Server Setup & Administration

Learn how to set up, configure, and manage a Hytale server.

Overview

Hytale servers run on Java and can be hosted on various platforms. The server JAR is available at launch, with source code to be released 1-2 months after Early Access.

Server Requirements

Based on community testing and hosting provider information:

Minimum Requirements

CPU: Multi-core processor (4+ cores recommended)
RAM: 4GB minimum, 8GB+ recommended
Storage: SSD recommended for world data
Network: Stable connection with port 5520 open

Performance Notes from Community

Real-world testing revealed:

~12GB RAM for 70 players (community report)
4 players exploring in different directions can strain 8GB servers
Nitrado achieved 1.8GB idle with aggressive garbage collection
Performance heavily depends on world generation and player activity

Server Architecture

Key technical details from Discord discussions:

Multi-threading: Each world runs on its own thread
Tick Rate: 30 TPS (vs Minecraft’s 20 TPS)
Modular Design: 70+ modules that can be disabled for performance
Config Location: config.json in world folders

Quick Start

Download the Hytale server JAR
Run: java -jar hytale-server.jar
Configure config.json
Open port 5520
Start accepting connections

Server Configuration (config.json)

Based on the decompiled HytaleServerConfig.java, here are the key configuration options:

Basic Settings


{
  "serverName": "My Hytale Server",
  "motd": "Welcome to the server!",
  "password": "",
  "maxPlayers": 100,
  "maxViewRadius": 32
}

Setting	Default	Description
`serverName`	”Hytale Server”	Display name in server list
`motd`	""	Message of the day
`password`	""	Server password (empty = no password)
`maxPlayers`	100	Maximum concurrent players
`maxViewRadius`	32	Chunk render distance (lower = less RAM)

Connection Timeouts


{
  "connectionTimeouts": {
    "initial": "PT10S",
    "auth": "PT30S",
    "play": "PT1M"
  }
}

Timeout	Default	Description
`initial`	10 seconds	Initial connection timeout
`auth`	30 seconds	Authentication timeout
`play`	1 minute	Play session timeout

Rate Limiting


{
  "rateLimitConfig": {
    "packetsPerSecond": 2000,
    "burstCapacity": 500
  }
}

Module Configuration

Disable unused modules for better performance:


{
  "modules": {
    "weather": { "enabled": false },
    "portals": { "enabled": false },
    "parkour": { "enabled": false }
  }
}

Mod/Plugin Configuration

Enable or configure specific mods:


{
  "modConfig": {
    "com.example:MyPlugin": {
      "enabled": true,
      "requiredVersion": ">=1.0.0"
    }
  }
}

Authentication Commands

After starting your server, configure authentication:


# Use browser-based authentication
/auth login browser
 
# Persist credentials (encrypted storage)
/auth persistence encrypted
 
# For development only (not secure)
/auth insecure

Sections

Port Forwarding - Network setup
Folder Structure - Server directory layout
Networking & Transfer Packets - Multi-server architecture & DDoS protection
Hosting Providers - Recommended hosts
Performance Optimization - JVM tuning, memory management
Multi-Server Architecture - Transfer packets, cross-server setup

No Proxy Required

Hytale introduces transfer packets - a revolutionary feature that eliminates the need for proxy servers like BungeeCord or Velocity:

“We have a transfer packet with a 4KB payload which will allow you to add data when switching over to another server. There will be no need for BungeeCord-like proxies.” - Slikey (Tech Director)

This means:

Simpler infrastructure - No proxy servers to maintain
Lower costs - Fewer servers needed
Direct connections - Less latency
Built-in state transfer - 4KB payload per transfer

Learn more in Networking & Transfer Packets.

Platform Support

Windows: Full support
Linux: Supported (Flatpak available)
macOS: Delayed due to Apple code signing requirements
FreeBSD: Community discussion, unofficial support

Server Types

Dedicated Server

Run the server JAR on a dedicated machine or VPS for best performance.

Home Hosting

Host on your personal computer - requires port forwarding and good internet connection.

Managed Hosting

Use a hosting provider that manages the infrastructure for you.

Community Wisdom

“Pre-generate your worlds before opening to players - exploration is the biggest RAM consumer.” - Performance testing insights

“Each world is on its own thread, so multi-world servers benefit from multi-core CPUs.” - Architecture discussion

“Don’t rely on UPnP - manually configure port forwarding for reliability.” - Networking advice

Next Steps

Start with Installation to get your server running, then move on to Configuration and Performance Tuning.