Playing Hytale With Friends: Online Worlds and Server Options

Hytale is built for adventure, building, and the kind of group chaos that turns a simple plan into a three-hour detour. If you want to play with friends, there are a few practical ways to do it: open a singleplayer world for online access, use a dedicated Hytale server, or create and maintain your own server manually.

Each method works best for a different situation. Online Play is fast and casual. A hosted server is better for a persistent world that stays online. A self-hosted setup gives you more control, but also more technical chores.

Use Hytale Online Play

Hytale's singleplayer menu includes an Online Play option. This lets other players join your current world by using a share code. Since this method uses your connection as the host, only share the code with people you trust. Your world is also available only while you are online and hosting it.

Open Your Singleplayer World

1. Launch Hytale and enter the singleplayer world you want to share.
2. Press `ESC`, then choose Online Play.

1. Turn on Allow Other Players to Join.
2. Add a password if you want an extra access check.

1. Select Save, then copy the share code when it appears.

Keep that code handy. It is the invitation your friends need to join the world.

Invite Friends With a Share Code

1. Send the copied share code to the friends you want to invite.
2. Ask them to launch Hytale and select Servers from the main menu.

1. They should choose Join via Code in the lower-left corner.

1. Have them paste the code, then select Join.

If the code is valid and your world is open, they should start loading into your singleplayer session.

Use a Dedicated Hytale Server

For a world that does not depend on one player's computer being online, a dedicated Hytale server is the cleaner option. With HolyHosting, the server runs around the clock and can be managed through a control panel, giving access to settings, modding options, player management, and other configuration tools.

This is the better route for regular groups, larger friend circles, or anyone planning a long-term world. It also avoids the classic problem where the host logs off right when everyone else finally has free time.

Set Up Hosting

1. Choose a Hytale server plan from HolyHosting.
2. Enter your account details, select any addons you need, and complete checkout.
3. Check your email for the server panel login details.
4. Open the HolyHosting control panel and sign in with the provided credentials.

After that, you can begin configuring the server. Useful next steps usually include setting admins, adding a whitelist or password, and reviewing any available mod, plugin, or asset options for your setup.

Join a Hytale Server Directly

Once the server is online, players can connect from inside Hytale with the server address.

1. Launch Hytale and select Servers from the main menu.
2. Choose Direct Connect near the bottom of the screen.

1. Enter the server address in the `IP Address:Port` format.

1. Select Connect to join the server.

If the address, port, and server status are correct, the game should begin connecting to the hosted world.

Create Your Own Hytale Server Manually

The final option is to build and run the Hytale server yourself. This usually means following the official server manual, preparing the server files, configuring network access, and troubleshooting any startup or connection issues along the way.

Manual hosting can be a good fit if you already understand server administration and want full control over the environment. For most friend groups, though, it takes more setup time than Online Play or managed hosting.

Choosing the Best Method

Use Online Play when you want a quick session with trusted friends and do not need the world to stay online. Use a dedicated server when you want a persistent multiplayer world that friends can join even when the original host is offline. Use a manual server when you want to manage every part of the setup yourself.

Once the connection method is sorted, the rest is simple: invite your friends, load into Hytale, and try not to spend the entire first session adjusting settings instead of playing.