How to Download Hytale Server Files: CLI and Manual Methods

Before running a Hytale dedicated server, you need to obtain the server files. This guide covers two methods: using the Hytale Downloader CLI (recommended) and manually copying from your launcher.

Method 1: Hytale Downloader CLI (Recommended)

The Hytale Downloader CLI is the official tool for downloading server files. It handles OAuth2 authentication and can be integrated into automation pipelines.

Download the Tool

Download hytale-downloader.zip from the official Hytale support site. The archive contains builds for both Linux and Windows.

Available Commands

Using the Downloader

Linux

# Make executable
chmod +x hytale-downloader

# Download latest release
./hytale-downloader

# Extract files
unzip game.zip -d server/

Windows

# Download latest release
.\hytale-downloader.exe

# Extract the downloaded files

Authentication

The downloader requires OAuth2 authentication to access game files. Follow the prompts to authenticate with your Hytale account.

Method 2: Copy from Launcher (Quick Testing)

For quick testing, you can manually copy files from your Hytale launcher installation.

Launcher Installation Paths

Contents of the Directory

latest/
├── Client/         # Client files (not needed for server)
├── Server/         # Server files (copy this)
└── Assets.zip      # Game assets (required)

Copy to Server

1. Copy the Server folder to your server machine
2. Copy Assets.zip to the same location
3. You’re ready to run the server

Keeping Server Updated

Game updates require server updates. Players on newer versions cannot connect to older servers.

Using CLI for Updates

# Check current version
./hytale-downloader -print-version

# Download latest
./hytale-downloader

# Extract and replace server files
# Then restart server

Automation Script

#!/bin/bash
# Check for updates and download if available
./hytale-downloader -skip-update-check

# Stop server (adjust for your setup)
# screen -S hytale -X stuff "stop$(printf '\r')"

# Extract new files
unzip -o game.zip -d server/

# Start server
# screen -dmS hytale java -jar server/HytaleServer.jar --assets server/Assets.zip

After Download

Once you have the server files:

1. Install Java 25 if not already installed
2. Start the server with: java -jar HytaleServer.jar --assets Assets.zip
3. Authenticate using /auth login device
4. Configure ports and firewall