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Once your Hytale server is running, you’ll want to make it yours — give it a proper name, decide how many players can join, and control who gets in. This guide explains where Hytale’s server settings live and how to change them safely.
Hytale is in early access, and configuration file names, formats, and available options can change between patches. This guide stays deliberately high-level — after each game update, check the console output and the official Hytale server documentation and announcements for the current specifics.

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Where Settings Live

Hytale’s server settings are stored in configuration files inside your server’s directory. You can view and edit them in two ways:
  • File Manager — the built-in editor in the Game Panel. Open your server, go to the File Manager tab, and browse the server directory. See File Management for a full tour.
  • SFTP — connect with any SFTP client using the credentials from the panel if you prefer a desktop editor.
Configuration files typically sit in the server’s root directory or a dedicated config folder. If you’re unsure which file controls what, the console output at startup usually names the configuration it loads — and our support team is happy to point you to the right file for the current build.

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Settings Worth Changing First

While exact option names vary by build, these are the settings virtually every server owner wants to adjust:
SettingWhy it matters
Server nameHow your server identifies itself to players — make it recognizable.
Max playersThe player cap. Keep it in line with your plan’s resources for smooth performance.
Access controlA join password or whitelist-style allowlist to keep your world private to friends.
Gameplay / world optionsWorld and gameplay behavior — game mode and difficulty-style options where the build exposes them.
If you only change one thing, set up access control. An open early-access server will be found by strangers sooner than you’d expect.

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Editing Settings Safely

1

Stop the server

In the Game Panel, click Stop and wait for the console to confirm shutdown. Servers commonly read configuration only at startup — and some rewrite their config files on exit, which can silently discard edits made while running.
2

Back up first

Before bigger changes, take a quick backup. It takes seconds and makes any mistake reversible.
3

Edit and save

Open the relevant config file in the File Manager, change the values you need, and save. Keep the file’s existing format intact — a stray character can prevent the server from loading its settings.
4

Start and verify

Start the server and watch the console. Confirm it boots cleanly and that your changes took effect (e.g., the new server name appears in startup output or in-game).

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After Every Game Update

Because Hytale patches frequently during early access:
  • Check the console on the first boot after an update — new, renamed, or removed settings usually show up there first, sometimes as warnings about unrecognized options.
  • Re-verify your key settings (name, player cap, access control) still apply.
  • Consult official sources — Hytale’s official server documentation and announcement channels are the authority on the current config format.
If an update changes a config format and your server won’t start, don’t panic: restore your pre-update backup, or open a support ticket and we’ll help you migrate your settings.

Getting Started

First boot, account linking, and inviting friends.

File Management

Master the File Manager and SFTP access.

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