> ## 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 a Terraria Server (Getting Started)

> How to set up a Terraria server on FREAKHOSTING: choose world name, difficulty, size and password in Game settings, start it and join by IP on port 7777.

To set up a Terraria server on FREAKHOSTING, open your server in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), click **Game settings** under **GAME SETTINGS**, choose the **World name**, **World difficulty**, **World size** and an optional **Server password**, click **Review and save** and start the server. The first start creates the world in about a minute. Players join with **Multiplayer** > **Join via IP** on port 7777.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 5 to 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Terraria server | **Game settings** |

## Before you start

* Log in to the [Game Panel](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-login-and-access-the-game-panel.md).
* Have Terraria on PC. The server runs the version shown as **Terraria version** on **Startup** (1.4.5.6 when we tested). Your game must be on the same version.
* Decide on the world before the first start. Difficulty, size and seed only apply when a world is created.

## How to set up your Terraria server

**1. Open Game settings**

Open your server and click **Game settings** under **GAME SETTINGS**. Settings tagged **STARTUP** are kept on the **Startup** page; the rest are written to `serverconfig.txt`.

**2. Choose the world**

Expand **New world**. Enter a **World name** (it is also the file name, `worldname.wld`). Pick **World difficulty**: **Classic**, **Expert**, **Master** or **Journey**. New worlds use **Journey** unless you change it here. Pick **World size**: **Small**, **Medium** or **Large**. Leave **World seed** empty for a random world, or see [use a world seed](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/terraria/how-to-use-a-world-seed-on-your-terraria-server.md).

**3. Set a password (optional)**

In **Server**, click **Set** next to **Server password**, type it and click **Done**. Leave it empty for an open server.

**4. Set the message of the day**

Change **Message of the day**. Players see it when they join.

**5. Review and save**

Click **Review and save**. The **Review your changes** dialog shows exactly what changes. Click **Save changes**.

**6. Start the server**

[Start the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md) and watch the [Console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md). It shows the world being generated, then `Listening on port 7777` and `Server started`. A small world took about 60 seconds on our test.

![Terraria Game settings page with Checks, Presets and the Server, New world and Performance and safety sections](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/dCZ9JIDc2HjHnuiD/images/games/terraria/terraria-game-settings.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=dCZ9JIDc2HjHnuiD\&q=85\&s=e093d722aca8eec8811fa64997ab6177)

Game settings for Terraria in the FREAKHOSTING Game Panel

> [!WARNING]
>
> Journey worlds only accept Journey characters, and Classic, Expert and Master worlds don't accept Journey characters. Pick the difficulty that matches the characters your group will use.

## How to join your Terraria server

**1. Open Multiplayer**

Start Terraria and click **Multiplayer**, then **Join via IP**.

**2. Choose a character**

Pick a character that fits the world: a Journey character for a Journey world, a Classic character for the other difficulties.

**3. Enter the address**

Type your server's IP (for example `203.0.113.10`), then the port (`7777` unless the panel shows another). Enter the password if you set one.

## Make your first backup

The server saves the world on its own, but make a full [panel backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) once the world is set up. See [autosave and backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/terraria/configuring-auto-backup-interval.md) for how saving works.

## Frequently asked questions

### What port does a Terraria server use?

Port 7777 by default. The console confirms it with `Listening on port 7777`.

### Can I change the difficulty after the world is created?

No. An existing world keeps its own difficulty and size. To get a different one, create a new world with a new **World name**. See [world size and difficulty](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/terraria/changing-world-size-and-difficulty-in-terraria.md).

### How do I use my own world from my PC?

Upload the `.wld` file to `/saves/Worlds` and set **World name** to its file name. See [upload a world](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/terraria/uploading-a-custom-terraria-world.md).

### Why can't I change Player slots?

**Player slots** is fixed by your hosting plan, so the field is greyed out.

### Where are the server logs?

Vanilla Terraria prints everything to the **Console**, so check the Console when something goes wrong.

## Related guides

> [card] [Terraria server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/terraria/terraria-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Every Terraria page in one place.

> [card] [Server password](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/terraria/setting-up-a-terraria-server-password.md)
>
> Set, change or remove it.

> [card] [Upload a world](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/terraria/uploading-a-custom-terraria-world.md)
>
> Use a world from your PC.

> [card] [Can't connect](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/terraria/cant-connect-to-terraria-server.md)
>
> Fix joining problems.

> [card] [Server settings explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/terraria/terraria-server-settings-explained.md)
>
> Every setting and where it is stored.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 31 October 2026 (Terraria 1.4.5.6, vanilla server). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

> [!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)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** October 2026


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