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Hytale Server Ports Explained

Last updated: January 16, 2026

Understanding Hytale server ports is essential for hosting a server that players can connect to. This guide explains the different ports, how to configure them, and troubleshoot common networking issues.

Understanding Server Ports

Ports are like numbered doors on your computer. When you host a server, you open specific doors so players can connect. Hytale uses two main ports:

Game Port (Default: 5520)

The game port is the primary connection point for players. When someone enters your server address, their game client connects through this port.

  • Default: 5520
  • Protocol: UDP
  • Required: Yes, players cannot connect without it

Query Port (Default: 5521)

The query port handles status requests from server lists and monitoring tools. It reports your server's online status, player count, and other information.

  • Default: 5521 (game port + 1)
  • Nitrado WebServer: Uses game port + 3 (e.g., 5523 if game port is 5520)
  • Protocol: UDP
  • Required: No, but recommended for server list visibility

Setting Up Port Forwarding

If you're hosting from home, you need to configure your router to forward traffic to your server. The exact steps vary by router brand, but the general process is:

  1. Find your router's admin page — Usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1
  2. Log in with your router credentials
  3. Navigate to port forwarding — Often under "Advanced," "NAT," or "Gaming"
  4. Create a new rule with these settings:
    • Service name: Hytale Server
    • External port: 5520
    • Internal port: 5520
    • Protocol: UDP
    • Internal IP: Your computer's local IP address
  5. Repeat for the query port (5521) if you want server list integration
  6. Save and apply your changes

Using Custom Ports

You can run your server on non-default ports. Common reasons include:

  • Running multiple servers on one machine
  • ISP blocking default gaming ports
  • Security through obscurity (minor benefit)

When using a custom port, players must include it in the server address:

play.yourserver.com:25565

If your server uses the default port (5520), players can omit the port number.

Firewall Configuration

Your computer's firewall may block incoming connections even after port forwarding. You'll need to create firewall rules to allow Hytale server traffic.

Windows Firewall

  1. Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
  2. Click "Inbound Rules" then "New Rule"
  3. Select "Port" and click Next
  4. Choose "UDP" and enter "5520, 5521"
  5. Allow the connection
  6. Apply to all profiles (Domain, Private, Public)
  7. Name it "Hytale Server"

Linux (iptables)

sudo iptables -A INPUT -p udp --dport 5520 -j ACCEPT
sudo iptables -A INPUT -p udp --dport 5521 -j ACCEPT

Troubleshooting

Players can't connect

  • Verify port forwarding is correctly configured
  • Check that your firewall allows the ports
  • Confirm your server is actually running
  • Test with a port checker tool to see if your port is open externally

Server not showing on server lists

  • Ensure the query port (5521) is forwarded
  • Check that query is enabled in your server configuration
  • Some ISPs block certain UDP ports — try a custom port

Connection times out

  • Your external IP may have changed (common with home internet)
  • Router may have reset and lost port forwarding rules
  • Server process may have crashed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the default Hytale server port?
The default Hytale game port is 5520. This is the port players connect to when joining your server.
What is a query port?
The query port (typically 5521) is used for server status checks and server list pings. It lets server lists display your player count and online status without players connecting.
Do I need to forward both ports?
For players to connect, you must forward the game port (5520). For your server to appear correctly on server lists with live status, you should also forward the query port (5521).