How to Create a Hytale Server on Linux (2026 Guide)

Setting up a Hytale dedicated server on Linux gives you full control over your multiplayer experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from installing Java 25 to configuring your server and optimizing performance.

What you'll learn: Java 25 installation, downloading server files, authentication, port forwarding, firewall configuration, and performance optimization for Linux systems.

System Requirements

▸Minimum RAM: 4GB (8GB+ recommended for multiple players)
▸Java Version: Java 25 (required)
▸Architecture: x64 or arm64
▸Storage: 5GB+ for server files and world data
▸Network: UDP port 5520 open (or custom port)

Performance Tip: Resource usage depends heavily on player behavior. High player counts increase CPU usage, while large loaded world areas (high view distance, players exploring independently) increase RAM usage.

Step 1: Install Java 25

Hytale servers require Java 25 to run. We recommend using Adoptium (formerly AdoptOpenJDK) for the best compatibility.

Ubuntu / Debian

# Update package list
sudo apt update

# Install Java 25 from Adoptium
wget -O - https://packages.adoptium.net/artifactory/api/gpg/key/public | sudo apt-key add -

echo "deb https://packages.adoptium.net/artifactory/deb $(lsb_release -sc) main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/adoptium.list

sudo apt update
sudo apt install temurin-25-jdk

Fedora / RHEL / CentOS

# Add Adoptium repository
sudo dnf install -y wget
wget https://packages.adoptium.net/artifactory/rpm/rhel/adoptium.repo -O adoptium.repo
sudo mv adoptium.repo /etc/yum.repos.d/

# Install Java 25
sudo dnf install temurin-25-jdk

Verify Installation

Check that Java is installed correctly:

java --version

Expected output:

openjdk 25.0.1 2025-10-21 LTS
OpenJDK Runtime Environment Temurin-25.0.1+8 (build 25.0.1+8-LTS)
OpenJDK 64-Bit Server VM Temurin-25.0.1+8 (build 25.0.1+8-LTS, mixed mode, sharing)

Step 2: Download Server Files

You have two options for obtaining Hytale server files: using the Hytale Downloader CLI (recommended for production) or manually copying from your launcher installation.

Option 1: Hytale Downloader CLI (Recommended)

The official command-line tool makes it easy to download and update server files.

# Download the Hytale Downloader
wget https://download.hytale.com/hytale-downloader.zip

# Extract the archive
unzip hytale-downloader.zip
cd hytale-downloader

# Make it executable
chmod +x hytale-downloader

# Download latest server files
./hytale-downloader

Pro Tip: Use ./hytale-downloader -print-version to check the current game version, and ./hytale-downloader -check-update to check for updates.

Option 2: Manual Copy from Launcher

If you have the Hytale launcher installed, you can copy the server files directly:

# Navigate to launcher installation
cd $XDG_DATA_HOME/Hytale/install/release/package/game/latest

# Copy to your server directory
cp -r Server ~/hytale-server/
cp Assets.zip ~/hytale-server/

Step 3: Configure Firewall & Network

Important: Hytale uses QUIC protocol over UDP (not TCP). Make sure to configure your firewall for UDP traffic on port 5520.

UFW (Ubuntu/Debian)

# Allow UDP port 5520
sudo ufw allow 5520/udp

# Verify the rule
sudo ufw status

iptables

# Add firewall rule for UDP port 5520
sudo iptables -A INPUT -p udp --dport 5520 -j ACCEPT

# Save the rules (Ubuntu/Debian)
sudo iptables-save | sudo tee /etc/iptables/rules.v4

firewalld (Fedora/RHEL/CentOS)

# Open UDP port 5520
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=5520/udp

# Reload firewall
sudo firewall-cmd --reload

Step 4: Start Your Server

Basic Launch Command

Navigate to your server directory and start the server:

cd ~/hytale-server
java -jar HytaleServer.jar --assets Assets.zip

Optimized Launch Command

For better performance, use the AOT cache and allocate appropriate memory:

java -Xms4G -Xmx8G -XX:AOTCache=HytaleServer.aot -jar HytaleServer.jar --assets Assets.zip

-Xms4G: Minimum heap size (4GB)
-Xmx8G: Maximum heap size (8GB)
-XX:AOTCache: Uses pre-trained cache for faster boot times

Custom Port

To use a different port:

java -jar HytaleServer.jar --assets Assets.zip --bind 0.0.0.0:25565

Step 5: Authenticate Your Server

All Hytale servers require authentication to communicate with Hytale services and prevent abuse. You can run up to 100 servers per Hytale license.

After first launch, authenticate using the device code method:

# In your server console, run:
/auth login device

You'll see output like this:

===================================================================
DEVICE AUTHORIZATION
===================================================================
Visit: https://accounts.hytale.com/device
Enter code: ABCD-1234
Or visit: https://accounts.hytale.com/device?user_code=ABCD-1234
===================================================================
Waiting for authorization (expires in 900 seconds)...

Visit the URL in your browser, enter the code, and complete the authorization. Once done, your server will be authenticated and ready to accept players.

Step 6: Run Server as a Service (Optional)

To keep your server running in the background and automatically restart it on system reboot, create a systemd service.

Create Service File

sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/hytale.service

Add the following content:

[Unit]
Description=Hytale Server
After=network.target

[Service]
Type=simple
User=youruser
WorkingDirectory=/home/youruser/hytale-server
ExecStart=/usr/bin/java -Xms4G -Xmx8G -XX:AOTCache=HytaleServer.aot -jar HytaleServer.jar --assets Assets.zip
Restart=on-failure
RestartSec=10

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

Enable and Start Service

# Reload systemd
sudo systemctl daemon-reload

# Enable service to start on boot
sudo systemctl enable hytale

# Start the service
sudo systemctl start hytale

# Check status
sudo systemctl status hytale

Performance Optimization Tips

1. View Distance

View distance is the main driver for RAM usage. Limit maximum view distance to 12 chunks (384 blocks) for optimal performance. This is roughly equivalent to 24 Minecraft chunks.

2. Monitor Resources

Monitor RAM and CPU usage to understand your server's needs:

# Install htop for monitoring
sudo apt install htop

# Run htop
htop

3. Disable Sentry (Development)

If you're developing plugins, disable crash reporting:

java -jar HytaleServer.jar --assets Assets.zip --disable-sentry

4. Recommended Plugins

Consider these community plugins for enhanced server management:

▸Nitrado:Query - Exposes server status via HTTP
▸Nitrado:PerformanceSaver - Dynamically limits view distance based on resources
▸ApexHosting:PrometheusExporter - Detailed metrics for monitoring

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Players Can't Connect

Ensure UDP port 5520 is open in your firewall and forwarded on your router. Remember, Hytale uses UDP, not TCP. Check with sudo ufw status or test your ports.

Out of Memory Errors

Increase the -Xmx value when launching the server. For 10+ players, use at least 8GB. Monitor usage with htop and adjust accordingly.

Server Crashes on Startup

Verify Java 25 is installed with java --version. Check logs in the logs/ directory for detailed error messages.

Protocol Version Mismatch

Update your server files when Hytale releases an update. Currently, client and server must be on the exact same version. Use the Hytale Downloader to easily update.

You're All Set!

Congratulations! Your Hytale server is now running on Linux. Players can connect using your server IP and port (default 5520). Don't forget to list your server on Hytale Servers Space to attract players from the community.

List Your Server Windows Setup Guide →