How to Host a TerraTech Worlds Dedicated Server (2026)

To host a TerraTech Worlds server, install the dedicated server with SteamCMD (app 2533070) on Windows 10 or 11, run TT2Server -log once, then edit dedicated_server_config.json in the install folder. It has only three settings: the port, the password and the slot count (up to 8, with 6 recommended). Open that port for UDP. Players connect with Join Dedicated Server, typing the address into Host Address. Co-op saves move over as .tera files renamed to Autosave_Server_<guid>.

Why host a dedicated TerraTech Worlds server?

In normal co-op the world ends when the host logs off. A dedicated server keeps the planet, bases, harvesters and refineries in one place, so the crew can play on their own schedules and come back to the same machines. TerraTech Worlds is still in Early Access with regular patches, and a server is also the simplest way to keep everyone on the same version.

What do you need to run a TerraTech Worlds server?

Payload Studios officially supports the server on Windows 10 and 11. Linux works under Wine, but the developers say they do not support it. It is a modern 3D game, so it needs more memory than its small player count suggests, and big automated bases are what push it up.

How do I install the TerraTech Worlds dedicated server?

The steps follow the TerraTech Worlds wiki's dedicated server page:

1. Install it from Steam (tick Tools in your Library filter and install TerraTech Worlds Dedicated Server), or with SteamCMD:

steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\TTWServer +login anonymous +app_update 2533070 validate +quit

For the unstable branch, add -beta ttw_unstable before validate. Players then need the unstable branch too.

2. Open a command prompt in C:\TTWServer and start it:

TT2Server -log

3. Stop it, edit dedicated_server_config.json, and start it again.

On Linux, install with +@sSteamCmdForcePlatformType windows added to the SteamCMD line and start it with wine TT2Server.exe -log.

What goes in dedicated_server_config.json?

The file sits in the root of the install folder. The developers say only the port, password and maximum slots can be configured. The keys look like this:

{
  "Port": 7777,
  "Password": "our_crew",
  "SlotCount": 6
}

There is no world rules file. Difficulty, resource rates and similar options are not exposed on the dedicated server, so the server runs the standard game. Keep the JSON valid: a missing comma or quote stops the file from loading.

What ports does a TerraTech Worlds server use?

Forward that one port as UDP on your router and allow it through Windows Firewall. Forwarding it as TCP is the most common reason friends time out. Our port forwarding guide covers the router side.

How do players join a TerraTech Worlds server?

1. Launch TerraTech Worlds and open the multiplayer menu.
2. Choose Join Dedicated Server.
3. Type the server address, for example 203.0.113.10:7777, into Host Address.
4. Press Launch and enter the password if asked.

Everyone must be on the same build as the server. After a game patch, update the server before anyone tries to join.

How do I move our co-op world onto the server?

This is where most people get stuck, because the server will not load a co-op save under its normal name. A developer explained the steps on the Steam forum:

1. Back up your saves first.
2. On your PC, open C:\Users\<you>\AppData\Local\TT2\<your Steam ID>\WorldSaves.
3. Copy the world's .tera file and its matching .png.
4. Rename both from Autosave_<guid> to Autosave_Server_<guid>. Keep the guid exactly the same.
5. Stop the server and upload both files into the server's WorldSaves folder inside its TT2 folder.
6. Delete the other saves in that folder, so the server cannot pick the wrong one.
7. Start the server and connect.

Without the _Server part in the name the server ignores your file and keeps its own world, which looks exactly like the upload failing. The save must also come from a game version the server can load, so update both before you move it.

Common problems

• Server keeps its own world after an upload: the file is not named Autosave_Server_<guid>, or an older server save is still in the folder.
• Friends time out: the port is forwarded as TCP instead of UDP, or the Windows Firewall rule is missing.
• "Version mismatch": the server and game are on different builds or branches. Update the server, and match the stable or unstable branch.
• Server will not start after editing the config: the JSON is broken. Check commas and quotes.
• Password rejected: spaces and symbols cause trouble. Stick to letters, numbers, dashes and underscores.

The easy option: host it with GamezServers

Our TerraTech Worlds server hosting runs the Windows server for you. On our servers the Settings page writes the port, the password and Max Players (up to 6) into dedicated_server_config.json on every start, so change them there rather than in the file. Auto Update installs the newest build each time the server starts, and the file manager or SFTP handles the WorldSaves upload above, with a one click backup before you replace anything.

New customers get 50% off the first month on monthly plans, the crew can split the bill so each person pays their own share, and upgrades keep your world. For the save move in more detail, see how to move a TerraTech Worlds save to a dedicated server.

FAQ

How many players can join a TerraTech Worlds server?

Up to 8 slots in dedicated_server_config.json. The developers recommend 6.

What port does a TerraTech Worlds dedicated server use?

The single port set in dedicated_server_config.json, and it must be open for UDP.

Where are TerraTech Worlds saves stored?

On your PC in AppData\Local\TT2\<your Steam ID>\WorldSaves, as .tera files with a matching .png.

Why does the server ignore my uploaded save?

It needs to be named Autosave_Server_<guid> and be the only save in the server's WorldSaves folder.

Does a TerraTech Worlds server run on Linux?

Only unofficially, under Wine. The developers officially support Windows 10 and 11.