How to Run a Hytale Server on Ubuntu 22.04

This guide explains how to create a dedicated Hytale server on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.

Server Requirements

Ensure the server meets the following minimum requirements before starting:

• Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS
• 4 GB RAM minimum (8 GB or more recommended)
• 64-bit CPU (x64 or ARM64)
• Java 25
• UDP port 5520 available and open

Step 1: Update Ubuntu Packages

Updating the system ensures compatibility with Java and prevents common dependency issues.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Java 25 for Hytale

Hytale servers require Java 25 and will not start on older versions.

sudo apt install openjdk-25-jdk -y

Verify the installation:

java --version

Confirm that Java 25 is listed in the output.

Step 3: Create a Dedicated Server Directory

Keeping server files in a single directory simplifies maintenance and updates.

mkdir ~/hytale-server

cd ~/hytale-server

Step 4: Download and Install the Hytale Downloader

Download the official Hytale Downloader directly to the server.

wget https://downloader.hytale.com/hytale-downloader.zip

Install unzip if it is not already installed:

sudo apt install unzip -y

Extract and prepare the downloader:

unzip hytale-downloader.zip

chmod +x hytale-downloader

Step 5: Download Hytale Server Files

Run the Hytale Downloader to fetch the latest server and asset files.

./hytale-downloader-linux-amd64

You will be prompted to visit an oauth.accounts.hytale.com URL and enter a device code. After completing the authorization in your browser, the downloader will automatically download the latest release archive.

After the download completes, you will see a versioned archive file (for example: 2026.01.13-50e69c385.zip). Extract this archive to access the server and asset files.

unzip 2026.01.13-50e69c385.zip

After extraction, the directory should contain:

• Server/
• Assets.zip

Step 6: Start the Hytale Server

Change into the Server directory extracted from the archive.

cd Server

Start the server to generate required files and initialize services.

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

Allow the server to fully boot before continuing to the authentication step.

Step 7: Authenticate the Server (Required)

Authentication must be completed after the server has started.

Run the following command inside the server console:

/auth login device

Follow the on-screen instructions:

• Open the provided URL
• Log in to your Hytale account
• Enter the device code

The server will not accept player connections until authentication succeeds.

Step 8: Configure Firewall and Network (UDP)

This step is required for most servers. Hytale uses UDP only.

Allow the default server port:

sudo ufw allow 5520/udp sudo ufw reload

If the server is behind a router, forward UDP port 5520 to the server’s local IP address.

Step 9: Allocate RAM for Performance (Optional)

Java does not automatically use all available memory.
Insufficient allocation can cause lag and stuttering.

Example: Allocate 8 GB of RAM

java -Xms8G -Xmx8G -jar HytaleServer.jar --assets Assets.zip

Memory flags:

• -Xms sets the starting memory allocation
• -Xmx sets the maximum memory limit

Recommended RAM allocation:

• Small server: 4 GB RAM
• Medium server: 6–8 GB RAM
• Large / public server: 10–16 GB RAM

Leave at least 1–2 GB of memory free for the operating system.

Step 10: Run the Server in the Background (Optional)

Running the server in a screen session allows it to remain active after disconnecting from SSH.

sudo apt install screen -y screen -S hytale

Start the server inside the screen session.

Detach using CTRL + A, then D
Reattach later with:

screen -r hytale

Players can now connect to the Hytale server.