How to Install Hytale Mods

After years of waiting, Hytale is finally here, and modders are already hard at work. Within days of the January 2026 early access launch, over 200 mods have already appeared on CurseForge, and the library grows daily. If you're ready to move beyond vanilla, now's a great time to dive in.

If you're coming from Minecraft modding, here's a welcome change: Hytale uses a server-side system where players don't need to download mod files to join. The server handles everything automatically. No more making sure everyone has the same mod versions installed.

Whether you're running a dedicated server or playing singleplayer, adding mods takes just a few steps. This guide covers both methods: installing mods on a Hytale server (using a control panel or manual SFTP) and enabling mods for singleplayer saves. We'll also walk through finding mods on CurseForge, the official distribution platform, and share some best practices to keep things running smoothly.

Don't have a server yet? Host Havoc's Hytale server hosting gets you up and running in minutes.

Since Hytale is still in early access, the modding ecosystem is growing rapidly. Some rough edges exist, but the foundation is solid and improving with every update.

Understanding Hytale's Server-Side Modding System

Here's what makes Hytale modding different from games like Minecraft: when someone joins your modded server, they don't download mod files to their computer. Instead, the server streams all mod content directly to players as they connect. Change a mod on the server, and everyone gets the update automatically next time they join.

This server-side approach eliminates the classic "make sure everyone has the same mods installed" headache. You manage mods in one place, and players just... play.

Hytale mods come in four main types:

• Server plugins: Add new gameplay mechanics, commands, or server-side logic
• Data assets: Modify game data like item stats, crafting recipes, or spawn rates
• Art assets: Custom models, textures, and visual content created in tools like Blockbench
• Save files: Pre-built worlds and adventure maps

Where to Find Hytale Mods

On January 5, 2026, Hypixel Studios announced CurseForge as the official modding platform for Hytale. This gives the community a central, trusted place to share and discover mods.

Head to curseforge.com/hytale to browse what's available.

Finding the right mods is straightforward once you know your way around:

1. Browse by category: Filter by mod type (plugins, data assets, art assets, maps) to narrow down what you're looking for
2. Search by keyword: Looking for something specific? The search bar finds mods by name or description
3. Sort by popularity or date: See what's trending or check the newest uploads
4. Read the descriptions: This is important. Good mod pages list requirements, known issues, and compatibility notes

Before downloading, check that the mod supports your current Hytale version. Early access updates can break compatibility, so mod authors usually note which versions they've tested against. If a mod hasn't been updated in a while, it might not work with the latest build.

The mod library is growing as early access progresses. New creators are uploading content regularly, so check back often if you don't find exactly what you want today.

Once you've found the mods you want, installing them takes just a few steps.

Installing Mods on Your Hytale Server

Server mod installation works one of two ways depending on your hosting setup. Before adding any mods, back up your server. It takes two minutes and saves hours of headache if something goes wrong.

If you're starting from scratch, check out our guide on how to set up a Hytale server first.

Method 1: Using Host Havoc Control Panel

Host Havoc's control panel offers the simplest path to a modded server—no technical knowledge required.

1. Log into your Host Havoc control panel
2. Navigate to the mod management section
3. Browse available mods
4. Install the mods you want active
5. Restart your server to apply changes

That's it. The control panel handles file placement and configuration automatically. You'll see your mods listed as active once the server finishes restarting.

This method works great for server owners who want modded gameplay without diving into file systems. Everything happens through a visual interface, and you can enable or disable mods with a click.

Method 2: Manual Installation via FTP

For servers hosted elsewhere, or if you prefer hands-on control, manual FTP installation works with any Hytale server.

You'll need an FTP client (FileZilla is free and works well) and your server's connection credentials. Your host provides these in your account dashboard.

To install Hytale mods manually:

1. Download mod files from CurseForge to your computer
2. Open your FTP client and connect to your server using the provided credentials
3. Navigate to the /mods folder in your server directory (create it if it doesn't exist)
4. Upload your mod files—plugins use .jar format, assets vary by type
5. Disconnect from FTP
6. Restart your server through your host's control panel or via command line
7. Check your server console or logs to verify mods loaded correctly

If your server won't start after adding mods, check the logs for error messages. Usually the culprit is the most recently added mod—try removing it and restarting. Mod conflicts and version mismatches are the most common issues.

If you're playing singleplayer rather than running a dedicated server, the process is even simpler.

Installing Mods in Singleplayer

Good news: singleplayer Hytale supports the same mods as dedicated servers. Under the hood, singleplayer runs on a local server instance, so anything that works on a dedicated server works in your solo world too.

Hytale includes a built-in mod selection menu that makes enabling mods painless:

1. Launch Hytale
2. Create a new save or load an existing one
3. Open the mod selection menu from the save options
4. Browse your available mods (from your local mods folder or the in-game browser)
5. Enable the mods you want for this particular save
6. Start the game with your mods active

One nice feature: different saves can run different mod configurations. Want one world vanilla and another heavily modded? No problem. Each save remembers which mods were active.

Whether modding a server or singleplayer, these best practices help avoid common issues.

Best Practices and Troubleshooting

A few habits make modded Hytale much smoother:

• Always backup first - Before adding new mods, save a copy of your world. Takes two minutes, prevents disasters.
• Read mod descriptions carefully - Dependencies, compatibility notes, known issues—it's all there if you look.
• Add mods one at a time - When something breaks, you'll know exactly what caused it.
• Check server logs - If mods don't load, the logs usually explain why.
• Keep mods updated - Early access means frequent game updates. Mod authors patch compatibility issues regularly.
• Monitor performance - Some mods are resource-intensive. If your server starts lagging, try disabling recent additions.

Common Issues

Server won't start after adding mods. Check your server logs for error messages. The most likely causes: mod incompatibility with your Hytale version, missing dependencies, or conflicts between mods. Remove the most recent mod and try again.

Mods not appearing in-game. Verify files are in the correct folder (/mods in your server directory). Check file permissions if you're on Linux. Make sure the server actually restarted. Changes don't apply until restart.

Performance problems after adding mods. Some mods demand significant resources. Try reducing view distance in your server settings, or remove mods you're not actively using. If one specific mod tanks performance, check its page for optimization tips.

Conflicts between mods. Two mods changing the same game systems can clash. Check mod documentation for known incompatibilities. When in doubt, test mods individually before combining them.

Early access means the modding tools are still evolving. Expect occasional bugs and breaking changes after major updates. The Hytale team is actively improving documentation and mod support with each patch.

Ready To Start Modding?

Installing Hytale mods is straightforward whether you're running a dedicated server or playing solo. The server-side system means no more coordinating downloads with friends, update mods on the server, and everyone gets the changes automatically.

CurseForge provides a growing library of community content, and installation takes just a few clicks through a control panel or a quick FTP upload. As early access continues, expect the mod ecosystem to expand rapidly.

For the easiest path to a modded Hytale server, Host Havoc's Hytale hosting handles the technical details, so you can focus on gameplay instead of file management.