How to Update a Terraria Server Safely (tModLoader)
Terraria server updates go wrong in one predictable way: updating vanilla Terraria before tModLoader officially supports it. The safe workflow protects your world and mod list from a version mismatch.
Start with a restore point
Back up the .wld world file and all .plr player files before touching anything. Terraria auto-keeps a .bak copy, but a separate backup is safer still.
Check tModLoader compatibility before updating vanilla
- Confirm the tModLoader team has released a build for the new Terraria version — don't auto-update Steam and assume mods will keep working.
- Pin Terraria to a specific Steam beta branch if you need to delay an update until mods catch up.
- Update mods individually afterward and watch the load log for any that fail.
Verify before you reopen the server
Let the server fully load the world and check the log for errors before inviting players back.
FAQ
Should I update Terraria as soon as a patch is available?+
Not on a modded server — wait for tModLoader compatibility first, or you'll crash on load.
What should I back up before updating?+
The .wld world file and all .plr player files, at minimum.
What do I check after the update?+
The server log for any mod that failed to load against the new tModLoader build, and that the world opens without errors.
Run tModLoader updates without the compatibility guesswork
CoalHost tracks tModLoader compatibility and takes a backup before any update.
View Terraria Hosting →