Want to run your own Hytale server? This comprehensive guide covers everything from choosing a hosting provider to launching and growing your community. Get ready for Hytale's release!
🎯 Planning Your Server
Define Your Vision
Before anything else, answer these questions:
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|
| What type of server? | Determines features and audience |
| Target player count? | Affects hosting requirements |
| Budget? | Shapes all decisions |
| Team size? | Defines workload distribution |
| Unique selling point? | Differentiates from competition |
Server Types
| Type | Description | Difficulty |
|---|
| Vanilla | Pure Hytale experience | Easy |
| Survival | Enhanced survival features | Medium |
| PvP/Factions | Combat-focused | Medium |
| RPG | Quest and progression | Hard |
| Minigames | Multiple game modes | Hard |
| Creative | Building focused | Easy |
| Custom | Total conversion | Very Hard |
🖥️ Choosing a Host
Hosting Options
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Dedicated Server | Full control, best performance | Expensive, technical |
| VPS (Virtual Private Server) | Good balance | Some limitations |
| Managed Game Hosting | Easy setup, support | Less control |
| Home Server | Free, full control | Requires good internet, hardware |
Recommended Specifications
| Player Count | RAM | CPU | Storage |
|---|
| 10-20 | 4 GB | 2 cores | 20 GB SSD |
| 20-50 | 8 GB | 4 cores | 50 GB SSD |
| 50-100 | 16 GB | 6 cores | 100 GB SSD |
| 100+ | 32 GB+ | 8+ cores | 200 GB+ NVMe |
Top Hosting Providers (Expected)
| Provider | Type | Starting Price |
|---|
| OVH | VPS/Dedicated | $5/month |
| Hetzner | VPS/Dedicated | $4/month |
| Vultr | VPS | $6/month |
| AWS | Cloud | Variable |
| Game-specific hosts | Managed | $10/month |
⚙️ Server Setup
Step 1: Initial Configuration
After getting your server:
# Example Linux setup (Ubuntu/Debian)
# Update system
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
# Install dependencies
sudo apt install openjdk-17-jdk screen -y
# Create hytale user
sudo useradd -m -s /bin/bash hytale
sudo su - hytale
Step 2: Hytale Server Installation
# Create server directory
mkdir ~/hytale-server
cd ~/hytale-server
# Download server files (placeholder - actual method TBD)
# wget https://download.hytale.com/server.jar
# Accept EULA
echo "eula=true" > eula.txt
Step 3: Configuration Files
server.properties (expected format):
# Server Settings
server-name=My Awesome Server
server-ip=0.0.0.0
server-port=25565
max-players=50
view-distance=10
gamemode=survival
difficulty=normal
# Performance
chunk-loading-threads=4
max-world-size=10000
# Security
enable-whitelist=false
enable-query=true
Step 4: Starting the Server
# Create start script
cat > start.sh << 'EOF'
#!/bin/bash
screen -S hytale java -Xms4G -Xmx8G -jar server.jar nogui
EOF
chmod +x start.sh
./start.sh
🔌 Plugin Setup
Essential Plugins (Expected)
| Category | Purpose |
|---|
| Permissions | User roles and access |
| Economy | In-game currency |
| Protection | Land claiming |
| Anti-Cheat | Prevent hacking |
| Essentials | Basic commands |
| Voting | Hytale Tops integration |
Hytale Tops Vote Plugin
# /plugins/HytaleTops/config.yml
hytaletops:
api-key: "YOUR_API_KEY"
server-id: "YOUR_SERVER_ID"
rewards:
enabled: true
commands:
- "give %player% diamond 3"
- "eco give %player% 500"
🛡️ Security Best Practices
Server Protection
| Measure | Implementation |
|---|
| Firewall | Only open necessary ports |
| DDoS Protection | Use provider's protection |
| Regular Backups | Daily automated backups |
| Access Control | Limited SSH/admin access |
| Updates | Keep software current |
Player Security
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|
| Anti-Cheat | Prevent hacking |
| Whitelist | Control access |
| Logging | Track activity |
| Moderation | Active staff |
👥 Building Your Team
Essential Roles
| Role | Responsibilities | Needed |
|---|
| Owner | Vision, final decisions | 1 |
| Admin | Server management | 1-2 |
| Developer | Plugins, customization | 1+ |
| Builder | World creation | 2+ |
| Moderator | Player support | 2+ |
Finding Team Members
| Source | Quality | Commitment |
|---|
| Friends | Variable | Usually high |
| Communities | Variable | Variable |
| Applications | Can be high | Variable |
| Paid Staff | Usually high | Contract-based |
📢 Marketing & Growth
Pre-Launch Marketing
| Platform | Strategy |
|---|
| Discord | Build community early |
| Twitter/X | Share development updates |
| YouTube | Teasers and trailers |
| Reddit | Engage with Hytale community |
Launch Strategy
- Soft Launch - Invite-only testing
- Beta Period - Wider testing, feedback
- Official Launch - Public announcement
- Post-Launch - Continuous updates
Listing on Hytale Tops
- Register at hytaletops.com
- Submit your server
- Optimize your listing:
- Great description
- High-quality banner
- Relevant tags
- Active social links
- Encourage players to vote
- Use embed widgets
📊 Server Management
Daily Tasks
| Task | Frequency |
|---|
| Check logs | Daily |
| Review reports | Daily |
| Performance check | Daily |
| Backup verification | Daily |
Weekly Tasks
| Task | Frequency |
|---|
| Plugin updates | Weekly |
| Staff meeting | Weekly |
| Content review | Weekly |
| Community event | Weekly |
Monthly Tasks
| Task | Frequency |
|---|
| Full audit | Monthly |
| Performance optimization | Monthly |
| Feature planning | Monthly |
| Budget review | Monthly |
💰 Monetization (Ethical)
Acceptable Methods
| Method | Type | Ethics |
|---|
| Cosmetics | Skins, particles | ✅ Fair |
| Ranks | Perks, no advantages | ✅ Fair |
| Donations | Voluntary support | ✅ Fair |
| Server Merchandise | Physical goods | ✅ Fair |
Methods to Avoid
| Method | Why Avoid |
|---|
| Pay-to-Win | Ruins gameplay |
| Gambling | Legal issues |
| Essential Features | Unfair |
❓ FAQ
How much does it cost to run a server?
Starting from $5-10/month for small servers, $50-100+ for larger ones.
Do I need programming knowledge?
Helpful but not required. Many tools are user-friendly.
How do I get players?
Great listing, active marketing, quality content, and community building.
When should I start preparing?
Now! Build your community before Hytale launches.
Ready to create your server? Register on Hytale Tops and prepare for launch! 🚀
