How to set up a Terraria server (TShock)
Set up a Terraria server running TShock: world name, first-time admin setup with the setup code, server password, joining by IP and useful commands.
ESN's Terraria plan (1.5 GB RAM) runs TShock, the most popular Terraria server software. It adds accounts, permissions, region protection and admin commands on top of the normal game.
Set it up #
- Buy the Terraria plan on the panel's plans page and pay on Stripe. The server is set up automatically.
- Open Startup and set World Name. Restart the server so the world is created.
- Watch the Console on first start. TShock prints a one-time setup code.
- Join the server (below), then type
/setup CODEin chat with that code. - Create your owner account:
/user add YourName YourPassword owner, then log in with/login YourName YourPassword. - Type
/setupagain to turn off the setup code.
Join the server #
In Terraria go to Multiplayer, then Join via IP. Enter the IP from your server's page in the panel, then the port. If you set a server password, enter it when asked.
Useful TShock commands #
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
/register password | Players make an account so their character is protected |
/kick name, /ban add name | Remove or ban a player |
/region define name | Protect an area (after /region set 1 and /region set 2) |
/save | Save the world |
/time day | Change the time |
You can also type commands in the panel Console without the slash.
Bring your own world #
Stop the server, upload your .wld file with Files or SFTP into the worlds folder, set World Name to match, and start again. Keep a copy first.
More game plans: game server setup.
FAQ #
What is TShock? #
TShock is Terraria server software that adds accounts, permissions, region protection and admin commands. ESN's Terraria plan runs it.
How do I become admin on a TShock server? #
Use the one-time setup code from the Console: type /setup CODE in game, then create an owner account with /user add.
How do friends join my Terraria server? #
Multiplayer, Join via IP, then the IP and port shown on your server's page in the panel.
How much RAM does a Terraria server need? #
ESN's Terraria plan has 1.5 GB of RAM, which suits a normal group. Big worlds and many players use more.
Still stuck? Use the live chat on the panel or ask in the ESN Systems Discord. Last updated October 31, 2026.