Downloading Hytale Server Files with the Hytale Downloader CLI
How to use the Hytale Downloader CLI to authenticate and download or update your server files.
Downloading Hytale Server Files with the Hytale Downloader CLI
Hytale distributes server files through a dedicated tool called the Hytale Downloader CLI rather than through SteamCMD or a public file host. This tool handles authentication and versioned downloads.
Why the Downloader CLI?
The Downloader CLI ties server downloads to a verified Hytale account. This is required because of Hytale's session limit system — the platform needs to know which accounts are running servers. Authentication uses OAuth2 Device Code Flow, so no password is ever typed into the terminal.
Installing the Downloader CLI
Download the CLI binary from the Hytale Developer Portal. Choose the build for your operating system.
# Make it executable (Linux/macOS)
chmod +x hytale-downloader
# Verify it runs
./hytale-downloader --version
Authenticating with Your Hytale Account
Run the auth command:
./hytale-downloader auth
The CLI will print output similar to:
Open the following URL in your browser:
https://auth.hytale.com/activate
Enter code: ABCD-1234
Waiting for authentication...
Open the URL on any device, enter the code, and log in with your Hytale account. Once confirmed, the CLI stores an OAuth2 token locally.
Session Expiry
OAuth2 sessions expire after 1 hour of inactivity. While your server is actively running, the session auto-refreshes. If the server has been stopped for an extended period, you may need to re-authenticate before running another download command.
./hytale-downloader auth --refresh
Downloading Server Files
After authentication, download the server to a target directory:
./hytale-downloader download --type server --output /opt/hytale-server
Selecting a Specific Version
To pin a specific server version:
./hytale-downloader download --type server --version 1.0.3 --output /opt/hytale-server
To list available versions:
./hytale-downloader versions --type server
Updating an Existing Installation
To update, stop your server first, then re-run the download command pointing at your existing server directory. The CLI will replace changed files and leave your configuration and universe/ data intact.
# Stop the server first
sudo systemctl stop hytale
# Re-download over the existing directory
./hytale-downloader download --type server --output /opt/hytale-server
# Restart
sudo systemctl start hytale
See Updating Your Hytale Dedicated Server for the complete update workflow including backup steps.
Troubleshooting Auth Errors
"Token expired" during download: Run ./hytale-downloader auth --refresh and retry.
"Account not authorized for server downloads": Your account needs a valid Hytale license. Check the Developer Portal for required entitlements.
Firewall blocking auth: The CLI requires outbound HTTPS (port 443) to auth.hytale.com and download.hytale.com. Make sure your server can reach these hosts.