How to create a free Terraria server and invite friends.

Checked against ChunkArc Manage and the live software catalog on 15 September 2026. Available versions and regions can change; use the choices shown in your panel.

Before you create the server

Check which game your friends use. This guide is for the PC Terraria server. Do not assume mobile or console clients can join it. For a modded group, agree on the tModLoader release and modpack first.

The Terraria Free Beta includes 2 GB RAM, 5 GB storage and up to 8 players. One free server is available per person across the supported games. The player limit is a slot cap, not a guarantee that every world or modpack will run well with eight players. CPU resources are shared.

Choose Vanilla, tModLoader or TShock

• Vanilla: choose this for a regular Terraria world without a modpack.
• tModLoader: choose this for compatible mods. Players need the matching tModLoader client and mod setup. Importing a world does not install its mods; ask support about your pack before creating the server.
• TShock: a server with administration features and server plugins. It is not a replacement for tModLoader. Check the required Terraria client version in Manage.

Server software and game versions are different things. A tModLoader or TShock release may target a different Terraria version from the latest Vanilla server. Match the client to the server, not just to the word “Terraria”.

Create your server in ChunkArc

1. Sign in to Manage and open the server creation form.
2. Select Terraria, enter the world name and choose an available address.
3. Choose an available region near your group. Open the software and version options if you need tModLoader or TShock.
4. Read and accept the Free Beta limits, complete the human verification when requested and submit once.
5. Wait for installation to finish. Open the server and choose Start world. First-time world generation can take longer than later starts.

Prefer Discord? Use /order or Create Free Server in the ChunkArc Discord, select Terraria and follow the software, version and region choices. Complete any account verification in the browser, never by sending a password in chat.

Invite a friend with the address and port

1. Wait for the server to finish starting. Check the live console if it is still loading.
2. Open the connection details in Manage and copy both the hostname and the assigned port.
3. In the matching Terraria client, open Multiplayer → Join via IP, select your character and enter the hostname. Enter the assigned port when asked.
4. Enter the server password if you configured one. Test with one friend before sharing the address with everyone.

Is 2 GB RAM enough?

It is a starting allocation for a small Vanilla world and a few friends, not a universal modpack recommendation. World size, installed mods and player activity change memory use. Start with a small world if you are unsure. Watch memory and the console during normal play before inviting a larger group.

If the server repeatedly runs out of memory, keep a backup and check the world and mod requirements with support. Do not keep restarting a failing modpack or remove world files at random. The Free Beta does not promise enough memory for every pack.

Already have a world?

You can import a compatible save through the world tools in Manage. Stop the server first and follow the Terraria world upload guide. It also explains the matching .wld and .twld files, new-world settings and restoring the previous world.

If someone cannot join

• Wrong port: copy the assigned port from Manage again.
• Version mismatch: check the game version and server software, especially with tModLoader or TShock.
• World still loading: read the console and wait for startup to finish. Installation complete does not mean the game is ready.
• Server stopped: start it in Manage. Free Terraria servers can stop after about 15 minutes continuously confirmed without players. Uncertain player data is not treated as an empty interval.
• Still stuck: send support the error text, software/version and time of the failed join. Do not share passwords or account tokens.