Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Stop the server, back up its worlds and installation, then update with the method that matches your deployment. The official management script can update only tModLoader with install-tml, update tModLoader and installed mods together with install, or update only mods with install-mods. Docker deployments are updated by rebuilding the image. Afterward, compare the server’s reported tModLoader build and enabled-mod list with a client before allowing normal play.

What a tModLoader update changes

tModLoader is the server software that loads Terraria content mods. Updating it changes the executable and supporting files used to start the dedicated server. Depending on the command or image you choose, the update may also replace the installed mod files. That makes an update a compatibility change, not merely a routine file refresh.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Every player who joins must be running a compatible tModLoader build and a compatible set of enabled mods. The Steam listing notes that Workshop support exists but is not required, and warns that some mods may never be updated for a newer game version. A server can therefore be updated successfully and still be unable to load an older modpack or accept clients that have not updated.

Before you update: a safe-change checklist

  1. Schedule downtime. Tell players the server will be stopped. Do not update while a world is being saved or while players are connected.
  2. Stop the running server cleanly. Use the stop procedure supplied by your service, container, or launch script. Confirm that the server process has exited before replacing files.
  3. Record the current state. Note the current tModLoader build, Terraria version, enabled mods, modpack name, and the installation source (SteamCMD, GitHub, or Docker).
  4. Create a rollback backup. Copy the complete current installation, all world files, player files, configuration files, and modpack files to a separate location. A world-only backup is not sufficient when the new executable or mod files may be the cause of a failure.
  5. Confirm free disk space and permissions. The account running the update must be able to write to the installation and configuration directories. Keep the backup outside the directory that the updater will replace.
  6. Choose the update scope. Decide whether you need only tModLoader, only mods, or both. Do not use a combined update command when you are trying to preserve a known-good mod set.

Choose an update method

Use the same deployment method that currently owns your server files. Mixing a manually extracted installation with a Docker-managed installation can leave you editing files that are not actually used at runtime.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Compressed Air Duster,130000RPM Super Power Cordless Air Duster,Rechargeable Brushless Blower,3 Gear Adjustable Blower with LED Light,Dust Remover for Computer/House/Outdoor/Car
  • Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
  • With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
  • Wide Application:Upgraded attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
  • Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
  • Warranty & Support: Our Electric air duster comes with 5 years warranty and 24/7 customer service. During this period, if you have any questions,pls kindly feel free to contact us.
Method Typical platform Installation source What updates Version pinning Automation and rollback Administrative complexity
Official management script Windows or Linux installations using the script SteamCMD or GitHub install-tml: tModLoader only; install: tModLoader and installed mods; install-mods: mods only tmlversion.txt or TMLVERSION Commands are repeatable; rollback depends on your separate backup Moderate: shell access, correct path, and write permissions required
Docker Compose Any host running the compose deployment Docker image defined by the compose project Rebuilding updates tModLoader and mods Use the version setting supported by the image or compose configuration; a specific value is not stated in the documentation cited here Image layers can be cached; retaining the previous image and data backup provides rollback Moderate to high: compose files, volumes, permissions, and image lifecycle must be understood
Manual replacement Any platform Existing downloaded files Depends on exactly which files you replace Possible only if you deliberately retain and select a specific build Most dependent on your own file copies and notes High risk of a partial or mixed installation; use only when your deployment documentation requires it

Update with the official management script

Run the commands from the directory containing manage-tModLoaderServer.sh. The stable dedicated-server documentation says this script can install from SteamCMD or GitHub. Replace your_steam_username with the Steam account name used by your installation process.

Update only tModLoader

Use this when you want the server software refreshed but want to manage the mod files separately:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

./manage-tModLoaderServer.sh install-tml --username your_steam_username

The documented behavior of install-tml is to update only tModLoader. It does not intentionally perform the combined tModLoader-and-mod update performed by install. This is the appropriate choice for a controlled compatibility test, for a modpack whose files must remain unchanged, or when you have already verified that the existing mods support the new build.

Rank #2
EVEO® Screen Cleaner Spray Kit (Streak-Free) TV Screen Cleaner for Smart TV, Lcd, LEd, Oled | Computer Screen Cleaner Spray and Wipe Microfiber Cloth - TV, Monitor, Laptop, iPad, Car - 6.7oz 1 Pack
  • Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
  • Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
  • Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
  • Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
  • Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth

Update tModLoader and installed mods together

Use the combined installer when the server should move to a newer tModLoader build and refresh the installed mods in the same maintenance window:

./manage-tModLoaderServer.sh install --username your_steam_username

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Because this operation changes two compatibility layers at once, preserve the pre-update installation and modpack files. If startup fails afterward, you need to be able to determine whether the loader, a mod, or the interaction between them caused the problem.

Update mods only

When the tModLoader build is intentionally fixed and only mod files need refreshing, run:

Rank #3
BladeHawks RGB Gaming Mouse Pad Extra Large Extended 31.5x12 Inch-Black
  • 【Large size】:Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
  • 【LED backlight mouse pad】:Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
  • 【Anti-slip rubber base】:Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
  • 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
  • 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.

./manage-tModLoaderServer.sh install-mods --username your_steam_username

The project documentation explicitly distinguishes this command from install-tml: install-mods updates just the mods, while install-tml updates just tModLoader. Keeping that distinction matters when clients are already aligned to a loader build.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Pin a legacy or reproducible build

Do not rely on an unpinned “latest” build when you are maintaining a legacy modpack or need repeatable deployments. The documented options are:

  • Provide tmlversion.txt from the modpack.
  • Set TMLVERSION to a specific GitHub version, such as the documented example v2022.06.96.4.

Keep the pin in the same backup and deployment notes as the modpack. A version pin controls which loader build is installed; it does not make an incompatible mod compatible, so retain the enabled-mod list as well.

Rank #4
Sale
Vaydeer Wrist Rest for Keyboard and Mouse, Computer Ergonomic Wrist Support Pad, Soft Memory Foam Arm Cushion for Desk, Palm Hand Office Laptop Typing
  • 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
  • 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
  • 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
  • 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
  • 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.

Check the script result

  1. Wait for the command to finish without an error.
  2. Read the final output and confirm that the intended operation was performed: loader only, mods only, or both.
  3. Check the installation directory’s timestamps or reported version if your launch script exposes them.
  4. Do not delete the rollback copy until the server has started and a client has completed a test connection.

Update a Docker server

For a Docker Compose deployment, stop the service according to your normal maintenance procedure and rebuild the image from the directory containing the compose file:

docker compose build

The official Docker instructions state that the rebuild updates tModLoader and the mods. If the result appears unchanged because Docker reused a cached layer, force a complete rebuild:

docker compose build --no-cache

After the build completes, start the service with the normal command defined by your compose deployment. Keep the compose file, environment settings, mounted world and configuration volumes, and the previous image or backup available until the new container has passed a start-up and connection test.

Docker-specific checks

  • Confirm the rebuilt image is the one being started. A successful build is not proof that an old container was replaced.
  • Check persistent volumes. Worlds, players, configuration, and modpack data may live outside the image. Back them up before rebuilding.
  • Use --no-cache only when needed. It removes cached build layers from the decision, but it does not replace a data backup.
  • Keep deployment settings consistent. An environment variable or mounted directory can select a version or mod set different from what you expected from the image tag.

Synchronize mods with players

Updating the server’s mod files is only half of a modpack change. The client and server must use the same intended enabled set and compatible versions.

Best Value
Sale
Under Desk Cable Management Tray No Drill, Metal Mesh Cable Management Under Desk with Clamp Mount, 2 Hole Cable Tray with Wire Management and Cord Organizer for Home Office Standing Desk
  • 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
  • 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
  • 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
  • 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
  • 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.

Create a modpack from a client

  1. Open tModLoader on a client that has the desired mods enabled.
  2. Open Workshop, then Mod Packs.
  3. Choose Save Enabled as New Mod Pack.
  4. Open the resulting modpack folder on the client.
  5. Copy both install.txt and enabled.json into the server’s mod configuration area.

The dedicated-server documentation explains why both files matter: Steam Workshop does not use mod names as identifiers. A modpack should therefore be made to install Workshop mods, and the files produced by the modpack are the reliable synchronization mechanism. Do not try to synchronize by copying a hand-written list of display names alone.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Decide whether to install or preserve the client set

  • If the server is moving to a new modpack, copy the new install.txt and enabled.json, then run the appropriate mod installation command or rebuild the Docker image.
  • If you used install-tml specifically to preserve mods, keep the existing server mod configuration and compare it with the client before changing anything.
  • If you used install-mods, treat the resulting mod versions as a new client requirement even though the loader build stayed fixed.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Start-up and client verification

Do not reopen the server to normal play immediately after an update. Perform a controlled verification with one client first.

  1. Start the server using the same launch method used before the update.
  2. Read the start-up output and record the reported tModLoader build.
  3. Check that the world loads without a mod, asset, or dependency error.
  4. Compare the server’s enabled-mod list with the client’s enabled list. Check names and versions where they are displayed; the modpack files remain the authoritative Workshop synchronization artifacts.
  5. Connect with a client running a compatible tModLoader build and the same intended mod set.
  6. Enter the world, perform a small non-destructive action, and disconnect normally.
  7. Review the server log for errors before inviting everyone back.

If the build or mod list differs, stop there. A client that happens to connect is not proof that every mod is synchronized; missing content can appear later when a player loads an item, recipe, biome, or saved entity supplied by a mod.

Troubleshooting common update failures

The server still reports the old tModLoader build

  • Confirm that you ran the command from the installation directory actually used by the launch script.
  • Check whether a service manager, shortcut, or container starts a second installation.
  • For Docker, rebuild with docker compose build --no-cache and verify that the running service uses the rebuilt image.
  • Check for a version pin in tmlversion.txt or TMLVERSION. A deliberate pin can make a successful update appear unchanged.

Clients are rejected for a version or mod mismatch

  • Compare the server’s reported tModLoader build with the client build.
  • Compare the enabled-mod lists and versions.
  • Regenerate the client modpack with Save Enabled as New Mod Pack and copy the resulting install.txt and enabled.json to the server configuration area.
  • Decide whether the server should keep the previous mod set or adopt the new one; do not update one side repeatedly without recording which set is authoritative.

The server starts but a mod fails to load

Review the first mod-related error, not only the final shutdown message. Check whether the mod has been updated for the newer game or tModLoader version. The Steam listing warns that some mods may never be updated for a newer game version, so the practical fix may be to restore the previous loader and mod combination rather than forcing the newest build.

The Docker rebuild appears to change nothing

Cached layers are the first documented cause to rule out. Run docker compose build --no-cache, then restart the service using the deployment’s normal command. Also verify that persistent volumes are mounted where the container expects them; rebuilding an image does not automatically replace data stored in a volume.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The update command cannot write files

Stop the server, verify the account running the script has write access to the installation and configuration directories, and ensure the backup is stored elsewhere. Correct permissions before retrying. Do not work around a permission error by deleting configuration or world files.

Rollback when the new build is not usable

  1. Stop the server and prevent automatic restarts while you restore files.
  2. Preserve the failed installation and its logs so you can identify the incompatibility later.
  3. Restore the previous server directory, world files, player files, configuration, and modpack files from the rollback backup.
  4. If you use Docker, restore the previous image or image tag and the matching persistent data backup rather than copying files into a container that will be replaced.
  5. Start the restored version and verify its reported build and mod list with a client that was known to work before the update.
  6. Record which loader version, mod set, and update command produced the failure. Keep the deployment pinned until each enabled mod has a compatible release.

Which command should you use?

Your goal Command or action Result
Refresh only tModLoader ./manage-tModLoaderServer.sh install-tml --username your_steam_username Updates tModLoader without the combined mod update
Refresh tModLoader and installed mods ./manage-tModLoaderServer.sh install --username your_steam_username Updates both components
Refresh only mods ./manage-tModLoaderServer.sh install-mods --username your_steam_username Updates mods while leaving the loader operation separate
Rebuild a Docker deployment docker compose build Rebuilds the image; official instructions say tModLoader and mods update as part of the rebuild
Force Docker to fetch a fresh build path docker compose build --no-cache Rebuilds without cached layers
Keep a reproducible legacy build Provide tmlversion.txt or set TMLVERSION Selects a specified tModLoader version, such as v2022.06.96.4

Operational practices for future updates

  • Maintain one written record containing the loader version, Terraria version, enabled mods, modpack files, installation source, and date of each change.
  • Keep the previous complete installation and world backup until players have completed a normal session on the new build.
  • Use a version pin for a legacy or event-critical server instead of allowing an unplanned change to “latest.”
  • Update during a defined maintenance window and test with one client before announcing availability.
  • Tell players whether they need to update tModLoader, import a new modpack, or both.
  • Consider Workshop optional: it can distribute mods, but the server still needs a deliberate modpack synchronization process.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.