Running your own Hytale server gives you complete control over your gameplay experience. Whether you want a private world for friends or a public community server, this guide covers everything you need to know about hosting.
Hosting Options
There are two main approaches to hosting a Hytale server: self-hosting on your own hardware or using a managed hosting provider.
Self-Hosting
Self-hosting means running the server software on your own computer or a dedicated machine you control.
Advantages:
- Full control over hardware and configuration
- No monthly fees (beyond electricity and internet)
- Complete privacy for your server data
- Learn valuable server administration skills
Challenges:
- Requires technical knowledge (port forwarding, networking)
- Your home internet may have limited upload bandwidth
- Computer must stay on 24/7 for continuous availability
- You handle all maintenance, backups, and security
Managed Hosting
Managed hosting providers run your server on their infrastructure, handling the technical details for you.
Advantages:
- No hardware to maintain
- Professional network infrastructure with good connectivity
- Often includes automatic backups
- Support available when issues arise
- Easy to scale as your community grows
Challenges:
- Monthly costs add up over time
- Less control over underlying hardware
- Dependent on the provider's reliability
Hardware Requirements
Server requirements depend heavily on your expected player count and any modifications or custom content you plan to run.
Small Servers (1-10 players)
- RAM: 2-4 GB dedicated to the server
- CPU: Dual-core processor, 2.5 GHz+
- Storage: 10 GB SSD recommended
- Network: 5 Mbps upload minimum
Medium Servers (10-50 players)
- RAM: 4-8 GB dedicated
- CPU: Quad-core processor, 3.0 GHz+
- Storage: 20-50 GB SSD
- Network: 20 Mbps upload minimum
Large Servers (50+ players)
- RAM: 8-16+ GB dedicated
- CPU: High-performance multi-core processor
- Storage: 50+ GB NVMe SSD
- Network: Dedicated connection with low latency
Getting Started with Self-Hosting
- Download the server software from official Hytale sources
- Configure your server settings including server name, max players, and game rules
- Set up port forwarding on your router (see our port guide)
- Configure firewall rules to allow incoming connections
- Test your server by connecting locally first, then from an external network
- Add your server to our server list to attract players
Best Practices
- Regular backups: Schedule automatic backups of your world data
- Keep software updated: Apply security patches and updates promptly
- Monitor performance: Watch for lag spikes or memory issues
- Set clear rules: Establish and enforce community guidelines
- Plan for growth: Have a path to scale if your server becomes popular
Next Steps
Once your server is running:
- Configure your ports correctly
- Set up voting rewards to engage your community
- Read our server owner FAQ
- List your server to start building your community
See What Others Have Built
Looking for inspiration? Check out these popular community servers: