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Installation Guide

Complete installation instructions for all platforms and methods

10 min read Installation Updated Sept 2025

Quick Install (Recommended)

For most users, the Steam installation is the fastest and easiest method:

Install via Steam Manual Download

Steam Installation

Prerequisites

  • Steam account and Steam client installed
  • Terraria purchased on Steam (required)
  • At least 1GB free disk space

Step-by-Step Instructions

1 Open Steam Store

Launch Steam and navigate to the Store page. You can also use this direct link:

tModLoader on Steam

2 Install tModLoader

Click "Install Game" on the tModLoader Steam page. It's completely free.

Note: tModLoader appears as a separate game in your Steam library, not as DLC for Terraria.

3 First Launch

Launch tModLoader from your Steam library. The first launch will:

  • Create mod directories in Documents/My Games/Terraria/tModLoader
  • Set up configuration files
  • Enable access to the mod browser

Steam Benefits

  • Automatic updates when new versions are released
  • Steam Workshop integration for easy mod browsing
  • Steam Cloud saves (if enabled)
  • Easy uninstallation through Steam

Manual Installation

When to Use Manual Installation

  • You own Terraria on GOG or other non-Steam platforms
  • You want to use a specific version of tModLoader
  • You prefer having full control over the installation
  • Steam is not available in your region

Windows Installation

Step 1: Download tModLoader

Download the latest Windows release from GitHub:

https://github.com/tModLoader/tModLoader/releases/latest

Look for files ending in .zip for Windows.

Step 2: Extract Files

Extract the downloaded archive to your Terraria installation directory:

Steam: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Terraria
GOG: C:\GOG Games\Terraria
Custom: Your Terraria installation folder

Step 3: Run tModLoader

Execute tModLoader.exe from the Terraria directory.

macOS Installation

macOS requires Mono framework. Install it from mono-project.com first.

Installation Steps

  1. Install Mono framework from the official website
  2. Download the macOS release from GitHub
  3. Extract to your Terraria.app location
  4. Run tModLoader using Mono

Linux Installation

Prerequisites

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install mono-complete

# Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S mono

# Fedora
sudo dnf install mono-complete

Installation Steps

  1. Install Mono using your package manager
  2. Download the Linux release from GitHub
  3. Extract to your Terraria directory
  4. Make tModLoader executable: chmod +x tModLoader
  5. Run with: mono tModLoader.exe

Version Information

LATEST v2025.07.3.0

  • • Terraria 1.4.4.9
  • • 46.5 MB download
  • • Monthly auto-release

STABLE v2025.06.3.0

  • • Terraria 1.4.4.9
  • • 46.3 MB download
  • • Most mods compatible

LEGACY v2022.09.47.87

  • • Terraria 1.4.3.6
  • • 35.4 MB download
  • • For older mods

Common Installation Issues

"Unable to load tModLoader" Error

This usually indicates missing dependencies or incorrect installation.

  • Ensure .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later is installed (Windows)
  • Install Mono framework (macOS/Linux)
  • Verify Terraria is properly installed
  • Run as administrator (Windows)

Mod Folder Not Found

tModLoader creates mod folders on first launch. If missing:

Windows: Documents/My Games/Terraria/tModLoader/
macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Terraria/tModLoader/
Linux: ~/.local/share/Terraria/tModLoader/

Mod Browser Won't Load

If the mod browser shows connection errors:

  • Check your internet connection
  • Disable antivirus/firewall temporarily
  • Try using Steam version for Workshop integration
  • Wait a few minutes and try again (server may be busy)

What's Next?

Getting Started Guide

Learn the basics of using tModLoader

Using Mods

Advanced mod management and configuration