Many players face Hytale multiplayer problems when trying to join friends, connect to servers, or host their own worlds. These issues can be caused by network settings, firewall restrictions, incorrect configurations, or game-side problems. This guide explains the reasons and fixes so you can get multiplayer working again.

Is Hytale multiplayer not working? 10 ways to fix

If Hytale multiplayer is not working, try these in order:

1. Restart router
2. Update Hytale
3. Allow Hytale in Firewall
4. Enable UPnP
5. Forward port 5520 UDP
6. Check Hytale mods folder location
7. Sync system time
8. Disable VPN
9. Restart game
10. Reinstall game if needed

Here is a more detailed look.

1. Check your Internet connection first

One of the most common causes of Hytale multiplayer not working is an unstable internet connection.

Even if your internet seems fine, packet loss or high ping can prevent proper server communication.

• Restart your router and modem
• Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi
• Close downloads, streaming apps, or anything using bandwidth
• Run a speed test and make sure your ping is stable

A simple router restart fixes many connection problems because it refreshes your network routing.

2. Make sure Hytale is updated

Running an outdated version can prevent you from joining servers or friends.

If your version does not match the server version, the connection will fail.

• Open the Hytale Launcher
• Check for updates
• Install the latest version
• Restart the game

Both players must use the same version.

3. Firewall blocking Hytale

Windows Defender Firewall and antivirus programs often block multiplayer games.

If Hytale is blocked, it cannot connect to servers.

Fix in Windows Defender Firewall

1. Open Control Panel
2. Click Windows Defender Firewall
3. Select Allow an app through firewall
4. Click Change Settings
5. Find and enable:
   • Hytale
   • Java (if used)
6. Check both:
   • Private
   • Public
7. Click Save

Also check antivirus software like Avast, Norton, or Bitdefender.

4. NAT Type and port forwarding problems

If you are hosting a world and friends cannot join, your ports may be closed.

Hytale needs specific ports open to allow incoming connections.

Enable UPnP (Recommended)

UPnP automatically opens ports.

Steps:

• Log into your router
• Find UPnP settings
• Enable UPnP
• Restart router

This is the easiest fix.

Manual port forwarding

If UPnP does not work, manually forward the Hytale port.

Default port used:

Port: 5520 (UDP)

Steps:

1. Log into router admin panel
2. Find Port Forwarding
3. Add new rule
4. Enter:
   • Port: 5520
   • Protocol: UDP
   • Device IP: your computer local IP
5. Save

Restart router after.

5. CGNAT and Double NAT Issues

Some ISPs use Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT).

This prevents direct connections.

Signs include:

• Port forwarding does not work
• Friends cannot join your server

You can:

• Use VPN
• Host on dedicated server

6. Check Hytale mods location

In Hytale, multiplayer mods run on the server, not your local client. If the server does not have the mod, players may fail to join, get connection errors, or the server may crash during startup. You must place mods inside the server’s mods directory, not the UserData folder.

• C:\HytaleServer\mods\

6. Incorrect system time and date

Authentication servers require correct system time.

Wrong time causes connection errors. On Windows:

• Go to Settings
• Click Time and Language
• Enable:
  • Set time automatically
• Click Sync now

Restart game after.

7. Network adapter compatibility issues

Some network adapters cause problems with modern multiplayer protocols. Open:

• Device Manager → Network Adapter → Properties

Disable:

• Energy Efficient Ethernet
• Flow Control
• Priority & VLAN
• Receive Segment Coalescing

Restart PC after.

8. Server is down or full

Sometimes the issue is not your fault. The Hytale server may be offline. 

• Try joining another server
• Wait and retry

Check out our guide to fix the Hytale failed to connect to server error.

9. Friend invite or share code not working

Hytale uses friend invites and share codes. If invite fails:

• Generate new share code
• Restart game
• Both players update game
• Host world again

Invite system bugs sometimes fix after restart.

10. Corrupted game files

Broken game files can cause multiplayer failure. You can reinstall Hytale:

• Uninstall Hytale
• Restart PC
• Install again

This fixes corrupted files.

11. VPN problems

VPN can block multiplayer connections.

• Disable VPN
• Restart game
• Try again

Only use VPN if fixing CGNAT.

12. Router firewall restrictions

Some routers block gaming traffic.

• Login to router:
• Disable:
  • SPI Firewall
  • Strict NAT filtering
• Enable:
  • UPnP
  • Save settings.

Best solution: Use a dedicated server

If Hytale multiplayer is not working when hosting locally, dedicated servers are the most reliable option.