How to Change Terraria Server Version

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide shows you how to change the version of a vanilla Terraria server, whether you want to downgrade to an older version for compatibility with friends, or upgrade to the latest release for new content. You’ll learn the exact steps for both Windows and Linux, plus how to handle world files and common pitfalls. No mods or third-party tools are neededâ€”just the official server files.

What You’ll Need

Access to the machine running the Terraria server (admin/root or at least write permissions to the server folder).
A way to download files from the internet (e.g., a web browser or command-line tools like wget or curl).
If you’re downgrading, a backup of your current world files (recommended for any version change).
If you’re using a service like SteamCMD, that tool installed (optional, but common for dedicated servers).

Step-by-Step

Stop the server. If the server is running, shut it down gracefully. On Windows, close the console window or press Ctrl+C. On Linux, use screen -r to attach to the session and then press Ctrl+C, or use kill with the process ID. Make sure it’s fully stopped before proceeding.
Back up your world files. Navigate to the server folder (typically named TerrariaServer or tModLoaderServer if you’ve used mods, but vanilla is just TerrariaServer). Copy the entire folder to a safe location, or at least the Worlds subfolder. World files have a .wld extension. This is critical if you’re downgrading, as newer world formats may not be readable by older versions.
Determine the version you want. Decide which Terraria version you need. The latest stable release is always available on the official Terraria website or via Steam. For older versions, you’ll need to find the specific build number (e.g., 1.4.4.9). Check the Terraria Wiki or community forums for a list of version numbers.
Download the server files for that version.
- For the latest version: Go to the official Terraria website and download the dedicated server zip (usually named terraria-server-XXXX.zip). Extract it to a temporary folder.
- For an older version: Use a service like SteamCMD to download a specific version. Open a command prompt/terminal and run steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 1281930 -beta validate +quit (replace <version> with the branch name, e.g., 1.4.4.9). If you don’t have SteamCMD, you can download it from Valve’s site. Alternatively, some community mirrors host old server zips, but be cautious about security.
Replace the server executable and DLLs. In your server folder, delete the old TerrariaServer.exe (Windows) or TerrariaServer (Linux) and any related DLL files (like Newtonsoft.Json.dll). Then copy the corresponding files from the newly downloaded version into the server folder. Do not delete the Worlds folder or your config.txt file.
Check for configuration compatibility. Open your config.txt file (if you have one) and review the settings. Some options may have been added or removed between versions. If you see an error about an unknown setting, remove that line or reset the config to defaults by deleting the file (the server will regenerate it).
Start the server. Run the new executable. On Windows, double-click TerrariaServer.exe. On Linux, run ./TerrariaServer (you may need to make it executable with chmod +x TerrariaServer). Follow the prompts to select a world or create a new one. If you’re using an existing world, make sure it’s compatible with the new version (see Troubleshooting).
Verify the version. Once the server is running, the console will display the version number at startup. You can also check by connecting with the game client and looking at the server listâ€”it will show the version. If it’s not what you expected, repeat the steps.

Common Mistakes

Not backing up worlds. Downgrading to an older version can corrupt or make worlds unreadable. Always back up before switching.
Leaving old DLLs. If you only replace the EXE but leave old DLLs, the server may crash or behave unpredictably. Delete all old executable and DLL files before copying new ones.
Using the wrong download source. Downloading from unofficial sites can give you a modified or infected file. Stick to the official Terraria website or SteamCMD.
Forgetting to stop the server. If you try to replace files while the server is running, the files may be locked, and the replacement will fail.
Mixing up client and server versions. The server version doesn’t have to match the client version exactly, but it must be within the same major version (e.g., 1.4.x). If you’re running a 1.4.4 server, clients on 1.4.4 can join, but clients on 1.4.3 may not.

Tips

Use a separate folder for each version. Instead of overwriting, keep multiple server folders (e.g., TerrariaServer_1.4.4 and TerrariaServer_1.4.3). This makes switching back and forth trivialâ€”just run the appropriate executable.
Document your config. If you have custom settings, write them down or keep a copy of config.txt outside the server folder. That way, you can quickly restore settings after an upgrade.
Test with a dummy world. Before switching your main world, create a new test world and run the server with it to confirm the version works correctly.
Keep a copy of the server zip. If you downloaded a specific version, keep the zip in a safe place. This avoids re-downloading if you need to revert.

Troubleshooting

Server won’t start after replacement. This is usually due to missing DLLs or a corrupted download. Re-download the server files and make sure you copy all files from the zip, not just the EXE. On Linux, check file permissions with ls -l and ensure the executable bit is set.

World fails to load or crashes. This happens when the world was saved in a newer version and you’re trying to run it on an older one. The server may show an error like “World file is not compatible.” If you have a backup, restore it. If not, you may need to start a new world. To avoid this, always back up before downgrading.

Players can’t connect. Check that your client version matches the server version. If you’re on 1.4.4 and the server is 1.4.3, you’ll get a “Connection refused” or “Version mismatch” error. Update your game client to the same version, or change the server to match.

Config errors after upgrade. If the server crashes with an error about an unknown config key, open config.txt and remove or comment out lines that you don’t recognize. You can also delete the file entirelyâ€”the server will generate a fresh one with defaults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the version without losing my world?

Yes, if you’re upgrading to a newer version, your world will usually load fine. If you’re downgrading, there’s a risk of corruption. Always back up your world files before switching.

How do I find older server versions?

Use SteamCMD with the -beta flag. For example, to get version 1.4.4.9, run steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 1281930 -beta 1.4.4.9 validate +quit. You can find a list of version numbers on the Terraria Wiki.

Do I need to change the client version too?

No, the server can run a different version than the client, but they must be within the same major version (e.g., 1.4.x). If you’re running a 1.4.4 server, clients on 1.4.4 can join, but clients on 1.4.3 may not.

What if I use mods?

This guide is for vanilla servers only. If you use tModLoader, the process is differentâ€”you’ll need to change the tModLoader version, not the Terraria version. For vanilla, just follow the steps above.

Can I keep multiple versions installed at once?

Yes, you can have multiple server folders with different versions. Just make sure they use different ports or run them one at a time. This is a good way to test compatibility.

Why does my server show a different version than I expected?

Double-check that you copied the correct files. The version is displayed in the server console at startup. If it’s wrong, re-download and replace the executable again.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.