# How to Change Max Players on Your Terraria Server (/docs/terraria/player-slots)



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

The default Terraria player limit is **8**. The game technically supports up to **255 players**, but most servers run 4–16 due to performance and gameplay design.

<Tabs items={['Via Startup (Recommended)', 'Via serverconfig.txt']}>
  <Tab value="Via Startup (Recommended)">
    <Steps>
      <Step>
        Open Startup [#open-startup]

        In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), click **Startup** in the sidebar.
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Set Max Players [#set-max-players]

        Find the **Max Players** field and enter your desired count.
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Restart [#restart]

        Restart from **Console** to apply.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab value="Via serverconfig.txt">
    <Steps>
      <Step>
        Stop the server [#stop-the-server]

        Go to **Console** and stop your server.
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Open serverconfig.txt [#open-serverconfigtxt]

        Click **Files** in the sidebar and open `serverconfig.txt` in the server root.
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Set maxplayers [#set-maxplayers]

        ```
        maxplayers=8
        ```
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Save and start [#save-and-start]

        Click **Save Content** and start from **Console**.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

Recommended Player Counts [#recommended-player-counts]

| Players   | Best For            | Notes                           |
| --------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------- |
| **2–4**   | Small co-op         | Tight-knit groups               |
| **4–8**   | Standard            | Default — works on any plan     |
| **8–16**  | Active community    | Decent CPU needed               |
| **16–32** | Public PvP / events | Requires strong hardware        |
| **32+**   | Stress testing      | Not recommended for normal play |

> **Performance note:** Each player adds physics simulation for projectiles, NPCs, and dropped items. Above \~16 players, you may notice lag during boss fights or events with many enemies.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Server Configuration](/docs/terraria/server-config)
* [Connect to Your Server](/docs/terraria/join-server)