How to Use the Command 'TerrariaServer' (with examples)

Terraria is a popular sandbox adventure game that allows players to explore, build, and battle in an expansive virtual world. For those interested in hosting their own Terraria multiplayer experience, the command TerrariaServer allows for the creation and management of a dedicated headless server. This server can be run without a graphical interface, providing a more efficient way to manage multiplayer sessions. Utilizing this command can be particularly useful for game hosting services, dedicated gamers owning private servers, or any community-driven gameplay wanting smoother and more controlled hosting capabilities.

Use Case 1: Start an Interactive Server Setup

Code:

path/to/TerrariaServer

Motivation for Using the Example:

Starting a Terraria server in interactive mode is important for users who prefer or require guidance through the setup process. This setup allows for dynamic choices where the server prompts offer the user options to configure their world settings such as difficulty level, max player count, server password, and other essential parameters. This method is highly suitable for individuals who may not be fully familiar with the server command line arguments or those who prefer a more guided, step-by-step experience.

Explanation for Every Argument:

• path/to/TerrariaServer: This is the full path to the TerrariaServer executable file. Running the command without any additional arguments leads to an interactive setup session. The server enters a text-based interface mode, prompting the user to input configuration options manually. This allows for flexibility in choosing the particular settings for the server’s world without needing pre-written configuration files.

Example Output:

When the interactive setup command is executed, the terminal window may display prompts such as:

Welcome to the Terraria Server settings!
Please enter a world to load or create a new one...
1. Select World
2. Create World
3. Exit

From here, users proceed by following subsequent prompts to set up their server’s parameters interactively.

Use Case 2: Start a Terraria Server with a Specific World

Code:

path/to/TerrariaServer -world path/to/world.wld

Motivation for Using the Example:

This command use case automates the startup of a Terraria server with a pre-selected world, saving time and effort for users who frequently use the same game world. It is advantageous for users who are routinely hosting games, as it allows quick server launches without the need for interactive setup each time. This method is particularly useful for regular gaming sessions or community servers where the world maintains continuity and progress over extended periods of play.

Explanation for Every Argument:

• path/to/TerrariaServer: As before, this refers to the location of the TerrariaServer executable file on the host machine.
• -world: This argument specifies a direct command to load a specific world file when the server starts. The option ensures that the server automatically initiates the given world without additional prompts.
• path/to/world.wld: The parameter following -world provides the full path to the .wld file, which contains the data for the Terraria world to be served. The server accesses this file and initializes it, allowing players to join the preconfigured environment.

Example Output:

Executing this command will bypass the interactive prompts, showing instead a concise server startup log like:

Loading world: /path/to/world.wld
Starting server on port: 7777
Terraria Server v1.4.4.9 ready

Players can now connect to the server directly, assuming the server’s network settings are correctly configured.

Conclusion

Command-line operation of a Terraria server, whether through interactive setup or by specifying a predetermined world, is a powerful feature for administrators looking to efficiently manage their online gaming environments. Knowing how to leverage the TerrariaServer command to suit specific operational needs can enhance the gaming experience, offering both customization for new worlds and streamlined processes for repeated sessions. This utility provides a robust platform for delivering uninterrupted multiplayer gaming adventures.