tModLoader — Getting Started Guide

What is tModLoader

tModLoader is the official mod loader for Terraria, available as free DLC on Steam. It allows you to install community-made mods that add new content, change gameplay mechanics, or improve quality of life. As of 1.4.4, tModLoader supports the latest Terraria version and has thousands of mods available.

tModLoader handles mod loading, dependency management, and multiplayer mod synchronization automatically.

Installing tModLoader

The easiest way to install tModLoader is through Steam:

• Open Steam and go to your Library
• Search for 'tModLoader' (it's free DLC, separate from Terraria)
• Click Install — it installs as a separate game entry
• Launch tModLoader from Steam — it runs Terraria with mod support

If you're on GOG or want a manual install, download the latest release from the tModLoader GitHub and extract it into your Terraria installation folder.

Browsing and Installing Mods

From the tModLoader main menu:

• Click Workshop → Download Mods
• Use the search bar to find mods by name
• Click a mod to see its description, then click Download
• Downloaded mods appear in the Mods menu

Popular mods to start with: Calamity Mod, Thorium Mod, Magic Storage, Recipe Browser, and Boss Checklist.

Managing Load Order

Most mods work together without issues, but some have specific load order requirements:

• Open Mods from the main menu
• Use the priority arrows to move mods up/down
• Content mods (Calamity, Thorium) should generally load before QoL mods
• If you get crashes, try disabling mods one at a time to find the conflict

tModLoader will warn you about known incompatibilities when you enable mods.

Creating a Modded World

After enabling mods, create a new world — modded content generates with the world. Don't use your vanilla worlds with content mods, as disabling the mod later can corrupt them.

For Calamity, select a Large world for the best experience. The Sulphurous Sea and Abyss need space to generate properly.

Multiplayer with Mods

For multiplayer, all players must have the exact same mods enabled at the same versions. tModLoader handles this automatically when connecting — it will prompt players to download missing mods.

To host a dedicated modded server, see our tModLoader Server Guide.

Recommended First Mods

• Calamity Mod — massive content overhaul with 20+ bosses
• Thorium Mod — Healer and Bard classes, 11 bosses
• Magic Storage — centralized storage and crafting system
• Recipe Browser — search any recipe or drop source
• Boss Checklist — track boss progression across mods
• Veinminer — mine entire ore veins at once
• HERO's Mod — creative/cheat menu for testing

Troubleshooting

• Game crashes on startup: Disable all mods, then re-enable one at a time
• Version mismatch: Update tModLoader and all mods through the Workshop
• World won't load: If a mod was removed that added blocks to your world, the world may be corrupted — restore from backup
• Low FPS with mods: Some content mods are heavy — lower Terraria's frame skip and lighting settings

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