Running a multiplayer Hytale server means updates are unavoidable. Some updates are tiny fixes, others are required just so players can connect again on the same version. The goal is always the same: update safely without losing your world or turning a simple restart into a troubleshooting session. If you stick to one routine every time, updates stay boring and that is exactly what you want for a stable server.

This guide shows you how to update a Hytale server the right way, whether you are self-hosting or using Hytale server hosting on Pine. You will learn how to update safely, how to avoid losing your world, and what to check after the server comes back online. If you are also comparing Hytale hosting plans or looking for reliable Hytale game server hosting, this will help you understand what the update process looks like in each setup.

How To Update A Self Hosted Hytale Server

Step 1: Stop The Server Cleanly

In the server console, run:

  • /stop

Wait until the Java process fully exits before touching any files.

Step 2: Back Up Your Server Data

Your world and player data live in universe/, and your server settings are in files like config.json and permissions.json.

The simplest backup is to copy your whole server folder to a safe location and zip it. At minimum, back up:

  • universe/
  • config.json
  • permissions.json
  • whitelist.json (if you use it)
  • bans.json (if you use it)

Step 3: Get The Latest Server Files

Download Hytale Downloader CLI and follow the QUICKSTART.md inside it.
Enter the following commands to download the latest release or check the game version without downloading.

  • ./hytale-downloader downloads the latest release
  • ./hytale-downloader -print-version shows the game version without downloading

Step 4: Update Your Server Folder The Safe Way

Now apply the update to your server install.

  1. Take the newly downloaded Server/ folder and Assets.zip from the downloader output.
  2. Copy them into your server directory and overwrite the old Server/ and Assets.zip.
  3. Leave your config files untouched, especially:
    • universe/
    • config.json
    • permissions.json
    • whitelist.json

A quick sanity check is to confirm your server directory still contains:

  • universe/ (world and player data)
  • config.json
  • permissions.json
  • Server/
  • Assets.zip

Step 5: Start The Server

Start the server using the launch command:

java -XX:AOTCache=HytaleServer.aot -jar HytaleServer.jar --assets Assets.zip

Step 6: Authenticate If Needed

On first launch (or if authentication expires), use:

/auth login device

Follow the device link and code shown in your console.

How To Update A Hytale Server On Pine

With Pine’s Hytale hosting, the idea is simple: 1 click updates

  1. Go to Backups and click Create Backup (just in case of world corruption)
  2. Go back to Console and click Restart.

That’s it. The restart is the action that applies the update and brings the server back online.

Tip: Updates on Pine apply automatically on server restart. If the server didn't update, open the Startup tab and make sure Auto Updates is enabled.

Common Problems After Updating

Server Will Not Start

Restore your backup, confirm you used /stop before updating, then apply the update again carefully.

Players Cannot Join

Restart once more and confirm the server and clients are on the same version.

World Looks Missing

Restore the backup and double-check your install path if you are self-hosting. Pine Hosting lets you restore with 1 click so you don't have to worry about directories and file location.

Why Host Hytale With Pine

If you are comparing Hytale hosting plans, updates are one of the biggest quality of life differences between providers. With Pine’s Hytale server hosting, you can make a backup in one click, enable Auto Updates once, and then keep your server current with a restart. That workflow is ideal for anyone who wants low-maintenance Hytale game server hosting, especially if you are managing a community server and want updates and rollbacks to be fast and predictable.