XraySkip the VPN Setup
Get a managed Hytale server with direct connectivity – no VPN needed.
Can’t connect to your friend’s Hytale world due to NAT or firewall issues? Tailscale is a free VPN solution that creates peer-to-peer connections between devices, bypassing most network restrictions.
What is Tailscale?
Tailscale is a mesh VPN built on WireGuard that allows devices to connect directly to each other, regardless of network configuration. Key benefits:
- Bypasses NAT: Works even with CGNAT and strict firewalls
- Peer-to-peer: Direct connections between devices (no traffic through central servers)
- Encrypted: All traffic uses WireGuard encryption
- Free: Personal use is free for up to 100 devices
- Easy setup: No complex configuration needed
How Tailscale Works with Hytale
Hytale automatically detects Tailscale addresses and includes them in share codes. When both players have Tailscale running:
- Tailscale addresses appear as high-priority connection candidates
- The Hytale client tries Tailscale addresses first
- Direct peer-to-peer connection is established through the Tailscale tunnel
Setting Up Tailscale
Step 1: Create Tailscale Account
- Visit tailscale.com
- Click “Get Started” or “Log In”
- Sign in with Google, Microsoft, GitHub, or email
Step 2: Install Tailscale (All Players)
Everyone who wants to play together needs Tailscale installed.
Windows
- Download from tailscale.com/download/windows
- Run the installer
- Click the Tailscale icon in the system tray
- Click “Log in” and sign in with your account
macOS
- Download from the Mac App Store or tailscale.com/download/mac
- Open Tailscale from Applications
- Click “Log in” and sign in
Linux
# Add repository and install
curl -fsSL https://tailscale.com/install.sh | sh
# Start and authenticate
sudo tailscale upStep 3: Connect Your Network
Once all players are logged in to Tailscale on the same account (or have shared their network), you’ll see each other in the Tailscale admin console.
- All use the same Tailscale account (simplest)
- Share your Tailscale network with their accounts (better for long-term)
Step 4: Generate New Share Code
In Hytale, with Tailscale running:
- Open your singleplayer world
- Go to Online Play settings
- Re-save your settings to generate a new share code
- The new code will include Tailscale addresses (100.x.x.x)
Step 5: Friends Join
Have your friends:
- Ensure Tailscale is connected
- Use the new share code to connect
- The connection should establish via Tailscale
Why Tailscale Works When UPnP Fails
| Problem | Why UPnP Fails | Why Tailscale Works |
|---|---|---|
| CGNAT | No public IP to forward to | Uses relay servers to establish direct connection |
| Strict NAT | Router blocks incoming connections | Uses NAT traversal techniques |
| Double NAT | UPnP only configures one router | Works regardless of NAT layers |
| Firewall | Blocks game ports | Uses encrypted tunnel on allowed ports |
Troubleshooting Tailscale
Tailscale Address Not in Share Code
- Ensure Tailscale is connected (check system tray icon)
- Re-save Online Play settings after connecting Tailscale
- Restart Hytale if needed
Connection Still Fails
- Verify both players have Tailscale connected
- Check that devices are on the same Tailscale network
- Try pinging your friend’s Tailscale IP:
ping 100.x.x.x
Alternative: Direct Server Connection
If you’re running a dedicated server, you can also connect via Tailscale IP directly:
100.x.x.x:5520Want Simpler Multiplayer?
A dedicated server eliminates all VPN complexity. Just share your server address and play.
