> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Set Up Starter Kits & Loadouts in Terraria

> Optimize player retention on your TShock server. Learn how to implement Starter Kits and Server-Side Characters (SSC) to provide a balanced survival experience.

## Onboarding Survivors: Strategic Starter Kits

Public Terraria servers can be a daunting environment for new survivors attempting to establish themselves within an existing world. By implementing a standardized "Starter Kit," you provide new community members with essential mobility tools (such as a Magic Mirror) and basic defensive equipment, significantly improving player retention and early-game engagement. This guide walk you through the technical implementation of the **StarterPack** framework and the mandatory synchronization of **Server-Side Characters (SSC)** on the FREAKHOSTING platform.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Difficulty" icon="gauge-low">
    Intermediate
  </Card>

  <Card title="Time" icon="clock">
    6 Minutes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Technical Deployment of StarterPack

The most efficient method for managing initial loadouts is using the **StarterPack** plugin for the TShock framework.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Acquire Latest Assets">
    Download the `StarterPack.dll` binary from the official TShock plugin repository.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Deploy to Server">
    use the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com) File Manager or SFTP to upload the DLL into your `/ServerPlugins/` directory.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Initialize the Registry">
    Restart your server once. This action programmatically generates the `StarterPack.json` configuration file within the same folder.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Define Item Identifiers">
    Open the configuration and populate the kit with specific **Item IDs**.

    * **Recommended IDs:** `50` (Magic Mirror), `2322` (Mining Helmet), `20` (Copper Broadsword).
    * **Balance Warning:** Avoid providing "End-Game" artifacts like the Zenith, as this neutralizes the world's sense of progression and reduces player longevity.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Essential Logic: Server-Side Characters (SSC)

To ensure your starter kits are mandatory and to prevent community imbalance, you must authorize the **Server-Side Characters** feature.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="The Technical Reason">
    Without SSC, the Terraria engine allows players to connect using characters from their local singleplayer worlds. This enables malicious actors or veterans to enter your survival server with endgame gear, instantly bypassing your intended progression curve.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Implementing SSC">
    Navigate to your root directory and open the **`config.json`** file. Locate the `"ServerSideCharacter"` parameter and set its value to **`true`**.

    * *Strategic Result:* Players are forced to initialize a fresh character for your server. Their inventory data is stored securely in your server's technical database rather than on their local computer.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

<Note>
  ### Managing Technical Database Bloat

  As your community expands, the SSC database will accumulate thousands of individual character profiles. We recommend using the **[TShock CleanUp](/games/terraria/managing-bans-and-guests-in-terraria)** commands periodically to purge inactive character data (e.g., profiles that haven't logged in for 30+ days) to maintain high server performance.
</Note>

***

<Note>
  ### Need Extra Help?

  If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

  * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
  * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
  * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
  * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)
</Note>

<Tip>
  ### Save on Your Hosting

  Ready to get a new server? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first month!
</Tip>

***

<div align="center">
  **Last Updated:** January 2026 | **Terraria:** Starter kits initialized.
</div>