How to Change Your Terraria Server Version
Switch your Terraria server between vanilla and tModLoader, or pin to a specific game version.
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 | 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
Create a backup
In the XGamingServer Panel, go to Backups and create a backup before switching. Vanilla and tModLoader use different save formats — backing up protects your progress.
Open Startup
Click Startup in the sidebar.
Switch the variant
Find the Server Variant (or similar) variable and switch between Vanilla and tModLoader.
Reinstall
On the Dashboard, click Reinstall Server. This downloads the correct server binary for your chosen variant.
Configure tModLoader (if applicable)
If you switched to tModLoader, you'll need to also disable anti-cheat in serverconfig.txt:
secure=0This is required because mods modify game behavior in ways that vanilla anti-cheat would flag.
Start the server
Start from Console.
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)
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=0Related Guides
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