Multiplayer

Multiplayer is a game mode wherein Terraria can be played with or against other remote players. Multiplayer games are cooperative by default, with PvP available for activation once a multiplayer game is entered.

Types
There are two types of multiplayer environments: Server and "Host & Play".


 * Host & Play games are started via the regular Terraria application. The first player chooses "Host & Play", chooses options, and starts the world, becoming the host. Other network or internet players can then join, by choosing "Join" from the multiplayer menu or if friends on steam can join using the "Join Via Steam" button. The world shuts down when the original player exits. This option is normally for smaller local LAN games or for small online games.
 * Major internet multiplayer games run on servers. Servers are started via the TerrariaServer.exe file included with each Windows Terraria installation, or via a third-party server program &mdash; see server for details. A server allows the game world to run on a separate computer, with no graphical requirements, and without requiring any particular player to remain connected. Players can join server games by choosing "Join" from Terraria's Multiplayer menu, then entering the server information. Server lists can be found below.

In server multiplayer games, the host server provides the world file, and has the ability to communicate with players, save the map, close the server, set the time of day, and kick or ban players.

PvP


Player versus Player (PvP) is a multiplayer mode that allows players, or teams of players, to attack each other. PvP is activated by joining a multiplayer world and enabling the PvP option by clicking on the crossed swords in the upper-right hand corner of the screen. The only way a player can damage another player is if both have the PvP option enabled.

There is also the option of joining a team. Teams are represented by the colored shields in the upper-right corner of the screen. Once you select a team, there is an onscreen notification of how far away they are, as well as how much health they have. PvP players on the same team can see each other on the minimap, while other PvP players cannot.

Capture the Gem
PvP players can play Capture the Gem, which operates similarly to Capture the Flag. Capture the Gem requires Large Gems, one for each team which can be crafted using 15 Amethyst, Topaz, Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, or Diamond. Teams attempt to steal the opposing team's Gem and bring it back to their own base. Large Gems display as hovering graphics over any player carrying one, and always drop next to killed players.

Unique aspects of PvP play

 * The window of invincibility after taking damage is greatly reduced if it came from another player. Normally, you would receive 2/3 of a second of invincibility (0.66). In PvP, you only receive 2/15 of a second (0.13).
 * The Cross Necklace and Star Veil have no effect in PvP.
 * Players killed by other players do not drop coins. By extension, players that are killed by their own explosives also do not drop coins, even in singleplayer worlds.
 * When players respawn, they have full health instead of just 100 health, or half health as of 1.3.
 * Critical hits do not apply in PvP. Because of this, the best modifier for weapons that will be exclusively used for PvP and cannot have their speed modified is generally Ruthless, which simply maximizes raw damage per hit.