How to Play Terraria on Linux (Set up a Terraria Server Tutorial)

Are you an avid gamer looking to explore the world of Terraria on Linux? With the increasing popularity of Linux as an alternative operating system, it’s no surprise that gamers are eager to dive into their favorite titles on this platform.

In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the process of playing Terraria on Linux step by step, ensuring a seamless gaming experience. So, let’s get started!

Terraria, developed by Re-Logic, is a sandbox adventure game that has captivated millions of players worldwide. It offers a unique blend of exploration, crafting, and combat, allowing you to embark on exciting journeys in a pixelated 2D world.

While Windows has traditionally been the go-to platform for gaming, Linux has gained significant traction due to its stability, security, and open-source nature. So, if you’re a Linux enthusiast or simply curious about gaming on this platform, read on to learn how you can play Terraria on Linux.

Setting Up Linux for Terraria

Before you can embark on your Terraria adventure, you’ll need to ensure that your Linux system is properly set up. Here are the essential steps:

Linux offers a variety of distributions, each with its own unique features and user interfaces. Popular choices include Ubuntu, Fedora, and Linux Mint. Select a distribution that aligns with your preferences and requirements.

Installing Linux on your system

Once you’ve chosen a distribution, follow the installation instructions provided by the respective distribution’s website. Make sure to back up any important data before proceeding.

To get Steam working on your Linux PC, you’ll have to open up a terminal window on the Linux desktop. You can open up a terminal window on the desktop by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T on the keyboard. Or, search for “Terminal” in the app menu and launch it that way.

With the terminal window open, the installation can begin. Follow the installation instructions below to get the latest Steam version working on your computer.

Ubuntu

To set up Steam on Ubuntu, run the following apt install command.

sudo apt install steam

Debian

To get Steam working on Debian, start downloading the latest Steam release from the official Steam website. You can download the Steam DEB with the following wget command.

wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steam.deb

After downloading the latest release of Steam to your Debian computer, run the dpkg command to install the software.

sudo dpkg -i steam.deb

With the Steam DEB package installed on your computer, run the apt-get install -f command to correct any dependency issues that may have occurred during the installation process.

sudo apt-get install -f

Arch Linux

To get Steam working on Arch, you will have to set up the “multilib” software repository. Open up the /etc/pacman.conf file in a text editor (as root). Once the text file is open, locate the “multilib” software repository line and remove the # symbol.

The editing isn’t over after removing the # symbol from the “multilib” line. You must also remove the # symbol from the lines directly below. Then, save the edits and run the pacman -Syy command to re-sync your system.

sudo pacman -Syy

Finally, install the Steam app using the pacman -S command below with the new software repository.

sudo pacman -S steam

Fedora/OpenSUSE

To get Steam working on Fedora or OpenSUSE Linux, install it using the software repositories included out of the box on your PC. That said, the Flatpak release of Steam runs better on these operating systems, so we suggest following those instructions instead.

Flatpak

To get the Steam app working as a Flatpak, set up the Flatpak runtime on your computer. Then, run the two commands below to get the latest release of Steam working.

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

flatpak install flathub com.valvesoftware.Steam

After the installation, it’s crucial to ensure that your system has the necessary drivers and software to support Terraria and its requirements. Check for any available updates for your graphics card drivers, as they play a vital role in delivering optimal performance. Additionally, install the required libraries and dependencies for running Terraria smoothly on Linux.

Installing Steam on Linux

Steam is a widely used gaming platform that offers a vast library of games, including Terraria. To install Steam on your Linux system, follow these steps:

1. Open a web browser and visit the official Steam website (https://store.steampowered.com/).
2. Look for the “Install Steam” button and click on it.
3. Choose the appropriate package for your Linux distribution.
4. Once the download is complete, open the package installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. After the installation is finished, launch Steam from the applications menu.

If you encounter any issues during the installation, refer to the official documentation provided by Steam for troubleshooting assistance.

Purchasing and Downloading Terraria

To play Terraria on Linux, you’ll need to purchase the game on Steam. If you don’t have a Steam account, you’ll need to create one first. Once you have an account, follow these steps to purchase and download Terraria:

1. Launch Steam and login with your account credentials.
2. In the Steam store, search for “Terraria” using the search bar.
3. Select Terraria from the search results.
4. Click on the “Add to Cart” button and proceed to checkout.
5. Complete the purchase by providing the necessary payment details.
6. After the purchase is successful, Terraria will be added to your Steam library.
7. To download Terraria, go to your Steam library and locate the game.
8. Click on the “Install” button to begin the download process.
9. Wait for the download to complete, which may take some time depending on your internet speed.

Configuring Terraria on Linux

Once Terraria is downloaded, it’s time to configure the game for optimal performance on your Linux system. Follow these steps:

1. Launch Terraria from your Steam library.
2. Select the desired display resolution and graphics quality settings.
3. Customize the controls according to your preferences.
4. Consider adjusting other in-game settings, such as sound and music volume, to enhance your gaming experience.
5. Take some time to explore the different options and tailor them to your liking.

Modding Terraria on Linux

One of the great aspects of Terraria is the ability to mod the game, enhancing its features and adding new content. To get started with modding Terraria on Linux, follow these steps:

1. Research and choose the mods you want to install. There are various modding communities and websites where you can find a wide range of mods.
2. Download the mod files from a trusted source or the official Terraria forums. 3. Locate the mod folder for Terraria on your Linux system. It is typically found in the game’s installation directory.

4. Extract the downloaded mod files into the mod folder.
5. Launch Terraria and navigate to the Mods section in the main menu.
6. Enable the mods you want to use by clicking on the corresponding checkboxes.
7. Arrange the mod load order if necessary to ensure compatibility between different mods.
8. Start the game and enjoy the new features and content provided by the mods.

Remember to periodically update your mods to access the latest features and bug fixes. Be cautious when installing mods from unknown sources and always verify their compatibility and reputation within the Terraria community.

Set up a Terraria Server For Ubuntu Linux:

Prerequisites:

You will need an IP address to play with other players. Follow this guide to purchase one for your Shell.

Update and install tools:

Server files Download

Download the latest version of the Terraria server software at the following link:

Once downloaded, within the downloads folder, run the following command

Navigate to the directory:

Add executable permissions

Launch the server

Finally,

The screenshot above lists the new world I created “Hworld“. To create your own type “n” and it will prompt you for a name and difficulty level.

Set the maximum number of players: I set mine to the max of 16

Set the port: Hit enter to use the default, 7777.

Enable port forwarding: type “y”

Set your password: I entered none since I prefer no passwords for my server.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I play Terraria on any Linux distribution?
   • Yes, Terraria is compatible with most Linux distributions. Just make sure your system meets the game’s minimum requirements.
2. Do I need to purchase Terraria again if I already own it on Windows?
   • No, Terraria is a cross-platform game, so if you already own it on Windows, you can download and play it on Linux without purchasing it again.
3. How can I improve the performance of Terraria on Linux?
   • Update your graphics card drivers, lower graphics settings, close unnecessary background applications, and ensure you have sufficient system resources.
4. Are there any specific mods recommended for Terraria on Linux?
   • There are numerous mods available for Terraria on Linux. It’s recommended to explore modding communities and forums to find mods that suit your preferences.
5. Can I play multiplayer Terraria on Linux with my friends on Windows?
   • Yes, Terraria supports cross-platform multiplayer, allowing you to play with friends on different operating systems.