How to Create a Hytale Server Guide: Difference between revisions

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Creating a Hytale game server is an easy process that can be done from either a dedicated server or your home computer. Alternatively, you can choose a [https://www.survivalservers.com/services/game_servers/hytale/ Hytale server host] that will fit your needs.
Creating a Hytale game server is an easy process that can be done from either a dedicated server or your home computer. Alternatively, you can choose a [https://www.survivalservers.com/services/game_servers/hytale/ Hytale server host] that will fit your needs.
'''Note:''' Hytale has not yet released its public dedicated server download at the time of writing. This guide explains the general process and will be updated with exact filenames and URLs once the official server package and documentation are live.


== Option #1: Renting a Hytale server (see example control panel below!) ==
== Option #1: Renting a Hytale server (see example control panel below!) ==
Line 16: Line 14:
* High-clock dedicated hardware (no VPS)
* High-clock dedicated hardware (no VPS)
* NVMe SSD storage
* NVMe SSD storage
* DDoS protection
* DDoS protection configured for UDP/QUIC traffic
* Full FTP / SFTP file access
* Full FTP / SFTP file access
* Multiple worldwide locations and the ability to switch locations at any time
* Multiple worldwide locations and the ability to switch locations at any time
Line 24: Line 22:
This option is for advanced users who want to host Hytale directly on their own hardware.
This option is for advanced users who want to host Hytale directly on their own hardware.


=== Server Requirements (expected) ===
=== Server Requirements ===
 
==== Software ====
 
* '''Java:''' OpenJDK 25 (64-bit) or equivalent. Java must be installed and on your PATH.
* '''Operating System:'''
** Linux (modern 64-bit distribution recommended for dedicated servers)
** Windows 10/11 64-bit
** macOS support may be added later
 
==== Hardware (starting points) ====
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Component !! Small Private Server !! Public/Modded Server
|-
| CPU || Modern 64-bit quad-core || 6+ cores recommended
|-
| RAM || 4-6 GB dedicated to server || 6-10 GB dedicated to server
|-
| Storage || 10-20 GB (SSD recommended) || 20+ GB NVMe SSD
|}


Hytale’s developers have confirmed that:
==== Networking ====


* The '''game client''' will launch on Windows first.
'''Important:''' Hytale uses '''QUIC over UDP''' for networking, not TCP.
* The '''dedicated server''' runs wherever a supported Java runtime (Java 21+/25) is available (for example most Linux distros and Windows).


Exact minimum specs will be provided by Hypixel Studios, but for planning purposes you should assume at least:
* Ensure your firewall/router permits '''UDP''' traffic on the server port
* DDoS protection services must be configured to support UDP/QUIC traffic


; Operating System
== Step 1: Getting the Server Files ==
: A 64-bit operating system. For example:
:* Windows 10/11 64-bit
:* A modern 64-bit Linux distribution (Ubuntu, Debian, etc.) – recommended for dedicated servers


; CPU
When available, obtain <code>HytaleServer.jar</code> via:
: 64-bit quad-core processor or better (modern Intel / AMD). Higher clock speed helps a lot for large or busy servers.


; Memory (RAM)
# '''Hytale Launcher''' - option to download the dedicated server
: For small private servers (friends & family):
# '''hytale-downloader CLI tool''' - command-line utility from the Hytale team
:* 4 GB RAM dedicated to the Hytale server (plus extra for the OS)
# '''Direct CDN link''' - download URL provided in official documentation
: For public or heavily modded servers:
:* 6–8 GB+ dedicated to the Hytale server


; Disk space
Example download (placeholder URL):
: At least 10–20 GB free space is recommended to allow for world growth and backups.
<pre>
curl -L https://cdn.hytale.com/HytaleServer.jar -o HytaleServer.jar
</pre>


; Java
== Step 2: First Launch ==
: A 64-bit Java runtime capable of running Java 21+/25 (for example a current OpenJDK build), unless the official Hytale dedicated server download bundles its own Java runtime.


When Hytale publishes official system requirements and server docs, update this section with their exact recommendations.
# Verify Java 25 is installed:
<pre>java -version</pre>
You should see <code>openjdk version "25.x"</code> or similar.


== Step 1: Fetching Game Server Files ==
# Create a server directory:
<pre>
mkdir hytale-server
cd hytale-server
</pre>


Once Hytale releases the dedicated server package, you will obtain it from the official Hytale website or launcher.
# Download <code>HytaleServer.jar</code> to this directory.


A typical workflow will look like this:
# Run the server:
<pre>java -jar HytaleServer.jar</pre>


# Go to the official Hytale website (https://hytale.com) or follow the in-game / launcher instructions for downloading the dedicated server.
The server will:
# Download the '''Hytale dedicated server''' archive for your operating system (for example a .zip or .tar.gz file).
* Generate default configuration files
# Create a folder for your server. Example locations:
* Bind to the default port
#: '''Windows:''' <code>C:\HytaleServer\</code>
* Create an initial world
#: '''Linux:''' <code>/home/hytale/server</code>
# Extract the downloaded server archive into this folder.
# Run the server once (for example by double-clicking the JAR or using a basic <code>java -jar</code> command) so it can generate its configuration and EULA files.
# If an EULA file is created (for example <code>eula.txt</code>), open it and change <code>eula=false</code> to <code>eula=true</code> after reading and agreeing to the terms.


'''Important:''' The actual filenames (for example <code>hytale-server.jar</code> vs <code>server.jar</code>) and folder structure will be defined by Hypixel Studios. Always follow the official documentation for the exact names.
# Stop the server (Ctrl+C), edit configuration files, then restart.


== Step 2: Setting up a Hytale Dedicated Server Start Script ==
== Step 3: Memory (RAM) Configuration ==


To make starting the server easier, you can create a simple script.
Allocate memory using JVM flags:
* <code>-Xms</code> - initial heap size
* <code>-Xmx</code> - maximum heap size


=== Windows (.bat file) ===
'''Tip:''' Keep <code>-Xms</code> and <code>-Xmx</code> equal for more predictable performance.


# In your Hytale server folder, create a new text file and name it something like <code>StartHytaleServer.bat</code>.
{| class="wikitable"
# Edit the file and add a line similar to:
|-
! Plan RAM !! Command
|-
| 4 GB || <code>java -Xms3G -Xmx3G -jar HytaleServer.jar</code>
|-
| 6 GB || <code>java -Xms5G -Xmx5G -jar HytaleServer.jar</code>
|-
| 8 GB || <code>java -Xms7G -Xmx7G -jar HytaleServer.jar</code>
|}


Reserve approximately 1 GB for OS overhead.
=== Start Script Examples ===
==== Windows (.bat file) ====
Create <code>StartHytaleServer.bat</code>:
<pre>
<pre>
@echo off
@echo off
java -Xms4096M -Xmx4096M -jar hytale-server.jar --nogui
java -Xms4G -Xmx4G -jar HytaleServer.jar
pause
pause
</pre>
</pre>


* Replace <code>hytale-server.jar</code> with the exact server JAR name from the official download.
==== Linux (.sh file) ====
* Adjust <code>-Xms</code> / <code>-Xmx</code> to match the amount of RAM you want to allocate (for example 2048M for 2 GB).


Save the file and double-click it to start your server.
Create <code>start-hytale-server.sh</code>:
<pre>
#!/bin/bash
java -Xms4G -Xmx4G -jar HytaleServer.jar
</pre>


=== Linux (.sh file) ===
Make executable: <code>chmod +x start-hytale-server.sh</code>


# In your Hytale server folder, create a new file named <code>start-hytale-server.sh</code>.
== Step 4: Port Forwarding and Firewall Rules ==
# Add:


<pre>
Hytale uses '''QUIC (UDP)''' networking. You must allow UDP traffic on your game port.
#!/bin/bash
 
java -Xms4096M -Xmx4096M -jar hytale-server.jar --nogui
=== Linux (ufw) ===
</pre>
<pre>sudo ufw allow 3000/udp</pre>
(Replace 3000 with actual Hytale port when confirmed)
 
=== Windows Firewall ===
# Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
# Add Inbound Rule > Port > UDP > your port number > Allow
 
=== Router Port Forwarding ===
# Find your server's local IP (e.g., <code>192.168.1.50</code>)
# Log into your router admin panel
# Add port forwarding rule: '''UDP''' on your chosen port to your local IP
# Share your '''public IP''' and port with players
 
If you are unsure how to port forward, [https://portforward.com/ PortForward.com] has guides for many router models.
 
== Step 5: Running in Docker ==


# Make it executable:
The Hytale team has confirmed Docker container support.


=== Quick Test ===
<pre>
<pre>
chmod +x start-hytale-server.sh
docker run -it --rm openjdk:25-slim /bin/sh -c \
  "apt-get update && apt-get install -y curl && \
  curl -L https://cdn.hytale.com/HytaleServer.jar -o HytaleServer.jar && \
  java -jar HytaleServer.jar"
</pre>
</pre>


# Start the server with:
=== Production Dockerfile ===
 
<pre>
<pre>
./start-hytale-server.sh
FROM openjdk:25-slim
</pre>


Again, replace <code>hytale-server.jar</code> and memory flags as appropriate.
RUN apt-get update && \
    apt-get install -y --no-install-recommends curl ca-certificates && \
    rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*


== Step 3: Port Forwarding and Firewall Rules ==
RUN useradd -m -d /hytale hytale
USER hytale
WORKDIR /hytale


Hytale uses a modern networking stack (QUIC on top of UDP). The exact default port number will be documented by the developers in the server configuration.
EXPOSE 3000/udp
VOLUME ["/hytale/data"]


General steps:
ENTRYPOINT ["java"]
CMD ["-Xms2G", "-Xmx2G", "-jar", "HytaleServer.jar"]
</pre>


# Locate the '''port''' setting in the Hytale server configuration file (for example <code>server.yml</code> or <code>server.json</code>). Make note of the port number.
== Expected File Layout ==
# On the server’s operating system firewall (Windows Firewall, ufw, firewalld, etc.), create an incoming rule to allow traffic on that port over UDP (and any other protocols Hytale requires, per the official docs).
# On your router, set up port forwarding from the internet to your server machine’s local IP address on the same port and protocol.
# If you are unsure how to port forward, [https://portforward.com/ PortForward.com] has guides for many router models.


If your players still cannot connect, check:
After first run, typical structure:
<pre>
hytale-server/
├─ HytaleServer.jar
├─ server.log
├─ config/
│  ├─ server.properties
│  ├─ networking.json
│  └─ gameplay.json
└─ worlds/
  └─ Orbis/
      ├─ region/
      ├─ playerdata/
      └─ level.dat
</pre>


* That the server is actually running and listening on the expected port.
Edit config files while server is stopped, then restart to apply changes.
* That your ISP is not blocking inbound traffic on that port.
* That no additional firewall (for example antivirus firewall) is blocking the connection.


== Configuring your Hytale Game Server ==
== Configuring your Hytale Game Server ==


Once your server is running, you will see configuration and world files generated in the server folder.
Configuration options you can expect to set:
 
The exact names and formats (for example <code>server.yml</code>, <code>config.json</code>, etc.) will be provided by Hytale’s official documentation, but in general you can expect to configure:


* Server name / MOTD (how the server appears to players)
* Server name / MOTD (how the server appears to players)
Line 143: Line 210:
* World seed and world settings
* World seed and world settings
* Difficulty and gameplay rules
* Difficulty and gameplay rules
* Password protection
* Logging, backups, and performance settings
* Logging, backups, and performance settings


Typical workflow:
Survival Servers customers can edit most of these options directly via the web control panel.
 
# Stop the server.
# Open the main configuration file in a text editor (for example Notepad++ or VS Code).
# Change your settings (server name, max players, etc.).
# Save the file and restart the server.
 
Survival Servers customers can edit most of these options directly via the web control panel without editing files by hand.


== Locating and Joining your Server ==
== Locating and Joining your Server ==


Once Hytale’s multiplayer UI is finalized, there will generally be two ways to join:
=== Direct IP ===
 
# Start the Hytale client
# '''Direct IP'''
# Select the option to join by IP / direct connect
#:* Start the Hytale client.
# Enter your server's IP address and port
#:* Select the option to join by IP / direct connect.
# Connect
#:* Enter your server’s IP address or hostname (and port, if different from the default).
#:* Connect.
 
# '''Server browser (after it is implemented)'''
#:* Open the in-game server browser.
#:* Search or filter by name, tags, or region to find your server.
#:* Click to join.
 
If you cannot find or join your server:
 
* Verify the server is running (no crash in the console).
* Double-check your IP/hostname and port.
* Ensure your firewall and router port-forwarding rules are correct.
* Ask a friend on a different network to test connecting to rule out local issues.
 
== Location of World Save Data ==
 
Your world data will be stored in one or more folders inside your Hytale server directory. Common patterns in other games are folders named <code>world</code>, <code>worlds</code>, or similar.


After you have started the server at least once, check your server folder for:
=== Server Browser (after implemented) ===
# Open the in-game server browser
# Search or filter by name, tags, or region
# Click to join


* A world save folder (for example <code>world/</code>)
If you cannot connect:
* Backups (if you or your hosting provider enable them)
* Verify the server is running (check console for errors)
* Double-check your IP/hostname and port
* Ensure firewall and port-forwarding rules allow '''UDP''' traffic
* Have someone on a different network test to rule out local issues


Make regular backups of your world folder to avoid data loss in case of corruption or hardware failure.
== Quick Reference ==


Survival Servers provides automated backup options directly from the control panel.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Task !! Command
|-
| Minimal run || <code>java -jar HytaleServer.jar</code>
|-
| Run with 4GB RAM || <code>java -Xms3G -Xmx3G -jar HytaleServer.jar</code>
|-
| Show help/options || <code>java -jar HytaleServer.jar --help</code>
|}


== Tools ==
== Tools ==
Line 193: Line 251:
Hytale is being built with powerful creator tools:
Hytale is being built with powerful creator tools:


* '''In-game world editing and prefabs''' for fast building and world design.
* '''In-game world editing and prefabs''' for fast building and world design
* A '''Blockbench plugin''' for creating and animating models.
* A '''Blockbench plugin''' for creating and animating models
* Server-side modding via plugins and asset packs, with the server code planned to be shared-source after release.
* Server-side modding via plugins and asset packs
* Official documentation and examples (GitBook, tutorials) planned by the Hytale team.
* Official documentation and examples planned by the Hytale team


As Hytale’s official modding and server documentation is released, this section will be expanded with:
== See Also ==


* Links to official docs and APIs
* [https://hytale.com/ Official Hytale Website]
* Recommended tools and workflows for running modded Hytale servers
* [https://www.survivalservers.com/services/game_servers/hytale/ Rent a Hytale Server]
* Best practices for backups, performance tuning, and security


__NOTOC__
__NOTOC__

Revision as of 18:00, 9 January 2026

Creating a Hytale game server is an easy process that can be done from either a dedicated server or your home computer. Alternatively, you can choose a Hytale server host that will fit your needs.

Option #1: Renting a Hytale server (see example control panel below!)

Renting from a professional game server provider is the fastest and easiest way to get online. Survival Servers handles hardware, network, DDoS protection, and updates for you.

Control panel.gif
Hytale game server.png

With a rented Hytale server from Survival Servers you get:

  • Custom control panel (start/stop/restart, config editor, backups)
  • High-clock dedicated hardware (no VPS)
  • NVMe SSD storage
  • DDoS protection configured for UDP/QUIC traffic
  • Full FTP / SFTP file access
  • Multiple worldwide locations and the ability to switch locations at any time

Option #2: Creating a Hytale Server From Your Home Computer or Dedicated Server

This option is for advanced users who want to host Hytale directly on their own hardware.

Server Requirements

Software

  • Java: OpenJDK 25 (64-bit) or equivalent. Java must be installed and on your PATH.
  • Operating System:
    • Linux (modern 64-bit distribution recommended for dedicated servers)
    • Windows 10/11 64-bit
    • macOS support may be added later

Hardware (starting points)

Component Small Private Server Public/Modded Server
CPU Modern 64-bit quad-core 6+ cores recommended
RAM 4-6 GB dedicated to server 6-10 GB dedicated to server
Storage 10-20 GB (SSD recommended) 20+ GB NVMe SSD

Networking

Important: Hytale uses QUIC over UDP for networking, not TCP.

  • Ensure your firewall/router permits UDP traffic on the server port
  • DDoS protection services must be configured to support UDP/QUIC traffic

Step 1: Getting the Server Files

When available, obtain HytaleServer.jar via:

  1. Hytale Launcher - option to download the dedicated server
  2. hytale-downloader CLI tool - command-line utility from the Hytale team
  3. Direct CDN link - download URL provided in official documentation

Example download (placeholder URL):

curl -L https://cdn.hytale.com/HytaleServer.jar -o HytaleServer.jar

Step 2: First Launch

  1. Verify Java 25 is installed:
java -version

You should see openjdk version "25.x" or similar.

  1. Create a server directory:
mkdir hytale-server
cd hytale-server
  1. Download HytaleServer.jar to this directory.
  1. Run the server:
java -jar HytaleServer.jar

The server will:

  • Generate default configuration files
  • Bind to the default port
  • Create an initial world
  1. Stop the server (Ctrl+C), edit configuration files, then restart.

Step 3: Memory (RAM) Configuration

Allocate memory using JVM flags:

  • -Xms - initial heap size
  • -Xmx - maximum heap size

Tip: Keep -Xms and -Xmx equal for more predictable performance.

Plan RAM Command
4 GB java -Xms3G -Xmx3G -jar HytaleServer.jar
6 GB java -Xms5G -Xmx5G -jar HytaleServer.jar
8 GB java -Xms7G -Xmx7G -jar HytaleServer.jar

Reserve approximately 1 GB for OS overhead.

Start Script Examples

Windows (.bat file)

Create StartHytaleServer.bat:

@echo off
java -Xms4G -Xmx4G -jar HytaleServer.jar
pause

Linux (.sh file)

Create start-hytale-server.sh:

#!/bin/bash
java -Xms4G -Xmx4G -jar HytaleServer.jar

Make executable: chmod +x start-hytale-server.sh

Step 4: Port Forwarding and Firewall Rules

Hytale uses QUIC (UDP) networking. You must allow UDP traffic on your game port.

Linux (ufw)

sudo ufw allow 3000/udp

(Replace 3000 with actual Hytale port when confirmed)

Windows Firewall

  1. Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
  2. Add Inbound Rule > Port > UDP > your port number > Allow

Router Port Forwarding

  1. Find your server's local IP (e.g., 192.168.1.50)
  2. Log into your router admin panel
  3. Add port forwarding rule: UDP on your chosen port to your local IP
  4. Share your public IP and port with players

If you are unsure how to port forward, PortForward.com has guides for many router models.

Step 5: Running in Docker

The Hytale team has confirmed Docker container support.

Quick Test

docker run -it --rm openjdk:25-slim /bin/sh -c \
  "apt-get update && apt-get install -y curl && \
   curl -L https://cdn.hytale.com/HytaleServer.jar -o HytaleServer.jar && \
   java -jar HytaleServer.jar"

Production Dockerfile

FROM openjdk:25-slim

RUN apt-get update && \
    apt-get install -y --no-install-recommends curl ca-certificates && \
    rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*

RUN useradd -m -d /hytale hytale
USER hytale
WORKDIR /hytale

EXPOSE 3000/udp
VOLUME ["/hytale/data"]

ENTRYPOINT ["java"]
CMD ["-Xms2G", "-Xmx2G", "-jar", "HytaleServer.jar"]

Expected File Layout

After first run, typical structure:

hytale-server/
├─ HytaleServer.jar
├─ server.log
├─ config/
│  ├─ server.properties
│  ├─ networking.json
│  └─ gameplay.json
└─ worlds/
   └─ Orbis/
      ├─ region/
      ├─ playerdata/
      └─ level.dat

Edit config files while server is stopped, then restart to apply changes.

Configuring your Hytale Game Server

Configuration options you can expect to set:

  • Server name / MOTD (how the server appears to players)
  • Maximum players
  • World seed and world settings
  • Difficulty and gameplay rules
  • Password protection
  • Logging, backups, and performance settings

Survival Servers customers can edit most of these options directly via the web control panel.

Locating and Joining your Server

Direct IP

  1. Start the Hytale client
  2. Select the option to join by IP / direct connect
  3. Enter your server's IP address and port
  4. Connect

Server Browser (after implemented)

  1. Open the in-game server browser
  2. Search or filter by name, tags, or region
  3. Click to join

If you cannot connect:

  • Verify the server is running (check console for errors)
  • Double-check your IP/hostname and port
  • Ensure firewall and port-forwarding rules allow UDP traffic
  • Have someone on a different network test to rule out local issues

Quick Reference

Task Command
Minimal run java -jar HytaleServer.jar
Run with 4GB RAM java -Xms3G -Xmx3G -jar HytaleServer.jar
Show help/options java -jar HytaleServer.jar --help

Tools

Hytale is being built with powerful creator tools:

  • In-game world editing and prefabs for fast building and world design
  • A Blockbench plugin for creating and animating models
  • Server-side modding via plugins and asset packs
  • Official documentation and examples planned by the Hytale team

See Also