Terraria: Fixing Connection Issues
"Found Server..." followed by eternal silence. We've all been there. Terraria's networking code is generally robust, but when it fails, it fails hard.
1. Stuck on "Found Server"
This means you reached the IP, but the server isn't replying. Usually a Port Forwarding issue or Firewall block.
2. "Lost Connection"
Can occur mid-game or at login. Often caused by timed-out packets (large worlds) or player inventory data corruption.
3. Rubber Banding
Lag that teleports enemies. Caused by high ping or Frame Skip settings mismatch.
Major Fixes
1. The "Frame Skip" Trick (Lag)
Unlike most games, Terraria ties network processing to framerate.
- Go to Settings -> Video.
- Set Frame Skip to **ON** or **SUBTLE**.
- If set to OFF, your client basically tries to "fast forward" the world to catch up, causing massive desync.
2. Stuck on "Found Server"
- Port Forwarding: Ensure Port `7777` (TCP & UDP) is open on the server.
- Firewall: Add `TerrariaServer.exe` to the allowed list in Windows Defender.
- Version Mismatch: 1.4.4.9 cannot join 1.4.3. Ensure both client and server are identical.
3. Stuck on "Receiving Tile Data"
The client is downloading the map chunks properly but getting stuck.
- Small World: Try a Small world. Large worlds can timeout on slow connections.
- Character Corruption: Try joining with a fresh character. If it works, your main character's `.plr` data might be corrupted (inventory or buffs).
Steam Multiplayer vs IP Join
Terraria offers two ways to join:
- **Join via Steam:** Easy, relies on Steam P2P. Can be unstable if Steam servers are lagging.
- **Join via IP:** Requires Port Forwarding (7777). Much more stable and direct. Recommended for dedicated servers.
Stay connected. Host your Terraria server with Supercraft to ensure port 7777 is always correctly configured and DDoS protected.