The safest and most reliable way to play on macOS is through official platforms like Steam or GOG . Why You Should Choose Official Versions
Only official versions allow you to easily join servers or play with friends across different platforms [2].
Unofficial "free" downloads are frequently bundled with viruses or miners that can damage your Mac [3].
When the next "Labor of Love" tweak or major update drops, your game will update automatically without you having to find a new download link. How to Get Terraria 1.4.4.9 on Mac
Purchase the game on Steam. It includes the full version for both PC and Mac, plus access to the Steam Workshop for easy modding.