How to Run a Hytale Server on Ubuntu 22.04

Learn how to run a Hytale server on Ubuntu 22.04 with this step-by-step guide. Covers Java 25 installation, server setup, required authentication, UDP networking, and RAM allocation for stable performance.

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.

Looking for an easier option? If you'd prefer not to manage your own server, check out our Hytale server hosting comparison to find the best hosting provider for your needs.

# 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:

  1. Open the provided URL
  2. Log in to your Hytale account
  3. 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
  • Medium server: 6–8 GB
  • Large / public server: 10–16 GB

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

# Server Setup Complete

Players can now connect to the Hytale server.