Want to play Hytale with friends on a world that stays online 24/7? This tutorial walks you through how to set up multiplayer for a Hytale server using Gravel Host Hytale server hosting, so you can skip the hard parts and get straight into building, exploring, and fighting together.
Official Hytale documentation shows that dedicated servers need Java 25, at least 4 GB of memory, authentication after first launch, and UDP networking on the default port 5520. With Gravel Host, the server is already deployed for you, which makes multiplayer setup much faster — you only need to choose a plan, start the server, configure the basics, and share the connection details with your players.
Friend Code World or Dedicated Server?
Hytale has two main ways to play multiplayer. You can open a normal world, enable online play, and send your friends a share code — or you can run a dedicated server that stays online independently of your PC.
A dedicated server is the better option if you want:
- 24/7 uptime even when the host logs off.
- Better stability for groups and growing communities.
- More control over backups, mods, files, and server settings.
- A cleaner long-term setup than constantly sharing temporary join codes.
If your goal is a real multiplayer home for your group, Gravel Host is the simple route.
Choose Your Gravel Host Hytale Plan
Head to gravelhost.com/hytale-server-hosting and pick the plan that fits your group size. Gravel Host currently offers Hytale plans from the 6 GB Seedling tier up through larger options like Kweebec, Razorleaf Ranger, and Treesinger for bigger communities.
As a general rule:
- Small private friend groups can start with an entry plan.
- Modded servers or wider exploration need more RAM headroom.
- Community servers should size up early so performance stays smooth during peak hours.
Hytale's official server manual notes that memory usage rises as players spread out and load more world area, so it's smart to leave room for growth instead of buying the absolute minimum.
Deploy the Server and Open Your Game Panel
Once you check out, your server is provisioned through Gravel Host's custom game panel. This is where you'll handle the basics of multiplayer setup without manually installing Java, copying server files, or configuring your home network.
Order your plan. Pick the location closest to your players.
Log into your Gravel Host panel once the server is active.
Start the server and let it generate its initial files.
Confirm your server address and save it for later.
Check the console and file manager so you know where your world, config, logs, and mods live.
On self-hosted servers, this is the point where you'd normally deal with Java 25, assets, authentication, and firewall rules. Gravel Host removes most of that friction so you can focus on the actual multiplayer experience.
Configure Your Multiplayer Server
After the server is live, configure the settings that matter most before inviting players. Hytale dedicated servers use a file structure that includes folders and files like mods/, universe/, config.json, permissions.json, and whitelist.json, so your panel file manager is the place to handle most changes.
Start with these basics:
- Set your server name and any gameplay preferences you want for the world.
- Decide whether to use a whitelist for a private friend-only server.
- Configure permissions if you want moderators or admins.
- Enable automatic backups so progress is protected.
- Upload mods later only after your base server is confirmed stable.
Hytale's official guidance also notes that view distance is one of the biggest drivers of RAM usage, with a recommended maximum of 12 chunks for performance and gameplay balance. If your players are exploring in different directions, lowering view distance is one of the fastest ways to stabilize a busy server.
Start the Server and Connect Your Friends
Once the server is configured, start or restart it from the panel and wait for it to finish booting. Then send your players the server IP and port from your Gravel Host dashboard so they can connect through Hytale's multiplayer server menu.
This is one of the main advantages of dedicated hosting over Hytale's built-in share code system. A share code world is quick for casual play, but a real Gravel Host server gives your group a persistent place to join whenever they want.
If you ever self-host instead of using Gravel Host, remember that Hytale uses QUIC over UDP, not TCP, and the default server port is 5520. A home setup needs proper UDP forwarding and firewall rules — with Gravel Host, that network layer is already handled for you.
Optimize Multiplayer Performance
Smooth multiplayer isn't just about turning the server on. It's about keeping load under control as your world grows.
Best practices for a better Hytale server experience:
- Keep regular backups before major changes.
- Watch RAM and CPU usage when more players start joining.
- Add mods one at a time so problems are easier to trace.
- Upgrade your plan before events, launches, or big community sessions.
- Keep the server location close to your core player base for lower ping.
Gravel Host also includes useful quality-of-life features on its Hytale hosting page, including NVMe storage, scheduled tasks, backups, firewall tools, full FTP access, and 24/7 Discord support — which makes long-term multiplayer management much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install Java 25 myself?
Not when you use Gravel Host for your Hytale server. That manual setup is mainly for self-hosting.
What port does Hytale use?
The official dedicated server manual lists UDP port 5520 as the default bind port.
What's the easiest way to play multiplayer with friends?
For quick sessions, Hytale's online play and share code system works. For a permanent multiplayer world, a dedicated Gravel Host server is the better choice.
Can I install mods on my Hytale server?
Yes. Hytale's official file structure includes a mods/ folder, and Gravel Host supports file access and customization for Hytale servers.
Get Your Hytale Multiplayer Server Online
If you want the easiest way to set up multiplayer for Hytale, Gravel Host gives you the cleanest path: pick a plan, deploy the server, adjust your settings, and invite your players. No home networking headaches, no port-forwarding guesswork, and no need to leave your own PC running all day.
Launch Your Hytale World
Pick a plan, deploy in minutes, and invite your players. NVMe storage, scheduled backups, and 24/7 Discord support — all included.