Terraria is a popular Windows PC multiplayer sandbox game for which players have reported a lost connection error. For example, a player said this: “Been trying to play the latest [Terraria] release with a friend… Joining through Steam, it goes ‘Joining [Name]’, ‘Found server’ for 5-20 seconds, then ‘Lost connection.‘” Other players report that this connection error arises every few minutes when in Terraria worlds with friends. This is how you can fix the Terraria lost connection error on Windows PCs.
Verify the Terraria Game Files
Verifying the Terraria game files is a troubleshooting method that some players confirm can resolve the Terraria lost connection error. Corrupted or missing Terraria files can generate desynchronization issues. To remedy that, select the Verify option for Terraria as covered on this Steam page.
The Verify integrity of game files
Allow Terraria Through Windows Firewall
Another possible cause for the Terraria lost connection error is the Windows firewall blocking the game from communicating through it. To address that cause, add the Terraria.exe and TerrariaServer.exe files (in the Terraria game folder) to Windows Defender Firewall’s allowed page. This Microsoft page covers how users can add apps to the firewall’s allowed list. Select the Public and Private checkboxes for the Terraria.exe and TerrariaServer apps on the allowed list.
The Windows Defender Firewall allowed list
Don’t Set a Terraria World Password
Some players confirm they’ve fixed the Terraria lost connection error by not setting (or removing) a password for their multiplayer worlds. When setting up a new Host & Play session, leave the password field blank. Then, start the server without a password to see if the issue occurs.
Run Terraria With Admin Rights
Setting admin rights might fix the Terraria lost connection error because doing so will give the game full network access. Note that applying this potential fix will also enable the game to modify firewall rules. You can configure Terraria to always run with elevated privileges like this:
- Open the Terraria game folder in File Explorer, which has a default C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Terraria directory path.
- Right-click the Terraria.exe file to select Properties > Compatibility.
- Select the Run this program as an administrator, which is the option for elevated privileges.
The Compatibility tab
- Click Apply to save the changed settings and OK to exit.
Reset Your Network
Selecting the Network reset option in Windows is another player-confirmed way to fix the Terraria lost connection error. That troubleshooting option restores original settings for network components. This is how you can apply the network reset troubleshooting method:
- First, click the Search box on the Windows 11 taskbar (or magnifying glass icon).
- Enter a network reset search phrase.
- Click the Network reset search result.
- Press the Reset now button.
The Reset now option
- Select Yes to give your confirmation.
- Then, restart your Windows PC.
Reinstall Terraria
Reinstalling Terraria is a potential fix because it might repair and restore corrupted or missing game files, causing the connection issue. However, reinstalling the game will also update it to ensure you’re playing the latest version of Terraria. These are the steps for reinstalling Terraria with Steam:
- Run the Steam gaming client and click Library inside it.
- Click your Terraria game with the right mouse button to select Manage.
- Next, select the Uninstall option twice.
The Uninstall option in Steam
- Click on the uninstalled Terraria game in the Steam sidebar.
- Press the Terraria game’s Install button.
- Click Install again to reinstall.
The troubleshooting methods covered here are some of the most widely confirmed fixes for the Terraria lost connection error. If they’ve worked for other players, one of them might work for you as well. You can also ask the Terraria support service for more potential fixes with the su*****@******ia.org email address.
