How do I optimize my Hytale server settings?

Learn how to optimize your Hytale server settings for better performance, including render distance and other configuration options.

Optimizing your Hytale server settings can significantly improve performance, reduce lag, and allow you to support more players without upgrading your server plan.

Before optimizing

Always backup first

Before making any changes, create a backup of your server. This allows you to restore your settings if something goes wrong.

Accessing server settings

1. Log in to the game panel
2. Select your Hytale server
3. Navigate to the Startup or Settings tab
4. Look for configuration files or server settings

Early Access Note

Since Hytale is in early access, the exact location and names of settings may vary. Settings might be in configuration files accessible via SFTP or in the panel's settings interface.

Key performance settings to optimize

Render Distance

What it does: Controls how far players can see in the game world.

Impact: Higher render distance uses more RAM and CPU, especially with many players.

Recommendations:

• 4GB plan: 8-12 chunks (or default if lower)
• 6GB plan: 12-16 chunks
• 8GB plan: 16-20 chunks
• 10GB plan: 20-24 chunks (or higher if desired)

How to adjust:

1. Look for render-distance or similar setting in your server configuration
2. Lower values = better performance, higher values = better visuals
3. Start with a lower value and increase gradually if performance allows

Finding the right balance

Reducing render distance from 24 to 16 can significantly improve performance with minimal visual impact for most players.

View Distance (if separate from render distance)

Similar to render distance but may control different aspects. Follow the same guidelines as render distance.

Entity/Entity Count Limits

What it does: Limits the number of entities (mobs, items, etc.) in loaded chunks.

Impact: Too many entities can cause significant lag.

Recommendations:

• Set reasonable entity limits based on your player count
• Lower values help performance, especially on smaller plans

Simulation Distance

What it does: Controls how far from players the server simulates (tick updates) game logic.

Impact: Lower simulation distance reduces CPU usage.

Recommendations:

• Start with default values
• Reduce if experiencing CPU-related lag
• Balance between performance and gameplay experience

Chunk Loading Settings

What it does: Controls how chunks are loaded and kept in memory.

Impact: Aggressive chunk loading can consume lots of RAM.

Recommendations:

• Use default or conservative settings for smaller plans
• Only adjust if you understand the impact

Network Compression

What it does: Compresses network traffic to reduce bandwidth usage.

Impact: Can reduce bandwidth but uses a small amount of CPU.

Recommendations:

• Generally recommended to keep enabled
• Helps with players on slower connections

Performance optimization tips

1. Monitor your server resources

Regularly check the Console tab in your panel to monitor:

• RAM usage: Should stay well below your plan's limit
• CPU usage: Should not be constantly at 100%
• Player count: Compare to your plan's recommendations

Resource monitoring

If RAM or CPU is consistently high, consider optimizing settings further or upgrading your plan.

2. Adjust settings based on player count

Few players (5-10):

• Can use higher render distance
• More entities allowed
• More aggressive settings possible

Many players (20+):

• Lower render distance recommended
• Stricter entity limits
• More conservative settings needed

3. Optimize mod usage

If you're using mods:

• Remove unnecessary mods that consume resources
• Check for mod conflicts that might cause performance issues
• Update mods to latest versions (often includes performance fixes)
• Test mods individually to identify resource-heavy mods

4. World optimization

• Remove unused chunks or areas (if Hytale supports this in early access)
• Limit world size if not needed for your gameplay
• Regular server restarts to clear memory

5. Player-side optimizations

Encourage players to:

• Reduce their client render distance if server lag occurs
• Close unnecessary applications while playing
• Use appropriate hardware for their client settings

Step-by-step optimization process

1. Check current performance

   • Monitor CPU/RAM usage in the Console tab
   • Note any lag reports from players
   • Identify peak player times

2. Start with render distance

   • Reduce render distance by 4-8 chunks
   • Test performance with your usual player count
   • Monitor for improvements

3. Adjust entity limits (if available)

   • Set reasonable limits based on player count
   • Test and monitor

4. Fine-tune other settings

   • Adjust simulation distance if needed
   • Optimize chunk loading settings

5. Test thoroughly

   • Test with typical player count
   • Monitor during peak times
   • Gather player feedback

6. Iterate

   • If performance improves, consider slightly increasing settings
   • If still laggy, try more aggressive optimization or consider upgrading

Configuration file locations

If settings are in configuration files (accessible via SFTP):

1. Connect via SFTP
2. Navigate to your server's configuration directory
3. Edit configuration files (always backup first!)
4. Save changes and restart your server

Edit carefully

Incorrect configuration file edits can prevent your server from starting. Always create a backup first and test changes carefully.

When optimization isn't enough

If optimizing settings doesn't resolve performance issues, consider:

1. Upgrading your server plan: See our guide on upgrading your Hytale server
2. Reducing player count: Stay within your plan's recommended limits
3. Removing resource-intensive mods: Some mods simply require more resources
4. Contacting support: Our team can help identify specific issues

Best practices

• Test changes gradually: Don't change multiple settings at once
• Monitor after changes: Give changes time to take effect and monitor results
• Keep backups: Always have a backup before making changes
• Document changes: Note what you changed so you can revert if needed
• Regular optimization: Revisit settings as your player count grows
• Stay updated: Keep Hytale and mods updated for performance improvements

Need help?

• Discord: Join our Discord for optimization tips
• Support Ticket: Create a ticket for specific configuration questions
• Documentation: Check Hytale's official documentation for the latest settings and recommendations

Early Access Changes

Since Hytale is in early access, settings and optimization methods may change as the game develops. Check back regularly for updates to optimization strategies.