Overview
Terraria offers three distinct server types, each designed for different playstyles and communities. This comprehensive guide will help you choose between Vanilla, tModLoader, and TShock, understand their unique features, and learn how to switch between them.
💡 Quick Answer
Vanilla for pure experience • tModLoader for gameplay mods • TShock for advanced administration and protection
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Vanilla | tModLoader | TShock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Official DLC) | ⚠️ Community |
| Content Mods | ❌ No | ✅ 6,500+ mods | ❌ No |
| Admin Plugins | ❌ Basic | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Extensive |
| Region Protection | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Economy System | ❌ No | ⚠️ Via mods | ✅ Yes |
| Performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Best For | Pure gameplay | Content mods | Public servers |
1. Vanilla Terraria Server
The official Terraria dedicated server provided by Re-Logic. This is the pure, unmodified Terraria experience.
✅ Advantages
- Official Support - Developed and maintained by Re-Logic
- Best Performance - Lightest resource usage, smoothest gameplay
- Maximum Compatibility - Works with all official Terraria versions
- Instant Updates - Updates available immediately when new versions release
- Simplicity - No configuration complexity, just works
- Stability - Most stable and reliable option
- Cross-Platform - Easiest setup for Steam, GOG, and other platforms
❌ Limitations
- No Content Mods - Cannot add new items, bosses, or biomes
- Limited Administration - Basic commands only (ban, kick, password)
- No Protection Systems - Cannot protect areas from griefing
- No Economy - No built-in currency or shop systems
- Basic Permissions - Everyone has the same abilities
🎯 Best For
- Private servers with trusted friends
- Players who want the pure Terraria experience
- Servers prioritizing performance and stability
- Small communities (2-16 players)
- Cooperative progression servers
- Speedrunning or challenge servers
✨ Vanilla Configuration
OCN Panel variables: WORLD_NAME, WORLD_SIZE, DIFFICULTY, MAX_PLAYERS, PORT, PASSWORD, MOTD, LANGUAGE. See our configuration guide for details.
2. tModLoader Server
Official Terraria DLC that enables gameplay mods. tModLoader is now integrated into the official Terraria package and receives full Re-Logic support.
✅ Advantages
- 6,500+ Mods Available - Massive content library via Steam Workshop
- Official DLC Status - Fully supported by Re-Logic as of 2022
- Content Expansion - Add new bosses, items, biomes, NPCs, and mechanics
- Quality of Life - Magic storage, boss checklist, recipe browser, and more
- Total Conversion Mods - Complete game overhauls like Calamity and Thorium
- Active Community - Constantly updated with new content
- Mod Compatibility - Many mods designed to work together
- Steam Workshop Integration - Easy mod discovery and installation
❌ Limitations
- Performance Impact - Heavy mods can cause lag and require more RAM
- Version Lag - Mods need updates when Terraria updates (usually 1-4 weeks)
- Compatibility Issues - Some mod combinations cause crashes
- Client Requirement - Players must have tModLoader installed with exact same mods
- Limited Admin Tools - Less administrative control than TShock
- Complexity - Managing mod lists and load orders can be confusing
- World Corruption Risk - Removing mods mid-playthrough can break worlds
🎯 Best For
- Players wanting extended content and replayability
- Communities that have completed vanilla multiple times
- Servers running popular mod packs (Calamity, Thorium, Spirit)
- Players who enjoy heavily modded experiences
- Long-term dedicated communities
- RPG-style progression servers
📦 Popular Mods & Modpacks
| Mod/Modpack | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Calamity | Content | 26+ bosses, 3,800+ items, post-Moon Lord content |
| Thorium | Content | New classes (Healer, Bard), 11 bosses, 2,000+ items |
| Spirit Mod | Content | New biomes, bosses, and progression path |
| Fargo's Souls | QoL + Content | Accessories, enchantments, extreme difficulty bosses |
| Magic Storage | QoL | Unlimited searchable storage system |
| Recipe Browser | QoL | In-game crafting recipe encyclopedia |
| Boss Checklist | QoL | Track progression, view boss stats and drops |
| AlchemistNPC Lite | QoL | NPCs for buying potions, wings, and accessories |
💡 tModLoader Setup
Switch to tModLoader via OCN Panel's reinstall feature. Upload your enabled.json mod list file. Players must install the same mods via Steam Workshop before connecting.
3. TShock Server
Community-developed server wrapper focused on administration, permissions, and server protection. Ideal for public servers requiring strong moderation tools.
✅ Advantages
- Advanced Administration - 200+ server commands for complete control
- Region Protection - Protect spawn, shops, builds from griefing
- Permission System - Granular group-based permissions (guest, member, admin, etc.)
- Economy Plugin - Built-in currency system with shops
- Ban Management - IP bans, account bans, temporary bans
- Anti-Cheat - Detect and prevent item duping, hacking
- Inventory Management - Admins can give/remove items
- World Management - Backup, rollback, and edit worlds
- Chat Customization - Custom prefixes, colors, channels
- REST API - Web-based control panel integration
- Extensive Logging - Track player actions, chat, and admin commands
❌ Limitations
- Community Project - Not officially supported by Re-Logic
- Update Delays - Can take days/weeks to support new Terraria versions
- No Content Mods - Only administrative plugins, no new gameplay content
- Complexity - Steep learning curve for all features
- Plugin Compatibility - Some plugins conflict with each other
- Performance Overhead - Slightly higher resource usage than vanilla
🎯 Best For
- Public servers open to anyone
- Large communities (20+ players)
- Roleplay servers requiring economy and permissions
- PvP servers needing anti-cheat protection
- Build servers with protected regions
- Servers requiring advanced moderation
- Long-running persistent worlds
🔌 Essential TShock Plugins
- BankShop - Advanced economy with NPC shops
- AutoBroadcast - Scheduled server announcements
- HouseRegions - Players claim and protect their own areas
- Statistics - Track player kills, deaths, and playtime
- Warps - Create teleport locations (/warp spawn, /warp dungeon)
- Voting - In-game voting for decisions
- GeoIP - Show player country on join
- SignCommands - Execute commands by clicking signs
⚙️ TShock Configuration
Main config: tshock/config.json. Set REST API token, superadmin password, and server settings. Use /setup in-game to create first admin account.
How to Choose the Right Server Type
Choose Vanilla If You Want:
- ✅ The authentic, unmodified Terraria experience
- ✅ Best possible performance and stability
- ✅ Immediate access to new updates
- ✅ Simple setup with no configuration hassle
- ✅ Small private server for friends (2-16 players)
Choose tModLoader If You Want:
- ✅ Extended gameplay with new bosses, items, and biomes
- ✅ Total conversion mods like Calamity or Thorium
- ✅ Quality of life improvements (magic storage, recipe browser)
- ✅ Replayability with different mod combinations
- ✅ Closed community willing to install mods
Choose TShock If You Want:
- ✅ Advanced administration and moderation tools
- ✅ Region protection against griefing
- ✅ Permission system for staff hierarchy
- ✅ Economy system with shops and currency
- ✅ Public server open to unknown players
- ✅ Large community server (20+ players)
Switching Between Server Types
OCN Panel makes it easy to switch between Terraria server types without losing your worlds.
Before Switching
- Stop your server
- Create a backup - Go to Backups > Create Backup
- Download your worlds - Files > worlds folder > Download all .wld files
- Note your settings - Screenshot or copy your current startup variables
Switching Process
- Go to Settings in the panel sidebar
- Scroll to Reinstall Server
- Select your desired server type:
- Terraria Vanilla
- Terraria tModLoader
- Terraria TShock
- Click Reinstall Server
- Confirm the reinstall (takes 2-5 minutes)
After Switching
- Upload your worlds back - Files > worlds > Upload your .wld files
- Configure startup settings - Startup > Set WORLD_NAME to match your world file
- Configure version-specific settings:
- tModLoader: Upload enabled.json with your mod list
- TShock: Configure tshock/config.json and set up permissions
- Vanilla: Just set startup variables and go!
- Start your server
- Test the connection
⚠️ Important Notes
- World files are compatible between all three server types
- However, modded worlds (tModLoader) will lose modded items/blocks when loaded in Vanilla/TShock
- Always backup before switching to prevent data loss
- Players must change their client version to match the server (tModLoader requires the tModLoader client)
Can You Run Multiple Types Simultaneously?
Yes! You can run multiple Terraria servers on different ports. Here's how:
Option 1: Multiple OCN Servers
- Order additional Terraria servers from OCN
- Each runs independently on its own port
- Example: Server 1 (Vanilla, port 7777), Server 2 (tModLoader, port 7778)
Option 2: Single Server, Multiple Worlds
- Keep multiple world files in the /worlds/ folder
- Switch between them by changing WORLD_NAME in startup settings
- Requires server restart and 2-3 minutes downtime
Performance Considerations
RAM Requirements by Type
| Server Type | Minimum RAM | Recommended RAM | Heavy Load |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanilla | 1GB | 2GB | 4GB (large worlds, 16+ players) |
| tModLoader (Light) | 2GB | 4GB | 6GB (many QoL mods) |
| tModLoader (Heavy) | 4GB | 6GB | 8GB+ (Calamity + other content mods) |
| TShock | 1.5GB | 3GB | 5GB (many plugins, 32+ players) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use mods with TShock?
No, TShock and tModLoader are separate projects. TShock only supports server-side plugins for administration, not gameplay content mods. If you need both mods and admin tools, choose tModLoader and use admin-focused mods.
Will I lose my world if I switch server types?
No, world files (.wld) are compatible between all three server types. However, if you created a world with tModLoader mods, any modded items/blocks will be deleted when loading in Vanilla or TShock.
Can players with vanilla Terraria join a tModLoader server?
No, players must have tModLoader installed (free on Steam as official DLC) and have the exact same mods loaded. The server will reject connections from vanilla clients.
Which server type gets updates fastest?
Vanilla updates are immediate (same day as Terraria release). tModLoader typically updates within 1-4 weeks. TShock can take anywhere from days to weeks depending on the size of the update.
Is one server type more stable than others?
Vanilla is generally the most stable since it's official. tModLoader and TShock stability depends on mod/plugin quality. All three are production-ready for serious servers.
Can I test different server types without paying extra?
Yes! OCN Panel lets you reinstall your server to different types for free. Just backup your world, reinstall, and switch between them as needed.
Recommended Configurations
🏠 Private Friend Server
Type: Vanilla
Players: 2-8
RAM: 2GB
Why: Simple setup, best performance, no mod installation needed
🎮 Content-Heavy Playthrough
Type: tModLoader
Players: 4-12
RAM: 4-6GB
Mods: Calamity + Thorium + Magic Storage + Boss Checklist
Why: Extended endgame, hundreds of hours of content
🌍 Public Community Server
Type: TShock
Players: 20-50
RAM: 4-6GB
Plugins: BankShop, HouseRegions, AutoBroadcast, Statistics
Why: Anti-grief protection, economy, permissions system
⚔️ PvP Server
Type: TShock
Players: 12-32
RAM: 3-4GB
Plugins: Anti-cheat, region protection for spawn, inventory control
Why: Prevent hacking, control item access, protect spawn areas
Summary
- ✅ Vanilla - Best for private servers, pure gameplay, maximum performance
- ✅ tModLoader - Best for extended content, total conversions, replayability
- ✅ TShock - Best for public servers, administration, region protection
- ✅ All three types are compatible with the same world files
- ✅ Switch freely between types using OCN Panel reinstall feature
- ✅ Always backup before switching server types
Need Help Deciding?
Still not sure which server type is right for you? Our support team can help!
- 📧 Email: support@ocnetworks.co.uk
- 💬 Live Chat: Available on our website
- 🎫 Support Ticket: Open via your panel
🎯 Still Unsure? Start with Vanilla!
Begin with Vanilla for simplicity and stability. You can always switch to tModLoader or TShock later without losing your world. The flexibility is built into every OCN Terraria server!