How To Configure Mods On Your Terraria (tModLoader) Server

Mod configuration allows you to fine-tune how each mod behaves on your server — including changing gameplay mechanics or disabling certain modded features. This is done by editing each mod’s config.json file.

Important:
Not every mod supports configuration. Once a mod has been loaded onto your server, it will automatically generate a config file if configuration is available. If no file appears, that mod likely doesn’t support custom settings or server-side edits.

Install tModLoader

tModLoader is built specifically for Terraria, but it installs on your system as its own standalone application. Because of this, it shows up as a separate entry in your Steam library.

1. Head over to the Steam Store and search for the tModLoader page.

2. Install tModLoader via Steam.

After installation, launch tModLoader from Steam to run Terraria with mods enabled.

Installing Mods Using tModLoader

Adding mods to Terraria through tModLoader is straightforward. Unlike many other games, you do not need to manually download or upload files, as mods can be installed directly from within the application.

1. From the Steam library launch tModLoader.

2. From the main menu in tModLoader, select Workshop.

   

3. Click Download Mods to open the built in mod browser.

   

4. Browse available mods or use the search bar in the top right to find specific ones.

   

5. Select a mod and choose Download with Dependencies to ensure all required files are included.

   

6. Repeat this process for any additional mods you want to use.

7. Return to the Workshop menu and open Manage Mods.

   

8. Select Enable All to activate your installed mods.

   

9. Restart tModLoader to apply the changes.

Important Recommendation: Before continuing, it is best to test your mods in a new single player world. This helps confirm that all selected mods are compatible with each other. If the world fails to load, disable mods one at a time to identify which mod is causing the issue.

Installing tModLoader onto your ChipHead server

If you’ve installed Vanilla Terraria, then follow the next steps to game swap to modded version - tModLoader Terraria.

1. Log in to your Control Panel and stop your server.

   
   

2. Navigate to Settings.

   

3. Scroll down to the Installed Game section and click swap game.

   

4. Search for “terraria” and select tModloader.

   

5. Click Change Game to begin the installation.

   
   

   DO NOT START YOUR SERVER WITHOUT SELECTING YOUR tModLoader VERSION!

6. Once your server is installed navigate to Startup > Variables to change your tModLoader Version

   

7. Navigate to tModloader’s github to choose the version that matches your Steam installation.

8. Copy the version which matches your installed Steam version.

   
   

   Need help checking current version of tModloader? See our guide on How to check Steam version of Terraria tModloader.

9. Paste your selected version into the tModloader Version field and this will then automatically save.

   

10. If you are changing your version on an already existing ChipHead tModLoader Server

    1. Navigate to Settings

    2. Scroll down and select “Reinstall Server”

       

       DO NOT START THE SERVER

    3. Navigate to Startup > Variables & paste your selected tModLoader Version

       
       

       Changing your tModLoader Version will delete your existing data if you would like to save your previous instance please take a Back-Up

Need help changing your game version? See our guide on How to change your Terraria tModLoader version

Configuring mods on your ChipHead server

Before editing any configuration files, make sure you’ve already installed your mods.

1. Log in to your Control Panel and stop your server.

   
   

1. Open the Files section.

   

2. Navigate to /.local/share/Terraria/tModLoader/ModConfigs.

3. In this folder, you’ll find all available configuration files for your installed mods.

   1. Click on the file for the mod you want to edit.

   2. Adjust the settings in the file to your liking, then save and close it.

4. Start your server again to apply the changes.

   

Your updated mod configurations will now take effect the next time the server launches.