# How to Connect to Your Hytale Server (/docs/hytale/join-server)



import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

Direct Connect [#direct-connect]

Enter `IP:5520` in the game's direct connect option (e.g., `play.example.com:5520`).

Server Browser [#server-browser]

If no password is set, the server appears in the public browser.

Port [#port]

| Port     | Protocol | Purpose              |
| -------- | -------- | -------------------- |
| **5520** | **UDP**  | Game (QUIC protocol) |

> ⚠️ **UDP only** — Hytale uses QUIC, not TCP. Forward **UDP** port 5520.

Whitelist [#whitelist]

If whitelist is enabled, only whitelisted players (plus OPs) can connect. See [Whitelist Setup](/docs/hytale/whitelist-setup).

Authentication Required [#authentication-required]

The server must be authenticated with Hytale services before players can connect. See [Server Configuration](/docs/hytale/server-config) for auth setup.

Troubleshooting [#troubleshooting]

| Issue                  | Fix                                                                  |
| ---------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Can't connect          | Forward **UDP** 5520 (not TCP)                                       |
| Auth failed            | Server needs device authentication — see config guide                |
| QUIC issues on Windows | Some NIC drivers have QUIC problems — try `--transport TCP` fallback |

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Server Configuration](/docs/hytale/server-config)
* [Whitelist Setup](/docs/hytale/whitelist-setup)