What to Know
- Hytale has fully integrated multiplayer support, including cooperative play and large-scale community servers.
- As of the Early Access launch on January 13, 2026, multiplayer is available exclusively on PC (Windows).
- The game supports two main types of play: private peer-to-peer worlds for friends and dedicated community servers.
Multiplayer is a core pillar of the Hytale experience. Whether you want to survive the world of Orbis with a few friends or join a massive community for minigames, the game provides built-in tools to make connecting easy.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Server Types | Private servers (friends, custom mods) and public servers (communities, minigames, roleplay) |
| Player Limits | Not finalized yet; expected to be adjusted in post‑launch patches |
| Co‑op Focus | Shared bases, dungeon runs, and cooperative resource gathering |
| Communication | Text chat available; proximity voice planned for later; Discord commonly used early on |
| Early Access Content | Exploration and Creative modes at launch; Adventure mode and minigames planned later |
Cooperative Play (Small Groups)
You can play through the entire exploration mode with friends without needing to set up a dedicated server.
- Join via Code: Hytale uses a "Share Code" system. The host can generate a code from the pause menu, which friends can enter to join the world directly.
- Steam Presence: While Hytale is currently not on Steam, it features its own robust friends list that allows you to see what servers or worlds your friends are currently playing in.
Community and Dedicated Servers
For larger groups or permanent worlds, Hytale supports dedicated servers.
- Always Online: Unlike private worlds, dedicated servers remain online even when the owner is logged off.
- Server Browser: There is an in-game browser to find public servers for various activities like Skyblock, BedWars, and RPG roleplay.
- Official Partners: Hypixel Studios has partnered with hosting providers like Nitrado and Apex Hosting to offer "Day 1" server rentals for players who want to host their own communities.
Platform and Cross-Play Status
The multiplayer landscape is currently limited by the game's engine transition:
- PC Only: Early Access is strictly for PC. Mac and Linux support are currently being evaluated but were not available on launch day.
- No Consoles/Mobile: Plans for console (PS5, Xbox) and mobile versions were shelved during the transition back to the "Legacy Engine." These versions are expected to arrive only after the game leaves Early Access, likely several years away.
Key Multiplayer Mechanics
- Server-Side Modding: All mods and custom content are server-sided. This means when you join a modded server, the game automatically downloads the necessary assets (models, sounds, etc.) so you don't have to install them manually.
- PvP and Safety: PvP is optional and can be toggled by server owners. Many servers also feature "Claim Protection" to prevent other players from destroying your buildings.
Hytale's multiplayer is designed to be seamless, offering both intimate co-op sessions and massive community experiences. While currently restricted to PC, the built-in sharing tools and server-side modding make it one of the most accessible multiplayer sandboxes available.
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