This guide covers everything you need to get your TerraTech Worlds dedicated server running on Legion Hosting, from first-time startup and configuration to world settings, save management, and how players connect. For admin commands, player management, and troubleshooting, see TerraTech Worlds Admin Commands.
What is TerraTech Worlds?
TerraTech Worlds is an open-world sandbox game developed by Payload Studios where players design, build, and battle custom vehicles called Techs. Set in a procedurally generated alien world, players harvest resources, craft components, and construct increasingly powerful machines. The multiplayer dedicated server allows groups of players to explore, build, and battle together in a persistent shared world.
First Start
When you first receive your TerraTech Worlds server, follow these steps to get it online:
- Log in to GPanel and select your TerraTech Worlds server.
- Navigate to the Startup tab and configure your desired server name, max players, and any other startup variables.
- Go to the Console tab and click Start.
- The server will download the TerraTech Worlds dedicated server files on first boot. This may take several minutes.
- Once the console indicates the server is ready and listening for connections, your server is online.
- A new world will be generated automatically on first start. World generation may add a few extra seconds to the initial boot.
GPanel Startup Variables
TerraTech Worlds exposes several configuration options as startup variables in GPanel. Navigate to the Startup tab to view and modify these. Changes require a server restart to take effect.
| Variable | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
SERVER_PASSWORD |
empty | Optional password to join. Leave empty for a public server. |
MAX_PLAYERS |
6 |
Maximum number of simultaneous players. TerraTech Worlds supports up to 6 players. |
Server Configuration
Beyond startup variables, TerraTech Worlds servers may have a configuration file in the server directory for advanced settings. Edit this file through the Files tab in GPanel or via SFTP.
Key Configuration Options
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
Server Name |
The display name for your server. Choose something memorable for your community. |
Password |
Server join password. When set, players must enter this password to connect. |
Max Players |
Player limit. 4–8 is typical for a stable experience. Higher values depend on server resources. |
World Seed |
Determines the procedural generation of the world. Only applies when generating a new world. |
PvP |
Enable or disable player-versus-player combat. When disabled, players cannot damage each other's Techs. |
Difficulty |
Controls enemy strength, resource availability, and overall challenge level. |
World Settings
TerraTech Worlds features procedurally generated open worlds with various biomes, resources, and enemy bases. World settings affect the gameplay experience for all players.
World Seed
The world seed is a value that controls how the procedural world is generated. Two servers with the same seed will generate identical terrain layouts. The seed is set before the world is first generated — changing it after world creation requires generating a new world (which deletes the existing one).
PvP Settings
- PvP Enabled: Players can attack and damage each other's Techs. Ideal for competitive servers.
- PvP Disabled: Players cannot harm each other. Recommended for cooperative building and exploration servers.
Difficulty
Difficulty settings affect NPC enemy strength and resource distribution:
- Easy: Weaker enemies, more abundant resources. Good for casual play and building-focused servers.
- Normal: Balanced difficulty. Standard gameplay experience.
- Hard: Stronger enemies, scarcer resources. Challenging survival experience that rewards teamwork.
Server Name and Password
Setting the Server Name
Your server name is how players identify your server in the browser or community. Set it via the SERVER_NAME startup variable in GPanel. Choose a unique, descriptive name so your community can easily find the server.
Setting a Password
To make your server private, set the SERVER_PASSWORD startup variable. Players will be prompted to enter it when connecting. Clear the variable and restart to make the server public again.
Max Players and Performance
TerraTech Worlds multiplayer is designed for smaller groups. Performance considerations:
- 4–8 players: The recommended range for a smooth experience. Most servers run well at this capacity.
- 8–16 players: Possible on higher-resource servers, but performance depends on the complexity of player Techs and world state.
- Tech complexity: Players building large, complex Techs with many components increase the simulation load. Servers with many active builders may need more resources.
- World exploration: As players explore more of the world, more chunks are loaded and saved. This gradually increases disk and memory usage over time.
How to Connect
Players connect to TerraTech Worlds dedicated servers through the in-game multiplayer menu.
Via the Server Browser
- Launch TerraTech Worlds through Steam.
- From the main menu, select Multiplayer.
- Browse the server list or search for your server by name.
- Click on your server and select Join.
- If the server has a password, enter it when prompted.
Via Direct Connect
- In the multiplayer menu, look for a Direct Connect option.
- Enter your server's IP address and port in the format
IP:PORT. - Click Connect.
To find your server's IP address and port, see How to Find Your Server IP and Port.
Save Management
TerraTech Worlds uses a persistent world that is saved on the server. World data includes terrain modifications, placed structures, resource states, and player bases.
Automatic Saves
The server automatically saves the world state periodically and on shutdown. You do not need to manually trigger saves under normal circumstances.
Backing Up Your World
- Stop the server in GPanel to ensure a clean save state.
- Navigate to the Files tab and locate the world save directory (typically a
savesorworldfolder in the server root). - Download the save folder via the Files tab or SFTP.
- Store the backup in a safe location on your local machine.
Restoring a Backup
- Stop the server.
- Upload your backup save files to the correct save directory, replacing the existing files.
- Start the server. It will load the restored world.
Starting a New World
To generate a fresh world:
- Stop the server.
- Delete or rename the existing world save folder.
- Optionally set a new
WORLD_SEEDin the Startup tab. - Start the server. A new world will be generated.
Related Articles
- TerraTech Worlds Admin Commands — Admin setup, player management, world management, and troubleshooting
- How to Find Your Server IP and Port
- How to Upload Files via SFTP
- Server Startup Guide — General guide for starting any game server on Legion Hosting
Need More Help?
If you are experiencing issues not covered in this guide, our support team is available to assist. Open a ticket at legionhosting.net/submitticket.php with your server details and a description of the problem.