Why tModLoader World Isn’t Showing & How to Fix It

If you’re a fan of Terraria modding, you’ve probably come across tModLoader, the essential tool for running and managing mods. However, one common issue that can quickly halt your gameplay is your world not showing up in the tModLoader launcher. This issue can be confusing and frustrating, especially when your precious progress seems to disappear without a trace.

TLDR: Too Long, Didn’t Read

If your world isn’t showing up in tModLoader, the issue usually stems from file location mismatches, mod incompatibilities, or version disparities between vanilla Terraria and tModLoader. Start by ensuring your world is located in the correct folder and that you’re running the correct game version. Double-check mod settings and consider renaming or migrating your world files manually if necessary. Read on for a full troubleshooting guide and step-by-step solutions.

Understanding the Problem

When a world that was previously visible suddenly disappears from tModLoader, it’s often due to a handful of underlying causes. Most of these are relatively easy to resolve if you know where to look. Before diving into the fixes, it helps to understand why this problem even occurs:

• Inconsistent file directories: tModLoader and Vanilla Terraria store world files in different locations.
• Version mismatch: A discrepancy between the version of tModLoader and the version of Terraria your world was made in can cause visibility issues.
• Mod dependencies: If the world relies on a certain mod that is either missing or outdated, it may not show up properly.
• Corrupted or renamed files: Any unintentional file corruption or incorrect naming can make your world invisible to the loader.

Step-by-Step Fixes to Try

1. Check the Correct File Directory

By default, tModLoader saves world files in a completely separate folder from the vanilla game. This is commonly the reason why a world you created in vanilla Terraria doesn’t appear when you launch tModLoader.

Here’s how to find your world files:

• For Vanilla Terraria: Documents\My Games\Terraria\Worlds
• For tModLoader: Documents\My Games\Terraria\ModLoader\Worlds

If the world exists in the vanilla folder but not in the ModLoader one, you’ll need to manually copy the world files to the ModLoader path.

File types to copy:

• .wld (World file)
• .wld.bak (Backup, optional but useful)

After copying, restart tModLoader and the world should now be visible.

2. Check Your Game Version

Another common culprit is a conflict between the version your world was created in and the version tModLoader is currently using. This issue is especially common after a major Terraria update when players haven’t yet updated tModLoader (or vice versa).

To check your tModLoader version:

• Launch tModLoader.
• Look in the lower-left corner of the title screen; it will list your current version.

Compare it to your version of Terraria. If they don’t match or if your world was created on a newer/older version, it may not appear. You may need to either:

1. Downgrade your Terraria version manually using Steam betas.
2. Update tModLoader if a newer release is available.

Be cautious when switching versions—always back up your world and player files before doing so.

3. World Corruption or Incomplete Save

A corrupted world file may also cause your world to vanish in the selection menu. World corruption can happen due to improper shutdowns, mod conflicts, or failed saves. If that’s the case, you might still be able to recover your world by using backup files.

How to restore from backup:

1. Navigate to your tModLoader world folder.
2. Find the backup file ending with .wld.bak.
3. Make a copy and rename it with a .wld extension.
4. Restart tModLoader and check if the world appears.

If this doesn’t work, consider using a recovery tool like TEdit to salvage parts of your world.

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4. Mod Conflicts and Dependencies

If your world used specific mods that added custom world generation elements or blocks, it may depend on those mods being active in order to load. If those mods are missing, out-of-date, or recompiled incorrectly, the world may simply not be eligible to load.

Fix this by:

• Enabling the correct mod set.
• Ensuring that each mod is updated to the version supported by your current tModLoader version.
• Checking mod logs for any reported errors at startup.

Sometimes tModLoader offers a “missing mod” warning when trying to open the world. If you see that prompt, it’s a helpful clue pointing to the cause of the issue.

5. File Naming: Watch for Special Characters

File names in Terraria (and tModLoader) should avoid special characters like #, ?, %, ! etc. These characters may interfere with the way the program reads filenames, and result in your world being invisible or unselectable.

If your world file has any unexpected characters, rename both the .wld and .wld.bak files to a simpler, cleaner name, then restart tModLoader.

6. Use the World Import Feature

In recent updates, tModLoader has included functionality that allows manual world importing via the in-game interface. If your world file is sitting in the proper directory but not appearing in the world list, this feature can help you bring it back under player control.

Steps:

1. Open tModLoader.
2. Select “Workshop” from the main menu, then go to “Worlds.”
3. You may see your world available for import—select and follow prompts.

Preventative Measures for the Future

To avoid running into this issue again, take a few extra steps during regular gameplay:

• Back up your world regularly—especially before installing or updating mods.
• Keep your versions aligned—ensure both tModLoader and Terraria are compatible before loading up your saved files.
• Use a consistent mod pack to minimize compatibility errors when loading old worlds.
• Don’t rename files arbitrarily or move them between folders unless you understand the directory structure.

Conclusion

It can be disheartening when your carefully built Terraria world vanishes from the tModLoader menu. But in most cases, the problem is neither permanent nor catastrophic. By following the fixes outlined above—particularly focusing on directories, versions, and mod dependencies—you can usually get your world back in action with minimal fuss.

tModLoader remains one of the most vibrant and flexible modding tools in the Terraria community, but like any software reliant on mods and third-party content, it needs a bit of attention and maintenance. Stay organized, backup often, and you’ll be modding safely and enjoying your custom world in no time.