Hytale Server Requirements: Complete Hardware Guide for Hosting

Planning to host a Hytale server? Understanding the hardware requirements is crucial for a smooth experience. This guide breaks down exactly what you need based on your server size and goals.

Hytale Server Basics

Hytale dedicated servers run on Java 25 and support both x64 and arm64 architectures. The server can run on Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Key Factors Affecting Performance

Several factors impact how much hardware your server needs:

• Player count - More players = more resources
• View distance - Higher distances load more chunks
• Player spread - Players far apart load more world
• Mods - More mods increase CPU and RAM usage
• World complexity - Custom content adds overhead

Recommended Specifications by Server Size

Small Server (2-10 Players)

Perfect for playing with friends or a small private community.

Notes:

• Can run on most modern gaming PCs
• SSD recommended for faster world loading
• Works well for vanilla or lightly modded servers

Medium Server (10-30 Players)

Suitable for growing communities and public servers.

Notes:

• Dedicated hardware recommended
• NVMe storage provides significant performance gains
• Consider DDoS protection for public servers

Large Server (30-50+ Players)

For established communities and popular public servers.

Notes:

• Enterprise-grade hardware recommended
• DDoS protection essential
• Professional hosting strongly recommended

CPU vs RAM: What Matters More?

CPU Speed is King

Hytale server performance benefits most from fast CPU cores rather than many cores. Prioritize:

1. Clock speed - Higher GHz = better performance
2. Single-thread performance - Most critical metric
3. Core count - Helps with larger servers

RAM Scaling

RAM requirements scale with:

• View distance - Each chunk loaded uses memory
• Player spread - More chunks loaded = more RAM
• Mod count - Scripts and assets consume memory
• World size - Explored areas stay cached

View Distance Guidelines

View distance dramatically affects resource usage:

Tip: Start with 12 chunks (384 blocks) for public servers and adjust based on performance.

Mod Impact on Performance

Mods increase resource requirements:

• Light mods (5-10): +1-2 GB RAM, minimal CPU impact
• Moderate mods (10-25): +2-4 GB RAM, noticeable CPU impact
• Heavy mods (25+): +4-6 GB RAM, significant CPU impact

Plan your hardware based on your intended mod load.

Network Requirements

Bandwidth

Hytale uses QUIC over UDP. Bandwidth needs:

• Per player: ~50-100 Kbps average
• 10 players: ~1 Mbps
• 30 players: ~3 Mbps
• 50 players: ~5 Mbps

Latency

• Ideal: <50ms for most players
• Acceptable: 50-100ms
• Playable: 100-150ms
• Poor: >150ms

Port Requirements

• UDP 5520 - Primary game port (required)
• Additional ports - May vary based on mods

Hosting Options Comparison

Home Hosting

Pros:

• No monthly cost
• Full control

Cons:

• Limited upload bandwidth
• No DDoS protection
• Relies on your internet
• Power costs

Best for: Small private servers

VPS Hosting

Pros:

• Affordable ($5-50/month)
• Better bandwidth than home
• Scalable resources

Cons:

• Shared hardware
• Limited support
• Self-managed

Best for: Medium servers, technical users

Dedicated Server Hosting

Pros:

• Guaranteed resources
• Best performance
• Often includes DDoS protection

Cons:

• Higher cost ($50-200+/month)
• May require management

Best for: Large public servers

Game Server Hosting

Pros:

• Hytale-optimized
• Easy setup
• Support included

Cons:

• Less customization
• Pricing varies

Best for: Users wanting simplicity

Operating System Recommendations

Linux (Recommended):

• Ubuntu 22.04 LTS - Best supported
• Debian 12 - Stable alternative
• Lower resource overhead
• Better for headless servers

Windows:

• Windows Server 2022 or Windows 10/11
• Easier for those familiar with Windows
• Higher resource overhead

Performance Optimization Tips

1. Use an SSD/NVMe - Dramatically improves world loading
2. Allocate RAM appropriately - Don't over-allocate
3. Limit view distance - Start conservative
4. Use Paper/optimized builds - When available
5. Regular restarts - Clear memory leaks
6. Monitor resources - Identify bottlenecks early

Ready to set up your server? Check out our Docker Server Setup Guide for step-by-step instructions.