To join a Terraria server on PC, open Terraria and choose Multiplayer. Use Join via Steam for a friend’s Host & Play world, or Join via IP for a dedicated or public server. An IP connection needs the server address, its port (usually TCP 7777), and any required password or login details.
Playing with friends? Godlike.Host runs hosted Terraria servers from 10 data-center locations, with free DDoS protection.
The right method depends on how the world is hosted. Host & Play is quickest for a small session but ends when its host leaves. A dedicated server runs as a separate process, so the world can remain available without the original player staying in-game.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Choose the connection method first
Terraria has three practical ways to connect on PC. Before entering any menu, ask the host which type of server they started and collect the details that method needs.
| Route | Best for | What you need | Must the original host stay connected? | Steam account dependence | Router port forwarding | World persistence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Join via Steam | A friend’s Host & Play session | The host must be online in a Steam-hosted world; a password may be required | Yes. The world closes when the Host & Play host leaves | Uses the Steam friend list | Usually unnecessary for a normal Host & Play session | Session-based |
| Join via IP | A dedicated, public, or manually hosted server | Server IP address, port, and password or login information when required | No, provided the separate server process remains running | Not required by the Terraria connection screen | Often required when the server is hosted behind a residential router | Depends on whether the server process stays online |
| Dedicated server | Persistent communities, scheduled play, or independent hosting | A running dedicated-server process and the address and rules supplied by its administrator | No single player has to remain in the world | Optional; the server can accept IP connections | Commonly required for Internet players connecting to a home-hosted machine | Can remain available while the process runs |
If a friend says “I used Host & Play,” use the Steam route. If they give you an address such as a hostname or numeric IP, use Join via IP. Do not try to paste an IP into the Steam friend list or expect a dedicated server to appear automatically in Join via Steam.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Join a friend’s Host & Play world through Steam
Host & Play is the least complicated option for a short online game. The host starts a world from Terraria, and other players connect through that host’s Steam presence.
What the host does
- Open Terraria and select Multiplayer.
- Choose Host & Play.
- Select an existing world or create a new one.
- Set a password if the session should be private. Give that password to the intended players through a trusted channel.
- Remain in the game while others join. The world is tied to this Host & Play session.
What the joining player does
- Start Terraria and select Multiplayer from the title screen.
- Choose Join via Steam.
- Find the hosting friend in the Steam list.
- Open the small triangle or drop-down beside the friend’s name.
- Click Join Game.
- If Terraria asks for a password, enter the one the host configured.
If the friend is not shown, verify that both Steam accounts are online and that the host has completed the Host & Play setup rather than merely opening a world in single-player. Closing the host’s Terraria session ends the shared world; players cannot reconnect until that person starts Host & Play again.
When Steam Host & Play is the wrong choice
Use another route when the group needs a world to stay online after the original host logs off, when participants are not connected through the same Steam friend relationship, or when an administrator needs server-wide rules and a fixed address. In those cases, request the server’s IP connection details instead of waiting for a Steam invitation.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Join by IP address
Join via IP is the standard path for a dedicated server, a public server, or a friend who is hosting the server process separately from their player session.
Enter the address and port
- From the Terraria title screen, select Multiplayer.
- Select the character you want to use. Some public servers restrict which character difficulty is allowed, so check the administrator’s rules first.
- Choose Join via IP.
- Enter the server’s IP address or hostname exactly as supplied by the host.
- Enter the server port. Terraria’s documented default is TCP
7777; use a different value if the administrator configured one. - Submit the connection and enter the password if prompted.
The address and port are a pair. A correct address with the wrong port still fails, as does a correct port pointed at the wrong machine. Copy both values carefully, without adding spaces or punctuation that the host did not provide.
Public-server requirements
A public server can impose rules beyond the Terraria connection dialog. The administrator may require a particular character difficulty, a registration step, or a separate login after you enter the world. Read that server’s posted instructions before repeatedly retrying the connection; a network error and a rejected account are different problems.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Home network versus Internet address
For a server on the same local network, the host may provide a local address. For players connecting over the Internet, the host generally supplies the connection’s external IP address and the configured port. Ask which address applies to your location rather than guessing from an address shown on the host’s computer.
Connect to a dedicated Terraria server
A dedicated server is a separate Terraria server process rather than a world hosted inside one player’s active session. Windows installations include server software, and official dedicated-server files are available from terraria.org. The administrator starts that process, selects or creates the world, and keeps the process running independently of any player client.
Information to request from the administrator
- The server address or hostname.
- The listening port, including confirmation that it is the default or a custom value.
- The password, if one is enabled.
- Any character-difficulty, registration, or login requirements.
- The supported Terraria version and, if applicable, the exact mod collection and versions.
- Whether the server is temporarily offline, whitelisted, or limited to a maximum number of players.
Administrator-side sequence
- Install the Terraria server software on the machine that will run the world. A Windows Terraria installation includes server software; official files can also be obtained from terraria.org.
- Start the dedicated-server process and choose the world and access settings using its startup prompts or configuration.
- Set the listening port and password as required. Server startup or configuration also controls limits such as maximum players.
- Allow the process through the operating system firewall when the firewall asks whether to permit network access.
- If Internet players will connect to a machine behind a home router, forward the chosen port from the router to the host computer.
- Give players the externally reachable address, port, password, and any server-specific rules.
Because the process is separate, players can leave and return without requiring the original world owner to keep a character logged in. The server is available only while that process and the underlying computer or hosting service remain online.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Port 7777, firewalls, and router forwarding
Terraria’s documented default server port is TCP 7777. A server administrator can configure another port, so always use the value the host supplied rather than assuming the default.
What must be reachable
- The Terraria server process must be running and listening on the configured port.
- The operating system firewall must allow the server application or its TCP port.
- For a home-hosted Internet server, the router must forward the configured port to the computer running Terraria’s server process.
- The host must provide the current external IP address. If the Internet connection’s address changed, an old saved address will no longer work.
Port forwarding is normally unnecessary when you use a friend’s ordinary Steam Host & Play session. It is commonly necessary when someone hosts a dedicated server on a residential connection because the router’s network-address translation hides the host computer from incoming Internet connections.
Safe forwarding checklist for the host
- Confirm the server’s actual listening port in its startup or configuration settings.
- Create a router forwarding rule for that TCP port to the host computer’s current local address.
- Permit Terraria server traffic in the computer’s firewall.
- Restart the server process after changing its settings.
- Give friends the external address and configured port, not an obsolete address copied from an earlier session.
Do not change the port on only one side. The server, router rule, firewall exception, and the joining player’s entry must all use the same configured value.
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Why a connection fails and what to check
The Steam friend or Join Game option is missing
- Confirm the host selected Multiplayer > Host & Play, not single-player.
- Confirm both players are signed in to Steam and appear online.
- Ask the host to finish loading the world before you open Join via Steam.
- If the host closed Terraria, wait for them to start Host & Play again; that world does not remain available on its own.
“Connection timed out” or no response
- Check that the dedicated-server process is still running.
- Verify the IP address or hostname and port character by character.
- For a home-hosted Internet server, ask whether router forwarding was configured for the current host computer.
- Ask the host to confirm that the operating system firewall allows the server.
- Check whether the host’s external IP changed since the address was sent.
“Connection refused” or an immediate rejection
- The process may be offline or listening on a different port.
- The host may have forwarded a port to the wrong computer.
- A firewall may be actively rejecting the server application.
- The server may be full or temporarily restricted.
Password or account failure
Re-enter the password exactly as supplied, including capitalization if the server distinguishes it. Public servers may require registration, a login command, or a particular character difficulty after connection. Ask the administrator for the server’s current procedure instead of assuming the Terraria account password is also the server password.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Version or mod mismatch
Everyone must use compatible Terraria game versions. Modded servers also require the server’s expected mod set and compatible mod versions; a player with a different collection can fail before reaching the world. Confirm the required version with the administrator and update or disable content as instructed.
You joined, then lost the world
In a Steam Host & Play session, the host leaving ends the world for everyone. In a dedicated setup, check whether the server process, host computer, or Internet connection stopped. A dedicated server does not guarantee uninterrupted availability if the machine running it is shut down.
Player limits and server rules
Current Terraria server documentation lists a default maximum of 16 players. The administrator can configure the limit in server startup or configuration settings, so a server may accept fewer or, where supported by its configuration, a different limit. A full server can reject a valid address and password even when networking is working.
Rules are controlled by the host or server administrator. Passwords, whitelists, registration, character difficulty, mod requirements, and temporary maintenance are all possible reasons a public server may not accept an otherwise valid connection. Obtain the server’s current rules before troubleshooting your PC.
Quick Recap
A practical decision guide
Use Join via Steam when
- You are joining a friend’s Host & Play world.
- The group is small and the host will remain online.
- You want the fewest networking steps and do not need a persistent world.
Use Join via IP when
- The administrator supplied an address and port.
- You are joining a public or dedicated server.
- The players are not relying on a Steam friend invitation.
Ask for a dedicated server when
- The world needs to remain available after one player logs off.
- A community needs consistent rules, a password, or a known address.
- The administrator can keep a separate server process and its host machine online.
Final pre-join checklist
- Identify whether the session is Steam Host & Play or an IP-based server.
- Use the exact Terraria menu path for that route.
- For IP connections, obtain the address and port; the documented default port is TCP
7777unless changed by the host. - Have the correct password, character difficulty, registration, and login details.
- Confirm that the server is running and that everyone uses compatible game or mod versions.
- If the host is on a home Internet connection, verify firewall permission and router forwarding.
- Remember that Host & Play ends when its host leaves, while a dedicated server continues only while its separate process remains online.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
