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NolimitHost

How to host Hytale

Last updated: March 29, 2026

Tested on: Ubuntu 22.04 & 24.04 LTS. Should work on Debian and other Linux distributions with Java and required dependencies.

Hytale is a sandbox game allowing self-hosted servers. This guide walks you through setting up a dedicated Hytale server on your NolimitHost VPS.

Game Purchase Required: You need the Hytale Standard Edition (approximately $24) to host a server. Buy it at hytale.com.

What You'll Need

  • Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04 LTS VPS
  • 4GB RAM minimum (8GB+ recommended)
  • Port 5520 open (UDP)
  • Hytale Standard Edition license
  • 90 minutes to complete setup

Step 1: Update System & Open Firewall

Update packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install -y zip unzip curl screen wget

Open port 5520 for Hytale:

sudo ufw allow 22/tcp
sudo ufw allow 5520/udp
sudo ufw enable

Type y when prompted.

Step 2: Create Dedicated Hytale User

Create and switch to a dedicated user:

sudo adduser hytale
sudo mkdir -p /opt/hytale
sudo chown -R hytale:hytale /opt/hytale
su - hytale

Step 3: Install Java 25

Install SDKMAN (Java version manager):

curl -s "https://get.sdkman.io" | bash
source ~/.sdkman/bin/sdkman-init.sh

Install Java 25:

sdk install java 25.0.1-tem

Wait for the download to complete, then verify:

java -version

Step 4: Download Hytale Server Software

Navigate to the installation directory:

cd /opt/hytale

Download the Hytale server downloader:

wget https://downloader.hytale.com/hytale-downloader.zip
unzip hytale-downloader.zip
chmod +x hytale-downloader-linux-amd64

Run the downloader (this downloads ~5-10GB of server files):

./hytale-downloader-linux-amd64

Wait for completion.

Step 5: Extract Server Files

List the downloaded ZIP file:

ls -lh *.zip | grep -v downloader

Extract it (replace with the actual filename shown):

unzip 2026.*.zip

You should now have a Server folder and Assets.zip in /opt/hytale.

Step 6: Authenticate with Your Hytale Account

Navigate to the Server folder:

cd /opt/hytale/Server

Run authentication:

./hytale-server --authenticate

Follow the prompts to authenticate with your Hytale account (must own the Standard Edition).

Step 7: Start Your Server

Test the server first:

cd /opt/hytale/Server
./hytale-server

Wait for "Server is ready" message, then press Ctrl+C to stop.

For production, run in a screen session (so it stays running after disconnect):

screen -S HytaleServer
cd /opt/hytale/Server
./hytale-server

Wait for startup, then detach: Ctrl+A D

Connecting to Your Server

In Hytale:

  1. Click "Multiplayer"
  2. Enter your VPS public IP and port 5520
  3. Click "Join"

Server Management

Reconnect to your server:

screen -r HytaleServer

Common commands (in the server console):

  • stop - Gracefully shut down the server
  • say Your message - Broadcast to players
  • list - Show connected players

Configuration

Server settings are in /opt/hytale/Server/config/server.properties:

nano /opt/hytale/Server/config/server.properties

Edit settings like difficulty, game mode, and world name.

Backups

Create periodic backups:

tar -czf ~/hytale-backup-$(date +%Y%m%d-%H%M%S).tar.gz /opt/hytale/Server/

Performance Tips

  • 4GB RAM minimum: For smooth gameplay with multiple players
  • Monitor with top: Check CPU/RAM usage
  • Keep Java updated: Run sdk list java for newer versions
  • Network speed: Ensure your VPS has good bandwidth

Troubleshooting

Server won't start? Verify Java 25 is installed: java -version. Need at least 4GB RAM available.
Can't connect? Check port 5520 is open: sudo ufw status. Use your VPS public IP.
Authentication failed? Ensure you're using the Hytale Standard Edition account.

Next Steps

After setup:

  • Invite players to join (give them your VPS IP:5520)
  • Customize server.properties for your gameplay style
  • Set up automated daily backups

Need Help?

For Hytale server support, please open a support ticket through your billing panel.