How to Start a Hytale SMP Server

January 15, 2026

Want to run your own Hytale server for you and your friends? Here's everything you need to know about your options.

Option 1: Game Server Hosting Providers

The easiest way to get a server running. These companies handle the technical stuff so you can focus on playing.

There are tons of game server hosts out there now offering Hytale support. Prices typically range from $5-15/month depending on specs and features.

We personally recommend BisectHosting. They've been around for years, have solid support, and make setup straightforward.

Option 2: VPS or Dedicated Server

More control, more responsibility. You rent a server and set everything up yourself.

Providers

  • Hetzner - Great value, especially in Europe
  • OVH - Affordable dedicated servers
  • DigitalOcean/Linode/Vultr - Easy VPS setup, good for smaller servers
  • AWS/Google Cloud - Overkill for most, but scalable if you need it

What You'll Need

  • Basic Linux command line knowledge
  • Ability to configure firewalls and port forwarding
  • Time to maintain and update things

Setup Process

  1. Rent a VPS or dedicated server (Ubuntu or Debian work well)
  2. Download the Hytale server files
  3. Configure your server settings
  4. Open UDP port 5520 in your firewall
  5. Set up a startup script so it runs automatically
  6. Configure backups

This route costs less monthly but takes more time upfront. If you're comfortable with servers, it's a good option. If "SSH" and "systemd" sound foreign, stick with game hosting providers.

Option 3: Self-Hosting at Home

Run the server on hardware you own. Free (minus electricity) but comes with trade-offs.

Requirements

  • A computer that can stay on 24/7
  • Decent specs (8GB RAM minimum for a smooth experience)
  • Stable internet connection with good upload speed
  • Ability to configure your router for port forwarding

The Reality

Home internet isn't designed for hosting. Your upload speed is probably much lower than download. ISPs sometimes block server hosting. Your IP might change periodically.

For a few friends in your area, it can work fine. For a public server or players far away, expect lag complaints.

Steps

  1. Download Hytale server files
  2. Forward UDP port 5520 on your router
  3. Share your public IP with friends
  4. Leave the computer running

Good for: Playing with local friends, testing, learning how servers work.

Not great for: Public servers, players in other regions, reliability.

Hardware Recommendations

Whatever hosting method you choose, here's what the server needs:

| Players | RAM | CPU | Storage | |---------|-----|-----|---------| | 1-5 | 4GB | 2 cores | 20GB SSD | | 5-10 | 8GB | 4 cores | 40GB SSD | | 10-20 | 12-16GB | 4-6 cores | 60GB SSD | | 20+ | 16GB+ | 6+ cores | 100GB+ SSD |

These are starting points. Mods, view distance, and world size all affect requirements. Monitor performance and adjust.

Server Configuration Basics

Once your server is running, you'll want to configure a few things:

World settings - Difficulty, PvP rules, death penalties. Check the server config files.

Whitelist - If you want a private server, enable whitelisting so only approved players can join.

Mods - Drop mod files into the mods folder and restart. Players don't need to download anything since Hytale mods are server-side.

Backups - Set up automatic backups. Daily at minimum. You will need them eventually.

The Ongoing Work

Running a server isn't just setup. You'll need to:

  • Apply Hytale updates when they release
  • Manage players and handle conflicts
  • Monitor performance and fix issues
  • Keep backups current
  • Pay the hosting bill

It's a commitment. Make sure you're ready for it before inviting a bunch of people.

Or Just Play

If all this sounds like more work than you wanted, there's nothing wrong with just joining an existing server.

TaleSMP runs 24/7 on dedicated hardware, stays updated, and handles all the infrastructure. It's free to join and we do the maintenance so you don't have to. If you just want to play Hytale with other people without managing a server, that's what we're here for.

But if you want to run your own thing, hopefully this guide helps you get started. Good luck with your server.

Charlie J

Article Written By:

Charlie J