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Using Mods with tModLoader

Complete guide to finding, installing, and managing Terraria mods

12 min read Player Guide Updated Sept 2025

Using the Mod Browser

Accessing the Mod Browser

  1. Launch tModLoader
  2. From the main menu, click "Workshop"
  3. Select "Download Mods"
  4. Browse available mods or use the search function

Finding Mods

  • Search by name: Use the search bar for specific mods
  • Sort options: Popular, recently updated, alphabetical
  • Filter by category: Content, utility, cosmetic mods
  • Check ratings: Community ratings and download counts

Installing Mods

  • Click download: Click the download icon next to mod name
  • Wait for download: Progress bar shows download status
  • Check dependencies: Some mods require other mods
  • Enable mods: Go to Manage Mods to enable

Managing Your Mods

Enable/Disable Mods

Steps:

  1. Go to Workshop → Manage Mods
  2. Click the toggle switch next to mod names
  3. Green = enabled, Red = disabled
  4. Click "Reload Mods" to apply changes

Important: Always reload mods after making changes. The game needs to restart the mod system.

Mod Load Order

Some mods depend on others and need to load in a specific order. tModLoader handles this automatically, but you can manually adjust the order if needed.

Auto-Sorting

tModLoader automatically sorts mods based on their dependencies. Manual sorting is rarely needed unless you have specific requirements.

Recommended Mod Categories

Essential Quality of Life Mods

Recipe Browser

View all recipes and items in the game

ESSENTIAL

Magic Storage

Unlimited storage with crafting integration

POPULAR

Boss Checklist

Track boss progression and summoning

UTILITY

Wing Slot

Extra accessory slot specifically for wings

QOL

Major Content Mods

Calamity Mod

Massive post-Moon Lord content expansion with 1000+ items and 20+ bosses

HUGE CONTENT ⚠️ Very challenging

Thorium Mod

Adds Healer and Bard classes with content for all game stages

BALANCED ✓ Beginner friendly

Spirit Mod

Well-balanced content mod with unique biomes and mechanics

EXPLORATION ✓ Great for first content mod

Creating and Using Mod Packs

What are Mod Packs?

Mod packs are curated collections of mods that work well together. They make it easy to share mod setups with friends or try themed mod combinations.

Creating a Mod Pack

  1. Enable all the mods you want in your pack
  2. Go to Workshop → Mod Packs
  3. Click "Save Enabled as New Mod Pack"
  4. Give your mod pack a descriptive name
  5. The mod pack is saved for future use

You can share mod pack files with friends by copying them from the ModPacks folder.

Loading a Mod Pack

  1. Go to Workshop → Mod Packs
  2. Select the mod pack you want to load
  3. Click "Enable Mods in this Mod Pack"
  4. tModLoader will automatically download missing mods
  5. Click "Reload Mods" when prompted

Multiplayer with Mods

Important Multiplayer Rules

  • All players must have tModLoader installed
  • All players must have the exact same mods enabled
  • Mod versions must match exactly
  • Vanilla Terraria players cannot join tModLoader servers

Setting Up Multiplayer

For Host:

  1. Create and test your mod pack
  2. Share the mod pack file with friends
  3. Ensure everyone loads the same pack
  4. Host the server as normal

For Players:

  1. Install tModLoader
  2. Load the host's mod pack
  3. Wait for all mods to download
  4. Join the server

Common Multiplayer Issues

  • Connection failed: Check that all players have identical mod lists
  • Version mismatch: Ensure everyone downloaded mods from the same source
  • Missing mods: Some players may not have downloaded all required mods
  • Sync errors: Restart both client and server if sync issues occur

Mod Compatibility & Conflicts

Understanding Mod Conflicts

Signs of Conflicts:

  • Game crashes on startup
  • Missing items or recipes
  • Visual glitches
  • Performance issues

Avoiding Conflicts:

  • Read mod descriptions carefully
  • Check compatibility notes
  • Start with fewer mods
  • Test mods individually first

Popular Mod Combinations

Content + QoL Pack

Great for first-time modded playthrough:

Thorium + Recipe Browser + Magic Storage + Boss Checklist + Wing Slot

Hardcore Challenge Pack

For experienced players seeking challenge:

Calamity + Fargo's Souls + Death Mode + Malice Mode

Builder's Paradise

Perfect for creative building:

Cheat Sheet + Hero's Mod + More Accessories + Luiafk

Tips & Best Practices

Performance Tips

Limit Active Mods

Use only mods you actually need for better performance

Monitor Memory Usage

Large content mods can use significant RAM

Regular Restarts

Restart the game after long sessions to clear memory

Safety Tips

Backup Saves

Always backup worlds and characters before major mod changes

Read Descriptions

Mod descriptions contain important compatibility information

Test Before Multiplayer

Test mod combinations in single-player first

Need More Help?

Join our community for mod recommendations, troubleshooting, and general discussion about modded Terraria.

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