Introduction
Ready to create your own Hytale server? Whether you want to play with friends, build a community, or create unique game modes, this guide covers everything you need to know about setting up a Hytale dedicated server.
System Requirements
Before you begin, make sure your system meets these requirements:
- RAM: Minimum 4GB (8GB+ recommended for larger servers)
- Java: Java 25 required
- Architecture: x64 or arm64 supported
- Network: UDP port 5520 (default) must be accessible
Resource usage tips:
- CPU: Usage increases with player count and entity count (NPCs, mobs)
- RAM: Usage increases with view distance and players exploring different areas
Option 1: Self-Hosting (DIY)
Step 1: Install Java 25
Download and install Java 25 from Adoptium (recommended).
Verify installation by running:
java --version
You should see output showing OpenJDK 25.
Step 2: Get Server Files
You have two options:
Option A: Copy from Launcher
Find files in your Hytale launcher installation:
- Windows: %appdata%Hytaleinstall eleasepackagegamelatest
- Linux: $XDG_DATA_HOME/Hytale/install/release/package/game/latest
- MacOS: ~/Application Support/Hytale/install/release/package/game/latest
Copy the Server folder and Assets.zip to your server directory.
Option B: Hytale Downloader CLI
Download from hytale-downloader.zip and follow the QUICKSTART.md guide.
Step 3: Launch the Server
java -jar HytaleServer.jar --assets PathToAssets.zip
Step 4: Authenticate Your Server
After first launch, authenticate using the device authorization:
/auth login device
Visit the URL provided and enter the code to authorize your server.
Step 5: Configure Network
Important: Hytale uses QUIC protocol over UDP, not TCP!
- Default port: 5520
- Forward UDP port 5520 on your router
- Configure firewall to allow UDP traffic
Windows Firewall:
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Hytale Server" -Direction Inbound -Protocol UDP -LocalPort 5520 -Action Allow
Linux (ufw):
sudo ufw allow 5520/udp
Option 2: Game Server Hosting (Recommended)
For most server owners, using a dedicated game hosting provider is easier and more reliable than self-hosting. You get:
- Professional hardware optimized for gaming
- DDoS protection included
- Easy control panel management
- 24/7 uptime without managing your own hardware
- Multiple global locations for low latency
Recommended: ElixirNode
We recommend ElixirNode for Hytale server hosting. They offer:
Pricing Plans:
- Bargain ($0.85/GB): Intel Xeon E5-1650v4, DDR3 RAM - great for small servers
- Premium ($1.75/GB): Ryzen 7 5800X, DDR4 ECC RAM - balanced performance
- Deluxe ($3.50/GB): Ryzen 9 5950X/9950X3D, DDR5 ECC RAM - maximum performance
Features:
- Unlimited player slots on all plans
- Unmetered storage and bandwidth
- Enterprise DDoS protection
- Game control panel with file manager
- Instant server activation
- 24/7 support
Global Locations: Dallas, Montreal, Frankfurt, Paris, Singapore, Mumbai
Server Configuration
Key Files
- config.json - Main server configuration
- permissions.json - Permission settings
- bans.json - Banned players
- whitelist.json - Whitelisted players
- mods/ - Folder for server mods
- universe/ - World and player data
Performance Tips
- View Distance: Limit to 12 chunks (384 blocks) for better performance
- AOT Cache: Use the pre-trained cache for faster boot times:
java -XX:AOTCache=HytaleServer.aot -jar HytaleServer.jar --assets PathToAssets.zip
- Memory: Experiment with -Xmx parameter to find optimal RAM allocation
Recommended Plugins
- Nitrado:Query - Exposes server status via HTTP
- Nitrado:PerformanceSaver - Dynamic view distance based on resources
- ApexHosting:PrometheusExporter - Detailed server metrics
Next Steps
Once your server is running:
- List your server on Hytale.Global to attract players
- Set up a Discord community for your players
- Configure permissions and game rules
- Install mods to customize the experience
Need help? Check our FAQ or contact support.
