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.
Running a dedicated Hytale server on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS provides excellent stability, performance, and long-term support for both private and public servers. Ubuntu is widely trusted for game hosting due to its low overhead, strong security, and compatibility with modern Java versions required by Hytale.
Server Requirements
Before beginning, make sure your server meets the minimum requirements listed below. Starting with insufficient resources will result in performance issues or failure to launch.
Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS
4 GB RAM minimum, with 8 GB or more recommended
64-bit CPU architecture x64 or ARM64
Java 25 installed
UDP port 5520 is available and open
Meeting these requirements ensures the Hytale server can start properly and handle player connections smoothly.
Step 1: Update Ubuntu Packages
Updating the operating system ensures compatibility with Java 25 and prevents dependency-related errors during installation.
Run the following command as a user with sudo privileges.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Allow all updates to complete before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Install Java Hytale server
Hytale servers require Java 25 and will not start on older Java versions. Installing the correct Java version is critical.
Install OpenJDK 25 using the command below.
sudo apt install openjdk-25-jdk -y
Verify that Java 25 is installed correctly.
java --version
Confirm that Java 25 appears in the output before continuing.
Step 3: Create a dedicated server directory
Keeping all server files in one directory makes updates, backups, and maintenance easier.
Create and enter the server directory.
mkdir ~/hytale-server
cd ~/hytale-server
This directory will store the downloader server files and assets.
Step 4: Download and install the Hytale Downloader
The official Hytale Downloader is required to fetch the latest server and asset files.
Download the 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 downloader to fetch the most recent Hytale server release.
./hytale-downloader-linux-amd64
You will be prompted to visit an oauth.accounts.hytale.com URL and enter a device code. Open the link in your browser log in to your Hytale account and enter the code.
Once authentication is complete, the downloader will automatically retrieve the latest server archive.
After the download finishes, you will see a versioned archive file such as:
2026.01.13-50e69c385.zip
Extract the archive.
unzip 2026.01.13-50e69c385.zip
After extraction, the directory should contain:
Server folder
Assets.zip
Step 6 Start the Hytale Server
Navigate into the Server directory.
cd Server
Start the server to generate the required files and initialize services.
java -jar HytaleServer.jar --assets Assets.zip
Allow the server to fully boot before proceeding to authentication.
Step 7 Authenticate your server
Authentication is required before players can connect.
Inside the server console, run the following command.
/auth login device
Follow the instructions shown in the console.
Open the provided URL
Log in to your Hytale account
Enter the device code
The server will not accept player connections until authentication is successful.
Step 8 Configure Firewall
Hytale uses UDP only. The server will not be reachable unless UDP port 5520 is open.
Allow the port through the firewall.
sudo ufw allow 5520/udp
sudo ufw reload
If your server is behind a router, forward UDP port 5520 to the server's local IP address.
Step 9 Allocate Ram
Java does not automatically use all available memory. Proper memory allocation prevents lag, stuttering,g and crashes.
Example command to allocate 8 GB of RAM.
java -Xms8G -Xmx8G -jar HytaleServer.jar --assets Assets.zip
Explanation of memory flags.
Xms sets the starting memory allocation
Xmx sets the maximum memory limit
Recommended memory allocation.
Small server uses 4 GB
Medium server uses 6 to 8 GB
Large public server uses 10 to 16 GB
Always leave at least 1 to 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 keeps it active after disconnecting from SSH.
Install screen.
sudo apt install screen -y
Create a new screen session.
screen -S hytale
Start the server inside the screen session.
Detach from the session using Control A then D.
Reconnect later using.
screen -r hytale
Server Setup Complete
Your Hytale server is now fully installed authenticated and running on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. Players can connect once networking is correctly configured and authentication is complete.
For best results consider regular backups performance monitoring and listing your server on a Hytale server list to attract players as the game grows.
