guarantees, ensuring your server is consistently available.

DDoS Protection: Essential for mitigating malicious attacks that can disrupt your server. Most quality game hosts include this.

Control Panel: A user-friendly control panel (e.g., cPanel, Multicraft, or custom panels) simplifies server management, world uploads, mod installations, and configuration changes.

Customer Support: Responsive and knowledgeable support is invaluable, especially when troubleshooting issues. Look for 24/7 support via live chat, tickets, or phone.

Pricing and Scalability: Compare pricing structures, ensuring transparency regarding hidden fees. Consider if the host allows for easy scaling of resources (RAM, CPU) as your server grows.

Backup Solutions: Automatic daily or weekly backups are crucial for disaster recovery.

Mod Support: If you plan to use Terraria mods (e.g., tModLoader), ensure the host supports or facilitates their installation.

Recommendations for Terraria

For the vast majority of Terraria gamers, shared game hosting or a VPS offers the best balance.

For casual groups (2-8 players): A reputable shared game host specializing in Terraria is often the most straightforward and cost-effective solution. Look for providers with positive reviews regarding Terraria performance.

For growing communities or modded servers (8-20 players): Consider upgrading to a VPS. This provides the dedicated resources needed to handle increased player counts and the computational demands of extensive mod packs without the full cost of a dedicated server.

For highly technical users or very large communities (20+ players): A VPS with higher specifications or, in rare cases, a dedicated server might be warranted.

Always read reviews from other gamers, check their Terraria-specific offerings, and consider starting with a monthly plan to test the service before committing to a longer term. The goal is to find a host that provides a stable, low-latency environment, allowing you and your friends to fully immerse yourselves in the boundless world of Terraria.

Troubleshooting

Even the most meticulously configured Terraria server can encounter issues. Effective troubleshooting involves a systematic approach to identify and resolve problems, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted gaming experience. This section outlines common server problems and provides actionable solutions.

Common Server Problems and Solutions

Players Cannot Connect (Connection Refused/Timed Out): This is arguably the most frequent issue.

Verify Server Status: First, ensure the TerrariaServer.exe is actually running and hasn't crashed. Check the server console for any error messages.

Port Forwarding: Re-check your router's port forwarding settings. Is port 7777 (or your chosen port) correctly forwarded to the internal IP address of the server machine? Is the protocol set to TCP/UDP or "Both"?

Firewall: The operating system's firewall (e.g., Windows Defender Firewall, iptables on Linux) can block incoming connections. Create an exception for TerrariaServer.exe or open port 7777 for both TCP and UDP.

Public IP Address: Ensure players are using your correct public IP address. This can change if your ISP assigns dynamic IPs. Use a service like whatismyip.com to confirm.

Server Password: If a server password is set, ensure players are entering it correctly.

Router Firewall/Security Features: Some routers have advanced security features (e.g., SPI Firewall, parental controls) that might interfere. Temporarily disabling them for testing can help diagnose.

ISP Restrictions: In rare cases, ISPs might block certain ports. Contact your ISP if all other steps fail.

Server Lag/Performance Issues: Characterized by delayed actions, rubber-banding, or frequent disconnections.

Resource Utilization: Monitor the server machine's CPU, RAM, and disk usage. If any resource is consistently at 90-100%, it's a bottleneck.

CPU: High CPU usage often indicates too many players for the server's processing power, or a complex mod. Consider upgrading the CPU or reducing player count.

RAM: If RAM is consistently full, the server is swapping to disk, causing slowdowns. Increase RAM.

Disk I/O: Slow storage (HDD) can cause lag during world saves or chunk loading. Upgrade to an SSD.

Network Bandwidth: Check your internet connection's upload speed. Insufficient upload bandwidth will cause lag for all players. Run a speed test.

Player Count: Terraria server performance scales with player count. If you're pushing the limits of your hardware, reduce the maximum players.

World Size: Large worlds consume more resources. Consider starting a smaller world if performance is critical.

Mods: Heavily modded servers significantly increase resource demands. Test mods individually to identify performance hogs.

Server Location (for hosted servers): If using a hosting service, ensure the server is geographically close to the majority of your players to minimize latency.

Background Processes: On a self-hosted machine, close any unnecessary applications or background processes that consume CPU or RAM.

Server Crashes: The server unexpectedly shuts down.

Error Logs: The Terraria server console or log files (often in the server directory) will usually provide an error message indicating the cause of the crash. Search for these error messages online.

Out of Memory: A common cause. Increase RAM or reduce resource-intensive activities.

Corrupt World File: A world file can become corrupted, especially after unexpected shutdowns. Try loading a backup of the world.

Mod Conflicts: If using mods, conflicts between them or incompatibility with the server version can lead to crashes. Disable mods one by one to isolate the culprit.

Outdated Server Software: Ensure your TerrariaServer.exe is the latest version, matching the game client version.

Operating System Stability: Ensure the underlying OS is stable and up-to-date.

World Not Saving/Progress Lost:

Permissions: Ensure the server process has write permissions to the world file directory. This is more common on Linux systems.

Disk Space: Verify there is sufficient free disk space for the world file to be saved.

Graceful Shutdown: Always use the save command followed by exit in the server console to ensure a graceful shutdown and world save. Force-closing the server can lead to data corruption.

Backup Strategy: Implement a regular backup strategy. This is your ultimate safeguard against data loss.

General Troubleshooting Principles

Isolate the Problem: Try to narrow down the cause. Does the problem occur for all players or just one? Does it happen on all worlds or just one specific world? Does it happen with or without mods?

Check for Updates: Ensure both the Terraria game client and server software are up-to-date.

Consult Community Resources: The official Terraria forums, Reddit communities, and fan wikis are excellent sources for troubleshooting common issues. Many problems have already been encountered and solved by others.

Restart: Sometimes, a simple restart of the server, router, or even the entire computer can resolve transient issues.

Document Changes: Keep a record of any changes you make to the server configuration or network settings. This helps in backtracking if a new problem arises.

By systematically addressing these potential issues, you can effectively troubleshoot and maintain a stable and enjoyable Terraria server for your community.

Performance Optimization Tips

Optimizing your Terraria server's performance is crucial for delivering a seamless and lag-free experience, especially as player counts rise or mod complexity increases. This involves a combination of hardware considerations, software configurations, and in-game management.

Hardware-Level Optimizations

Prioritize CPU Clock Speed: Terraria's server process is largely single-threaded, meaning it benefits more from higher individual core clock speeds than from a large number of cores. When choosing a CPU, favor processors with higher GHz ratings over those with more cores but lower individual core speeds, especially for shared or VPS environments where you might only be allocated a few cores.

Ample and Fast RAM: Ensure your server has sufficient RAM to load the entire world and accommodate all player data without resorting to disk swapping. Furthermore, faster RAM (higher MHz) can slightly improve overall system responsiveness, though its impact on Terraria specifically is less pronounced than CPU speed.

SSD Storage is Non-Negotiable: As previously mentioned, an SSD dramatically reduces world loading times and minimizes stuttering during auto-saves or when new chunks are generated. This is one of the most impactful hardware upgrades for server performance.

Stable Network Connection: A high-quality, low-latency internet connection with sufficient upload bandwidth is paramount. For self-hosted servers, consider a wired Ethernet connection over Wi-Fi to minimize packet loss and latency fluctuations.

Software-Level Optimizations

Operating System Choice: For dedicated server environments (VPS or bare metal), lightweight Linux distributions (e.g., Ubuntu Server, Debian) often offer better performance than Windows Server due to lower resource overhead. They consume less RAM and CPU, leaving more resources for the Terraria server itself.

Keep Server Software Updated: Always run the latest stable version of the Terraria server software. Developers frequently release performance improvements and bug fixes.

Minimize Background Processes: On a self-hosted machine or a VPS, ensure no unnecessary applications or services are running in the background. Every background process consumes CPU cycles and RAM that could otherwise be dedicated to the Terraria server.

Firewall Configuration: While necessary for security, an overly aggressive or misconfigured firewall can introduce latency. Ensure only the necessary ports (e.g., 7777) are open and that the firewall isn't performing deep packet inspection on game traffic.

Server Configuration File (serverconfig.txt):

maxplayers: Set this to a realistic number based on your hardware. Overestimating can lead to lag.

autocreate: If creating a new world, consider autocreate=1 (small), autocreate=2 (medium), or autocreate=3 (large) to pre-generate the world. Larger worlds consume more resources.

worldpath: Ensure the world file is on an SSD.

motd: Keep the Message of the Day concise to avoid unnecessary processing.

upnp: Set to false if you've manually port forwarded, as UPnP can sometimes cause conflicts.

In-Game and Mod-Related Optimizations

Manage Player Count: The most direct way to reduce server load is to limit the number of concurrent players. Each player adds to the computational burden.

World Size: Smaller worlds generally perform better than large worlds due to less data needing to be managed and loaded.

Mod Management:

Selective Mod Use: Each mod adds overhead. Only install mods that are truly essential for your gameplay experience.

Performance-Oriented Mods: Some mods are specifically designed to improve server performance (e.g., by optimizing entity processing). Research these carefully.

Test Mods Individually: If you suspect a mod is causing performance issues, disable them one by one to identify the culprit.

Keep Mods Updated: Outdated mods can cause conflicts and performance degradation.

Entity Management:

Excessive Items/Entities: A large number of dropped items, loose blocks, or unmanaged NPCs can contribute to lag. Encourage players to clean up their areas.

Mob Farms: While fun, overly efficient mob farms can generate a massive number of entities, straining server resources. Consider limiting their scale or implementing despawn mechanisms.

Regular Restarts: Periodically restarting the server (e.g., daily or every few days) can help clear memory leaks and refresh server processes, leading to more stable performance. Ensure a graceful shutdown with save and exit.

Backup Strategy: While not directly a performance tip, having a robust backup strategy allows you to quickly restore a working state if an optimization attempt goes awry, minimizing downtime.

By diligently applying these optimization techniques, you can significantly enhance your Terraria server's performance, providing a smoother, more enjoyable, and less frustrating experience for all players.

Technical Q&A

This section addresses common technical questions that arise during the setup, management, and troubleshooting of a Terraria server, providing concise and authoritative answers.

Q1: What is the difference between a local IP address and a public IP address, and which one do my friends need to connect?

A1: A local IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100) is an address assigned to a device within your private home network. Devices on the same local network use this to communicate. A public IP address (e.g., 203.0.113.45) is the unique address assigned to your entire home network by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). It's how your network is identified on the broader internet. Your friends, connecting from outside your home network, need your public IP address to reach your Terraria server. You, if playing on the same local network as the server, can use the local IP.

Q2: Why is port forwarding necessary for self-hosting a Terraria server?

A2: Port forwarding is essential because your router acts as a firewall, blocking unsolicited incoming connections from the internet to devices within your private network. When a player tries to connect to your Terraria server, their request arrives at your router's public IP address on a specific port (default 7777). Without port forwarding, the router doesn't know which internal device (your server computer) should receive that request and simply drops it. Port forwarding explicitly tells the router to direct incoming traffic on that specific port to the designated internal IP address of your Terraria server.

Q3: Can I run a Terraria server and play Terraria on the same computer?

A3: Yes, it is technically possible to run a Terraria server and play the game on the same computer. However, this is generally not recommended for optimal performance, especially if you have limited hardware resources or plan to host for more than a few players. Running both simultaneously will divide your computer's CPU, RAM, and network bandwidth between the game client and the server process, potentially leading to lag, stuttering, or even crashes for both. For the best experience, it's preferable to host the server on a separate machine or a dedicated hosting service.

Q4: How do I backup my Terraria world files?

A4: Backing up your Terraria world files is crucial to prevent data loss. World files are typically located in Documents\My Games\Terraria\Worlds on Windows. To back up, simply copy the entire .wld file (and its corresponding .wld.bak file, if present) to a safe location, such as an external hard drive, cloud storage, or another directory. For server backups, you would copy the world files from the server's world directory. It's recommended to perform backups regularly, especially before making significant changes or updates.

Q5: What is the significance of latency (ping) in Terraria multiplayer?

A5: Latency, commonly referred to as "ping," measures the time it takes for a data packet to travel from your computer to the server and back, expressed in milliseconds (ms). In Terraria multiplayer, low latency is critical for a smooth and responsive gameplay experience. High latency (e.g., over 100-150ms) can lead to noticeable delays between your actions and the server's response, resulting in "rubber-banding" (where your character teleports back to a previous position), delayed hits on enemies, and general desynchronization. This is why choosing a server location geographically close to the majority of players is important.

Q6: My server console shows "Error: World not found!" What does this mean?

A6: This error typically indicates that the Terraria server software cannot locate the world file it's configured to load. This can happen if:

The world file was moved or deleted from its expected directory.

The world parameter in your serverconfig.txt file (if used) points to an incorrect path or filename.

You manually typed the world name incorrectly during the server's initial setup prompt. Verify the world file's existence and its exact name and path. Ensure the server has read permissions for the directory containing the world file.

Q7: How can I add mods (e.g., tModLoader) to my Terraria server?

A7: Adding mods to a Terraria server typically requires using a modified server executable, such as the one provided by tModLoader.

Install tModLoader: First, ensure tModLoader is installed on your client.

Download tModLoader Server: Download the dedicated tModLoader server files from the official tModLoader GitHub or website. These are separate from the vanilla Terraria server files.

Replace Server Executable: Replace your vanilla TerrariaServer.exe with the tModLoader server executable (often named tModLoaderServer.exe or similar) in your server directory.

Mod Installation: Place your desired .tmod files into the Mods folder within your Terraria server's directory (or the tModLoader server's dedicated folder).

Launch and Configure: Launch the tModLoader server executable. It will guide you through world selection and configuration, similar to the vanilla server, but with mod support enabled. Note that modded servers often have higher resource requirements than vanilla servers. ( tModLoader Official Documentation )

Q8: What is the purpose of the serverconfig.txt file?

A8: The serverconfig.txt file is a plain text configuration file that allows you to define various parameters for your Terraria server without having to manually input them every time you launch TerrariaServer.exe. It's used for persistent settings such as the world path, maximum players, server port, server password, Message of the Day (MOTD), auto-save interval, and more. By editing this file, you can automate server startup and customize its behavior. If this file is present in the same directory as TerrariaServer.exe, the server will read its settings from there upon launch.

Q9: My server is constantly getting attacked by DDoS. What can I do?

A9: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks can overwhelm your server with traffic, making it inaccessible.

Use a Hosting Service with DDoS Protection: The most effective solution is to use a reputable game hosting provider that includes robust DDoS protection as part of their service. These services have specialized hardware and software to filter malicious traffic.

Change IP Address: If self-hosting, your public IP address might be compromised. Contact your ISP to request a new public IP address.

Firewall Rules: Implement strict firewall rules to only allow traffic on necessary ports (7777 for Terraria) and potentially block known malicious IP ranges, though this is less effective against sophisticated attacks.

VPN/Proxy (Advanced): For self-hosted servers, routing traffic through a DDoS-protected VPN or proxy service can offer some defense, but this adds complexity and can introduce latency.

Report Attacks: If the attacks are severe and persistent, you may consider reporting them to your ISP or local law enforcement, as DDoS attacks are illegal in many jurisdictions.

Q10: How do I ensure my server is secure from unauthorized access?

A10: Server security is paramount.

Strong Server Password: Always set a strong, unique password for your Terraria server.

Operating System Security:

Keep your OS updated with the latest security patches.

Use a strong administrator password.

Enable a firewall and configure it correctly.

For Linux servers, use SSH with key-based authentication instead of passwords, and disable root login.

Minimize Open Ports: Only open the ports absolutely necessary for the server (e.g., 7777 for Terraria, 22 for SSH if using Linux).

Regular Backups: While not directly security, backups are your last line of defense against data corruption or malicious actions.

Monitor Logs: Periodically review server logs for suspicious activity or failed login attempts.

Trusted Players: Only give administrative privileges (if using server wrappers or advanced tools) to trusted individuals.

By understanding these technical aspects, you can maintain a more robust, secure, and high-performing Terraria server.