Install TShock on a Terraria Server

Overview

Vanilla Terraria is great until a server needs stronger moderation, permissions, plugins, or extra commands. TShock is a modified Terraria server build that adds those tools for both players and server owners. With it, you can manage groups, protect areas, run custom plugins, and give admins better control without turning the server into a spreadsheet with trees.

This guide covers installing TShock, joining the server, setting up an admin account, adding plugins, and handling the most common issues.

Install TShock

1. Open your HolyHosting server panel and stop the Terraria server.
2. Find the Game File or server software selector.

1. Choose the Terraria (TShock) version from the list.
2. When prompted, decide whether to create a fresh world or keep the existing one.

1. Restart the server so the TShock files can load.

Join and Use Commands

Once the server is online again, join it from Terraria like normal.

Open chat with Enter, then run commands by starting them with `/`. For example, use `/help` to view available commands. If TShock loaded correctly, you should also see its welcome message after joining.

Create an Admin Account

TShock requires a setup code before you can create a permanent admin account.

Open the server console and look for the setup command and code.

In-game, enter the command exactly as shown in the console. It will look similar to this:

`/setup 7502800`

After running it, follow the prompts in chat to create your admin user. Keep the login details somewhere safe, because losing admin access is not a fun Terraria boss fight.

Add TShock Plugins

Find the plugin you want from the TShock Plugin Repository, then download the plugin file.

Open the server files through FTP or your file manager, then upload the plugin directly into the `ServerPlugins` folder. Do not place it inside another folder unless the plugin documentation specifically says to. Restart the server after uploading so TShock can load the plugin.

Common Problems

I cannot build at spawn.

TShock protects the spawn area by default to prevent new-player griefing and accidental damage. To allow building there, give the `tshock.world.editspawn` permission to the `Guest` group or another appropriate group.

TShock commands do not work.

Check that the server software is actually set to TShock, then restart the server. Join the server and look for the TShock welcome message. If the message is missing, TShock probably did not load.

Plugins are not loading.

First confirm TShock itself is working. Then check the `ServerPlugins` folder and make sure the plugin file was uploaded directly into that folder. After correcting the file location, restart the server again.

Helpful Links

• TShock Plugin Repository
• TShock GitHub
• Terraria server guides