Hytale Modding Guide: Install & Create Mods

Hytale Modding Overview

Hytale was built from the ground up with modding in mind. Unlike Minecraft, where modding relies on third-party tools and Java knowledge, Hytale provides official modding support through integrated tools and a standardized mod format.

Installing Mods on Your Server

Step 1: Find Mods

Hytale mods are distributed through:

• Hytale Hub — the official mod repository
• Community sites — forums and Discord servers
• Direct downloads — from mod authors

Download mods as .hmod files (Hytale's mod format).

Step 2: Upload to Your Server

On HostedGG:

1. Open your server's File Manager in the control panel
2. Navigate to the mods/ directory
3. Upload the .hmod file(s)
4. Restart the server

Step 3: Verify Mods Are Loaded

After restart, check the server console for:

[ModLoader] Loading mod: ModName v1.0
[ModLoader] ModName loaded successfully

If a mod fails to load, the console shows the error. Common issues:

• Version mismatch: Mod built for a different Hytale version
• Missing dependency: Mod requires another mod to be installed first
• Conflicting mods: Two mods modify the same game system

Automatic Client Download

When a player joins your server, compatible mods are automatically downloaded to their client. Players don't need to manually install server mods — they sync on connect.

Note: Some mods are server-side only (gameplay tweaks, admin tools) and don't require client downloads.

Hytale Model Maker

Hytale Model Maker is the official free tool for creating custom content:

What You Can Create

• 3D Models: Characters, creatures, items, blocks, furniture
• Animations: Walk cycles, attack animations, custom emotes
• Textures: Custom skins and block textures
• Particles: Visual effects for spells, weather, ambiance

Getting Started with Model Maker

1. Download Hytale Model Maker from the official site
2. Choose a template (character, block, item, creature)
3. Use the voxel editor to build your model
4. Add animations using the timeline tool
5. Export as .hmod for use on servers

Model Maker Tips

• Start with templates: Modify existing models before creating from scratch
• Keep poly count reasonable: Complex models affect server performance with many players
• Test locally first: Use a local server to test before uploading to production
• Follow naming conventions: Use descriptive names like custom_sword_fire.hmod

Mod Types

Gameplay Mods

Modify game rules, crafting recipes, enemy behavior, or progression:

• Custom difficulty settings
• New crafting recipes
• Modified resource drop rates
• Enemy AI changes

Content Mods

Add new items, blocks, creatures, or biomes:

• New weapon types
• Custom building blocks
• Additional creatures
• New biomes and terrain features

Quality of Life Mods

Improve the game experience without changing core gameplay:

• Minimap
• Inventory sorting
• Waypoint systems
• Chat improvements

Admin/Server Mods

Server management tools:

• Advanced permission systems
• Economy plugins
• Anti-grief protection
• Player statistics tracking

Managing Mods on a Dedicated Server

Mod Load Order

Some mods need to load in a specific order. Configure this in mod_config.json:

{
  "mods": [
    "core_library.hmod",
    "custom_weapons.hmod",
    "custom_creatures.hmod"
  ]
}

Libraries and dependencies should load first, then mods that depend on them.

Updating Mods

When a mod updates:

1. Download the new version
2. Replace the old .hmod file in the mods/ directory
3. Restart the server
4. Players automatically get the updated mod on next connect

Removing Mods

To remove a mod:

1. Back up your world first (some mods add blocks/items that may cause issues if removed)
2. Delete the .hmod file from mods/
3. Restart the server

Warning: Removing a mod that added custom blocks may cause those blocks to disappear from your world.

Performance Considerations

Server RAM

Mods increase server RAM usage:

Tick Rate

Heavy gameplay mods (custom AI, complex crafting systems) can reduce server tick rate. Monitor your server's performance in the console. If TPS drops below 20, consider:

• Reducing mod count
• Upgrading your server plan
• Disabling the most performance-heavy mods

Creating Your First Mod

Simple Example: Custom Sword

1. Open Hytale Model Maker
2. Select Item → Weapon template
3. Modify the voxel model
4. Set properties:
   • Damage: 15
   • Attack speed: 1.2
   • Durability: 200
5. Add a custom texture
6. Export as my_custom_sword.hmod
7. Upload to your server's mods/ directory
8. Restart and test

Learning Resources

• Official documentation: Hytale's modding docs (available in-game and online)
• Hytale Hub forums: Community tutorials and examples
• Discord communities: Real-time help from experienced modders