This guide covers running a Terraria server on 8Bit Hosting. It covers first connection, configuration, mods, admin, performance, backups and security. Everything is done from the 8Bit Hosting panel.
1. Get your server online
Start the server from the panel and wait for Running. Use Multiplayer → Join via IP, port 7777. Your IP and port (7777) are shown at the top of the server page.
2. Essential configuration
Open serverconfig.txt in the File Manager. The settings you'll touch most are worldname, difficulty, maxplayers, password, autocreate. Edit, save, then Restart to apply. Always take a backup before large changes.
3. Adding mods
Run tModLoader for mods (Mod Browser / enabled.json); vanilla servers can't use mods. Stop the server, add your files via the File Manager or SFTP, then start up and watch the Console for load messages. Keep everything matched to your server version, mismatches are the #1 cause of join failures.
4. Players & admins
With TShock, use /auth to become superadmin; otherwise set a password. Only hand admin to people you trust, and use strong passwords for admin features.
5. Performance & optimisation
Use a higher plan for large worlds and busy events. Watch the CPU/RAM graphs on your server page, if you're regularly near 100%, the simplest fix is moving up a plan. Schedule a daily restart to keep memory clean.
6. Backups & updates
Your important data lives in your .wld world file (+ its .bak). Use Premium Backups (off-site encrypted backups) before any big change. To update: Update Terraria/tModLoader from Startup, then restart; keep mods matched.
7. Security & privacy
Set a password in serverconfig.txt. Combine a password/whitelist with a short admin list and regular backups for a safe, stable server.
8. Troubleshooting checklist
- Mods won't load, you need tModLoader, not vanilla.
- Can't connect, port 7777 + world loaded.
- World reset, always back up first.
Need a hand?
Open a support ticket with the error from your Console and our team will help you get sorted.
8Bit Hosting