Whether you want to join friends to build wonders or jump into a persistent community server, this guide will explain the different methods to connect to a Hytale server.
Joining a friend’s world (“friend join” system)
Hytale’s “friend join” system allows you to join a friend’s singleplayer world without them having to configure a dedicated server. It is ideal for spontaneous gaming sessions between close friends.
How does it work?
Your friend hosts the game directly from their client. Hytale then uses the UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) protocol to automatically configure their router and generate a unique “share code”. This code contains connection information (including the host’s public IP address) and allows other players to connect directly to their game.
Warning: The share code contains the host’s IP address. Never share it publicly (on chats or streams) and share it only with trusted people.
Steps to join a friend’s world:
- Launch Hytale and log in.
- From the main menu, select the “Servers” option.
- Click on “Join via code” (join via code option).
- Paste the share code that your friend gave you.
- If a password was set and is not embedded in the code, enter it.
- Click “Connect”. Your client will then attempt to connect directly to your friend’s game using the information contained in the code.
Joining a dedicated server
Dedicated servers offer a more robust multiplayer experience: they stay online 24/7, regardless of the host’s connection, and can accommodate a larger number of players. They are often the foundation of large communities and persistent worlds.
Where to find these servers? Currently, Hytale is in the development phase. Eventually, an official “server list” might be integrated into the game (server discovery). For now, dedicated servers are generally promoted via:
- Online Hytale communities: Like Hytale.game!
- Discussion platforms: The official Hytale Discord server is a great starting point for finding server announcements.
Steps to join a dedicated server:
- Launch Hytale and log in.
- From the main menu, select the “Servers” option.
- Click on “Direct connect” (direct connect option) or search for the server in the “Server list” (if available and configured).
- If using direct connect, enter the server IP address (e.g.,
play.example.com:5520). - Click “Connect”.
Note: The default port for Hytale is 5520 and the connection uses the UDP protocol (not TCP). If the server uses a different port, the host will communicate it to you.
Troubleshooting connection issues
Sometimes, connecting to a server encounters obstacles. Here is a summary table of common problems and solutions to resolve them:
| Problem encountered | Probable cause | Quick solution |
| “Failed to connect to server” or “Connection timed out” | 1. Network issue (UPnP/NAT/CGNAT) 2. Firewall blocking Hytale 3. Version incompatibility (client/server) 4. Server not started or offline | 1. Restart your router/modem. 2. Check your firewall settings (allow Hytale via UDP port 5520). 3. Ask the host for the server version. Ensure your game is up to date. 4. Contact the server admin. Ensure it is online and the IP/port are correct. For friend worlds, the host must be in-game. |
| Error “I18nModule.getMessages” | System language not supported by the game | Change your system language (Windows/macOS) to English (United States), then restart the game. |
| Unable to see local server | Firewall or LAN discovery issues | 1. Temporarily disable your firewall to test. 2. Ensure LAN discovery is enabled if applicable. 3. Try a direct connection with the local IP ( 127.0.0.1 or 192.168.x.x). |
| Lags or high latency | Unstable internet connection (host or client) or high server load | 1. Use a wired connection (Ethernet) rather than Wi-Fi. 2. Reduce max view radius in server settings if you are the host. 3. Check internet connection quality (host and client). |
| “Authentication failed” | Host server authentication issue | The server admin must ensure the server is correctly authenticated with Hytale services via the command /auth login device in the server console. |
| The share code does not work | Expired code, incorrect code, or host network issue | 1. Ask for a new code from the host (codes expire). 2. Ensure the host has no NAT/UPnP issues (double NAT, CGNAT) preventing direct connections. Solutions like Tailscale can help. |
| Mod issue (server mod requirement) | Mismatch between client and server mods | The host must ensure all mods required by the server are installed on your client, and that their versions are compatible. Follow the host’s instructions regarding mods. |
Additional tips for the host
- Port Forwarding: If UPnP does not work for the “friend join” system or for a self-hosted dedicated server, you will need to manually configure port forwarding (UDP 5520 by default) on your router to the local IP address of the machine hosting the server.
- Tailscale: To bypass NAT or firewall issues, Tailscale (or a similar peer-to-peer VPN) can create a secure virtual network between you and your friends, allowing a direct connection even with complex network configurations.
- Professional Server Hosting: For optimal performance and stability, consider renting a server from a hosting provider specialized for Hytale. These services handle network infrastructure and updates, offering a hassle-free experience.