Setting up your Hytale server for multiplayer gameplay is easier than you might think! Whether you want to play with a few close friends or host a large community server, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process. I’ve gathered information from official sources and tested methods to ensure you can get your server running smoothly.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything from basic world sharing to dedicated server hosting, including technical requirements, port forwarding, authentication, and troubleshooting tips. Let’s dive into the world of Hytale multiplayer!

Setup TypeBest ForDifficultyAlways Online?
Singleplayer World2-4 friends, same time playEasyNo
Dedicated Server5+ players, flexible schedulesIntermediateYes

Table of Contents

Quick Overview: Hytale Multiplayer Options

Hytale offers two main ways to play multiplayer with friends:

  1. Singleplayer World Sharing – Perfect for small groups who play together
  2. Dedicated Server Hosting – Ideal for larger communities or 24/7 access

Each method has its advantages, and I’ll cover both in detail so you can choose what works best for your needs.

Setting Up Singleplayer World Multiplayer

This is the simplest way to play Hytale with friends and requires no technical knowledge beyond basic game navigation.

Creating Your World

First, you need a world to share:

  1. Launch Hytale through the launcher
  2. Click on the Worlds tab
  3. Choose to Create New World or select an existing one
  4. Select your world type:
    • Exploration – Survival, crafting, and adventure mode
    • Creative – Build with unlimited resources
    • Adventure – Quest-based gameplay (currently unavailable in Early Access)

Enabling Multiplayer Access

Once you’re in your world, follow these steps to enable multiplayer:

  1. Press ESC to open the menu
  2. Click on Online Play
  3. Toggle Allow Other Players to Join to ON
  4. Set a password (optional but recommended)
  5. Choose whether to Include Password in Share Code
  6. Click Save
  7. Copy the generated Share Code to your clipboard

Important Security Note

⚠️ Security Warning: Your share code contains your IP address! Never share this code publicly or with strangers. Only share it with trusted friends through private messages.

How Friends Join Your World in 2026?

Your friends can join your world using either method:

Method 1: Join via Code (Recommended)

  1. Launch Hytale
  2. Select Servers from the main menu
  3. Click Join via Code
  4. Paste the share code you received
  5. Enter password if required (not embedded in code)
  6. Click Connect

Method 2: Direct Connect

  1. Launch Hytale
  2. Select Servers from the main menu
  3. Click Direct Connect
  4. Enter the server IP address
  5. Click Connect

Dedicated Server Setup

For more serious multiplayer experiences, a dedicated server offers better performance and 24/7 availability.

System Requirements

ComponentMinimumRecommended
RAM4 GB8-16 GB
CPUDual-core 3.5+ GHzQuad-core 3.5+ GHz
JavaJava 25Java 25 (Adoptium recommended)
Storage10 GB free20+ GB free (SSD recommended)

Step 1: Installing Java 25

Hytale servers require Java 25. Here’s how to install it:

  1. Download Adoptium Java 25 from adoptium.net
  2. Install Java 25 for your operating system
  3. Verify installation:bashjava –versionExpected output:openjdk 25.0.1 2025-10-21 LTSOpenJDK Runtime Environment Temurin-25.0.1+8

Step 2: Obtaining Server Files

You have two options to get the server files:

Option A: Manual Copy (Quick Testing)

  1. Navigate to your Hytale installation folder:
    • Windows: %appdata%\Hytale\install\release\package\game\latest
    • Linux: $XDG_DATA_HOME/Hytale/install/release/package/game/latest
    • MacOS: ~/Application Support/Hytale/install/release/package/game/latest
  2. Copy the Server folder and Assets.zip to your server directory

Option B: Hytale Downloader CLI (Production Servers)

  1. Download hytale-downloader.zip from official sources
  2. Extract and run:bash./hytale-downloader
  3. This downloads the latest server files automatically

Step 3: Starting Your Server

Launch your server with this command:

bash

java -jar HytaleServer.jar –assets PathToAssets.zip

Step 4: Server Authentication

After first launch, you must authenticate your server:

  1. The server will display a device code
  2. Visit https://accounts.hytale.com/device
  3. Enter the provided code
  4. Complete authorization in your browser
  5. Server will confirm: “Authentication successful!”

Network Configuration

Port Forwarding Setup

Hytale uses UDP port 5520 by default (not TCP!). Here’s how to configure it:

Router Configuration

  1. Access your router’s admin panel
  2. Find port forwarding section
  3. Forward UDP port 5520 to your server machine’s local IP
  4. Save and restart router if needed

Firewall Configuration

Windows Defender Firewall:

powershell

New-NetFirewallRule-DisplayName”Hytale Server”-DirectionInbound-ProtocolUDP-LocalPort5520-ActionAllow

Linux (iptables):

bash

sudo iptables -A INPUT -p udp –dport5520-j ACCEPT

Linux (ufw):

bash

sudo ufw allow 5520/udp

Custom Port Configuration

To use a different port:

bash

java -jar HytaleServer.jar –assets PathToAssets.zip –bind0.0.0.0:25565

Server Configuration & Optimization

Basic Configuration Files

Your server creates several important files:

FilePurpose
config.jsonMain server settings
permissions.jsonUser permissions
whitelist.jsonAllowed players list
bans.jsonBanned players list

Performance Optimization

View Distance Settings

View distance significantly impacts RAM usage. Recommended settings:

  • Maximum: 12 chunks (384 blocks)
  • For small servers: 8-10 chunks
  • For large servers: 6-8 chunks

Recommended Plugins

Install these plugins in your mods/ folder:

PluginPurpose
Nitrado:PerformanceSaverDynamic view distance adjustment
ApexHosting:PrometheusExporterServer metrics monitoring
Nitrado:QueryServer status via HTTP

Advanced JVM Arguments

For better performance:

bash

java -XX:AOTCache=HytaleServer.aot -jar HytaleServer.jar –assets PathToAssets.zip

Server Management

Starting Your Server Automatically

Create a startup script for convenience:

Windows (start.bat):

batch

@echo off

java -Xmx4G -Xms2G -jar HytaleServer.jar –assets Assets.zip

pause

Linux (start.sh):

bash

#!/bin/bash

java -Xmx4G-Xms2G-jar HytaleServer.jar –assets Assets.zip

Backup Configuration

Enable automatic backups:

bash

java -jar HytaleServer.jar –assets Assets.zip –backup–backup-frequency60

This creates backups every 60 minutes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Connection Problems

Issue: Friends can’t connect to your server Solutions:

  1. Verify UDP port 5520 is forwarded (not TCP)
  2. Check firewall settings
  3. Confirm server is authenticated
  4. Test with local connection first

Issue: “NAT Type: Restricted” error Solutions:

  1. Enable UPnP on router
  2. Consider using a VPS for hosting
  3. Check for double NAT situations

Performance Issues

Issue: Server lag or high RAM usage Solutions:

  1. Reduce view distance in config
  2. Install PerformanceSaver plugin
  3. Allocate more RAM with -Xmx parameter
  4. Monitor entity counts and player activity

Authentication Issues

Issue: Server won’t authenticate Solutions:

  1. Check internet connection
  2. Verify server limit (100 servers per license)
  3. Try re-authentication process
  4. Contact support if needed

Advanced Server Features

Multi-Server Architecture

Hytale supports connecting multiple servers without reverse proxies:

  1. Player Referral – Transfer players between servers
  2. Fallback Servers – Backup servers when main is full
  3. Proxy Integration – Load balancing across servers

Mod Installation

  1. Download mods from trusted sources (CurseForge)
  2. Place .zip or .jar files in mods/ folder
  3. Restart server
  4. All mods are server-side in Hytale

Plugin Development

For advanced users, create custom plugins:

  1. Set up Gradle build environment
  2. Extend JavaPlugin class
  3. Configure plugin manifest
  4. Export as .jar and place in mods/ folder

Comparison: World vs Dedicated Server

FeatureSingleplayer WorldDedicated Server
Player LimitSmall groupsLarge communities
Online When Host OfflineNoYes
Custom ConfigurationLimitedFull control
Mods SupportBasicFull support
PerformanceHost-dependentDedicated resources
Setup DifficultyEasyIntermediate

Best Practices for Server Hosting

  1. Security First: Never share your IP publicly
  2. Regular Backups: Set up automated backups
  3. Monitor Resources: Keep an eye on RAM and CPU usage
  4. Update Regularly: Keep server files and Java updated
  5. Community Guidelines: Establish clear rules for players
  6. Performance Testing: Test with small groups first

Server Hosting Providers

If self-hosting isn’t your preference, consider these options:

  1. Nitrado – Official partner with custom plugins
  2. Apex Hosting – Performance-focused hosting
  3. G-Portal – User-friendly interface
  4. Self-hosted VPS – Full control but requires technical knowledge

FAQ’s

How much RAM do I need for a Hytale server?

Minimum 4GB RAM, but 8-16GB is recommended for smooth gameplay with multiple players.

Can I play Hytale multiplayer without port forwarding?

Yes, using the share code method for singleplayer worlds, but dedicated servers require port forwarding.

What port does Hytale use?

Hytale uses UDP port 5520 by default. TCP is not required.

How many players can join a Hytale server?

This depends on your server resources. With 4GB RAM, expect 5-10 players. With 16GB+ RAM, 20+ players is possible.

Why can’t my friends connect to my server?

Check that UDP port 5520 is forwarded, firewall allows connections, and the server is authenticated.

Do I need Java to run a Hytale server?

Yes, specifically Java 25 is required for Hytale servers.

Can I run a Hytale server on the same PC I play on?

Yes, but performance may be affected. Dedicated servers on separate machines provide better experience.

How do I update my Hytale server?

Download the latest server files using the Hytale Downloader CLI or copy from updated launcher installation.

What’s the difference between Exploration and Creative worlds?

Exploration is survival mode with crafting and progression, while Creative provides unlimited resources for building.

Are Hytale mods client-side or server-side?

All mods in Hytale are server-side, meaning players automatically download mods when joining a server.

Conclusion

Setting up a Hytale server opens up endless possibilities for multiplayer fun with friends and community building. Whether you choose the simple world sharing method for casual play or dive into dedicated server hosting for larger communities, this guide has covered everything you need to get started.

Remember to prioritize security, monitor performance, and keep your server updated for the best experience. Happy gaming, and may your Hytale adventures be epic.

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