Since the Early Access launch on 13 January 2026, creating a Hytale server takes only a few steps: download the server files, start your own dedicated server, sign it in with your Hytale account and open UDP port 5520. This guide takes you from an empty folder to a running multiplayer world – including firewall, mods, backups, updates and performance tuning.
Host a server or play locally?
You can open Hytale locally or over LAN – or run a proper dedicated server. The difference:
| Local / LAN | Dedicated server | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs without you being in-game | no | yes (24/7) |
| Reachable for friends worldwide | limited | yes |
| Resources | shared with your client | its own |
| Mods, backups, permissions | limited | full control |
For a permanent world with friends, a dedicated server is the right choice.
Requirements
- Java 25 (or newer) – e.g. Eclipse Temurin from Adoptium
- A valid Hytale account (Early Access, about $19.99) – the server signs in with it
- At least 4 GB RAM, more is better (see table)
- An SSD – world data benefits greatly from fast drives
- An open UDP port 5520 (Hytale uses QUIC over UDP, not TCP)
- Windows, Linux or macOS – the official downloader CLI runs on all three (Hytale Server Manual)
Recommended hardware by player count
The view distance defaults to 384 blocks (12 chunks) – that's the biggest RAM consumer.
| Players | RAM | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1–5 (private) | 4 GB | SSD recommended |
| ~20 | 8–12 GB | a small vCore server is fine |
| ~50 | 16–24 GB | dedicated machine |
| 100+ | 32 GB+ | strong single-thread CPU matters |
Step 1: Download the Hytale dedicated server
You need two files: HytaleServer.jar and Assets.zip. The safe way is the official Hytale Downloader CLI – it fetches both in the matching version and is later used for updating too.
| Method | How it works |
|---|---|
| Hytale Downloader CLI (recommended) | Downloads the server jar + assets automatically in the current version |
| From the game install | Copy both files from your installed Hytale client |
java --version before you start.Step 2: Install the server
Create an empty server folder and make sure HytaleServer.jar and Assets.zip are inside. That's all the installation requires – a Hytale server is a single jar file plus assets.
hytale-server/
├── HytaleServer.jar
└── Assets.zipStep 3: Start the server
The basic command loads the assets:
java -jar HytaleServer.jar --assets ./Assets.zipRecommended with a RAM limit and faster startup via the AOT cache:
java -Xmx8G -XX:AOTCache=HytaleServer.aot -jar HytaleServer.jar --assets ./Assets.zipUseful extra arguments:
| Argument | Effect |
|---|---|
--bind 0.0.0.0:5520 | Set bind address/port (default 5520) |
--backup --backup-frequency 30 | Automatic backups every 30 minutes |
--backup-dir <path> | Target folder for backups |
--allow-op | Allow granting OP |
--help | Show all arguments |
0.0.0.0, not 127.0.0.1 – otherwise the server is only reachable on the local machine.Step 4: Sign in with your Hytale account
On first start the server must authenticate through your Hytale account. In the server console, run:
/auth login deviceOpen the shown URL, enter the code – done. Without a valid Hytale account the server won't start.
Step 5: Configure firewall & port
Hytale communicates over QUIC, so UDP – not TCP. Open:
- Port 5520/UDP in the firewall (Windows: inbound rule; Linux e.g.
ufw allow 5520/udp) - For home hosting also set up port forwarding in your router to the server machine
Step 6: Connect friends
Your friends need your public IP address and – if you changed the default – the port. In Hytale under Multiplayer → Add server, enter it as IP:5520.
- Same network (LAN): local IP (e.g.
192.168.x.x) - Over the internet: your public IP (a DynDNS name helps with a changing IP)
Configure the server
After the first start, the server folder contains:
| File / folder | Purpose |
|---|---|
config.json | Core server settings (name, view distance, limits) |
permissions.json | Roles & permissions |
whitelist.json | Allowed players |
bans.json | Banned players |
mods/ | Mods / plugins |
universe/ | World data |
logs/ | Logs |
Install mods & plugins
Drop mods into the mods/ folder and restart the server. Since Hytale is still in Early Access, the mod ecosystem is young – check each mod's compatibility with your server version.
Create backups
Trigger an immediate backup from the console:
/backupFor automatic backups, use the launch arguments:
java -jar HytaleServer.jar --assets ./Assets.zip --backup --backup-frequency 30 --backup-dir ./backups/backup command requires a backup target folder (--backup-dir) to be configured. Also back up the universe/ folder externally on a regular basis.Update the server
When a new Hytale update lands, update the server most safely via the downloader CLI:
- Stop the server completely (updating while running can corrupt world data).
- Run the downloader CLI with the
updatecommand – it creates a backup, downloads the new version and restores your config files. - Start the server again.
Optimize performance
- Lower the view distance: default is 384 blocks (12 chunks). Less view distance = much less RAM and CPU load.
- Set RAM properly: tune
-Xmxto the machine (don't assign all memory). - Use the AOT cache:
-XX:AOTCache=HytaleServer.aotspeeds up startup. - SSD over HDD: world data (
universe/) benefits enormously. - Single-thread CPU performance often matters more for servers than many cores.
Common mistakes & fixes
| Problem | Cause & fix |
|---|---|
| Server won't start | Wrong Java version (must be 25) or the Assets.zip path is wrong |
| Wrong Java version | Check java --version, install Eclipse Temurin 25, restart the console |
| Port not reachable | Open 5520 as UDP + set port forwarding in the router |
| Authentication fails | No valid Hytale account, or /auth login device not run |
FAQ
How much RAM does a Hytale server need? 4 GB is fine for private play. Plan 8–12 GB for ~20 players, 16–24 GB for ~50 players, and 32 GB or more from 100 players.
Can I install mods? Yes, via the mods/ folder. As Hytale is in Early Access, the mod ecosystem is still young – watch version compatibility.
Do I need Java? Yes, Java 25 or newer. Both the server and the downloader CLI require it.
Which port does Hytale use? 5520/UDP (QUIC). TCP does not work.
Can I run the server 24/7? Yes – that's exactly what a dedicated server is for. On your own hardware the machine must stay on; with a rented game server the provider handles that.
Next steps
- Coming from Minecraft? The switch is easy: How to create a Minecraft server
- Another survival classic with a dedicated server: How to create an ARK: Survival Ascended server
- Don't want to deal with hardware, Java and port forwarding? Rent a Hytale server at DeinServerHost – pre-configured, you start in minutes, not hours.