Hytale server vs singleplayer vs local hosting
There are a few ways to play Hytale with other people, and each has trade-offs. This guide compares them in general terms. Check the official Hytale documentation for exactly which modes the game supports today.
Singleplayer
You play your own world on your own PC. It is simple and needs no setup, but nobody else can join unless the game offers a way to invite them, and the world is only available while you are playing.
Local or home hosting
You run the dedicated server program on your own computer or a spare machine. You get control over settings and who joins, but you take on some work:
- The machine must stay on for the world to stay online.
- You need the right Java version. Community guides say Java 25.
- Players may need you to open a UDP port on your router. Sources report 5520 by default.
- Running the server and the game together uses a lot of RAM. One guide recommends at least 16 GB for that case.
- Your home internet upload speed and stability limit how many people can play smoothly.
Renting a dedicated server
A hosting company runs the same server software on always-on hardware.
- Online around the clock without your PC.
- No router setup on your side.
- DDoS protection and a choice of locations. Tabi Cloud offers India, Singapore, Germany, the US and Canada.
- Panel tools for files, console and scheduled tasks.
Which should you pick?
- Playing alone or testing: singleplayer.
- A short session with a couple of friends: local hosting can work.
- A long-running world, a community or players in many countries: a hosted server.
Switching later
Worlds are saved as files, so you can usually move a world between setups. Back up first and see our Hytale backup guide. When you are ready, open a ticket in our Discord and we will help you move.