# How to Change Your Terraria Server Version (/docs/terraria/game-version)



import { Tab, Tabs } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/tabs';
import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

XGamingServer Terraria servers can run either **vanilla Terraria** or **tModLoader** (the modded version). The two are completely separate — you choose one or the other, not both.

Vanilla vs tModLoader [#vanilla-vs-tmodloader]

|                    | Vanilla                                      | tModLoader                               |
| ------------------ | -------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| **Mods**           | None — vanilla content only                  | Full mod support via Steam Workshop      |
| **Compatibility**  | Vanilla clients only                         | tModLoader clients only                  |
| **Update cadence** | Updates with official Terraria patches       | Lags behind vanilla after major updates  |
| **Performance**    | Lighter                                      | Slightly heavier (mod overhead)          |
| **Best for**       | Pure vanilla communities, multiplayer events | Modded servers (Calamity, Thorium, etc.) |

Switch the Version [#switch-the-version]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Create a backup [#create-a-backup]

    In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), go to **Backups** and create a backup before switching. Vanilla and tModLoader use different save formats — backing up protects your progress.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Stop the server [#stop-the-server]
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Open Startup [#open-startup]

    Click **Startup** in the sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Switch the variant [#switch-the-variant]

    Find the **Server Variant** (or similar) variable and switch between **Vanilla** and **tModLoader**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Reinstall [#reinstall]

    On the **Dashboard**, click **Reinstall Server**. This downloads the correct server binary for your chosen variant.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Configure tModLoader (if applicable) [#configure-tmodloader-if-applicable]

    If you switched to tModLoader, you'll need to also disable anti-cheat in `serverconfig.txt`:

    ```
    secure=0
    ```

    This is required because mods modify game behavior in ways that vanilla anti-cheat would flag.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Start the server [#start-the-server]

    Start from **Console**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Important Notes [#important-notes]

| Note                                     | Detail                                                                                                       |
| ---------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Save data is variant-specific**        | Vanilla worlds don't load on tModLoader and vice versa. Always back up before switching                      |
| **Player versions must match**           | Vanilla players can't connect to tModLoader servers and vice versa                                           |
| **tModLoader version must match client** | Both server and client need the same tModLoader version                                                      |
| **Mods are server-side**                 | When tModLoader mods are installed on the server, **all connecting clients** must have the same mods enabled |

Anti-Cheat (secure=1) [#anti-cheat-secure1]

Vanilla Terraria's `secure=1` setting in `serverconfig.txt` enables built-in anti-cheat. This blocks modified clients and prevents some types of cheating. **Disable it (`secure=0`) when running tModLoader** — the anti-cheat will reject the modded clients.

```
# Vanilla servers
secure=1

# tModLoader servers
secure=0
```

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Server Configuration](/docs/terraria/server-config)
* [Install Mods](/docs/terraria/install-mods)
* [Disable Anti-Cheat](/docs/terraria/disable-anti-cheat)