How to Install Mods on a Hytale Server

This guide shows you step by step how to install mods on your Hytale server. Unlike other games, Hytale makes this refreshingly simple: Hytale uses a server-side mod system. This means you install mods only on the server and your players don't need to download or install anything – they just connect and all content is automatically streamed from the server.

Note: More guides on performance optimization and troubleshooting can be found in the left navigation.

Where to find Hytale mods

The central hub for Hytale mods is CurseForge. Hypixel Studios has announced CurseForge as the official modding platform for Hytale. You'll find all available mods in one place there:

• Go to curseforge.com/hytale
• Browse the categories (Plugins, Data Assets, Art Assets, Maps)
• Sort by popularity or last updated
• Pay attention to the last update – outdated mods may be incompatible

Preparation: Create a backup

Before installing mods, you should always make a backup of your server. It only takes two minutes and saves you a lot of trouble if a mod turns out to be incompatible.

Step 1: Stop the server

Mods are loaded when the server starts. Stop your server via your server panel or with the /stop command in the console. Wait until the server has completely shut down.

Step 2: Download mod files

1. Select the desired mod on CurseForge
2. Click the download button and save the file to your computer
3. Mod files usually have the format .jar or .zip
4. Important: Do not extract the files – they go into the mods folder as they are

Step 3: Upload mods to the server

On your server there is a folder called mods/ in the main directory (where the HytaleServer.jar is located). Depending on your hosting setup, you can transfer files in two ways:

Method A: Via the web interface (easier)

• Open your server panel in the browser
• Navigate to the file manager
• Open the mods/ folder (create it if it doesn't exist)
• Click "Upload" and select the downloaded mod file

Method B: Via FTP (full control)

• Use an FTP client like FileZilla (free)
• Connect with your server's FTP credentials
• Navigate to the mods/ folder
• Drag and drop the mod files into the folder

Step 4: Check dependencies

Many mods require other mods as a foundation (libraries or API mods). The required dependencies are listed on the CurseForge page of the respective mod. Download all required dependencies as well and upload them to the mods/ folder. Missing dependencies are the most common reason why mods fail to load.

Step 5: Start the server and check

1. Start your server via the panel or command line
2. Watch the server console during startup – you'll see whether the mods are loaded successfully
3. Look for messages like "Loaded mod:" or similar confirmations
4. If the server doesn't start: Usually the last added mod is the cause. Remove it temporarily and restart

What players need to do

Nothing! That's the big advantage of Hytale: players don't need to install any mods. The mod content is automatically streamed from the server to the clients. When you update or change a mod on the server, all players automatically get the new version the next time they connect.

Common problems and solutions

Server won't start after mod installation: Check the server logs for error messages. It's usually due to missing dependencies or an incompatible mod version. Remove the last added mod and test again.

Mod doesn't appear in game: Make sure the files are in the correct folder (mods/) and the server was fully restarted. Changes only take effect after a restart.

Performance issues after mods: Some mods are resource-intensive. Disable unnecessary mods or reduce the view distance in the server settings.

Conflicts between mods: Two mods that modify the same game systems can be incompatible. Test mods individually before combining them.

Quick checklist

1. Server backup created
2. Server stopped
3. Mod files downloaded from CurseForge (.jar or .zip)
4. Dependencies checked and downloaded as well
5. Files uploaded unchanged to the mods/ folder
6. Server started and load messages checked in the console
7. Game connected and mod functionality tested