Hytale Connection Error: "Failed to connect to server"
Overview
When trying to join a Hytale server, you may encounter a "Failed to connect to server" error. This can happen for several reasons, from server-side issues to network problems on your end.
This guide covers the most common causes and solutions for Hytale connection failures.
Quick Checklist
Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, check these common issues:
- Is the server running?
- Is the server authenticated?
- Are you using the correct IP address and port?
- Are you whitelisted (if the server uses a whitelist)?
- Is your game client up to date?
1. Check if the Server is Running
The most common reason players fail to connect is that the server isn't running.
If you're the server owner:
- Check your hosting panel to confirm the server is online
- Look at the server console for any error messages
- Try restarting the server
If you're a player:
- Contact the server owner to verify the server is online
- Check if other players can connect
2. Check Server Authentication
Hytale servers must be authenticated before players can connect. If the server shows authentication errors, players will be unable to join.
Common authentication error messages:
- "Server session token not available - cannot request auth grant"
- "Server authentication unavailable"
- "No server tokens configured"
Fix: See our Server Authentication Guide for detailed steps to authenticate your server.
3. Verify IP Address and Port
Make sure you're connecting to the correct server address.
Check the following:
- The IP address is correct (no typos)
- The port is correct (Hytale default is typically shown in your panel)
- You're using the format
IP:Portif a custom port is required
For self-hosted servers:
- Ensure port forwarding is configured correctly on your router
- The port must be forwarded to the machine running the server
- Both TCP and UDP may need to be forwarded
4. Check Firewall Settings
Firewalls can block Hytale connections.
Windows Firewall:
- Open Windows Defender Firewall
- Click "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall"
- Ensure Hytale (both client and server if applicable) is allowed
- Check both Private and Public network boxes
Hosting Provider Firewall:
- Check your hosting panel for firewall settings
- Ensure the Hytale server port is open
- Some providers require you to manually allow game ports
5. Check Whitelist Status
If the server uses a whitelist, you must be added before you can connect.
If you're the server owner:
- Run
/whitelist listto see whitelisted players - Run
/whitelist add <username>to add a player
If you're a player:
- Contact the server owner to request whitelist access
- Provide your exact Hytale username
6. Version Mismatch
If your Hytale client version doesn't match the server version, you may fail to connect.
Fix:
- Update your Hytale client to the latest version
- Server owners should keep their servers updated
- Check the server's required version if specified
7. Network Issues
Sometimes the problem is with your network connection.
Try these steps:
- Restart your router/modem
- Disable VPN if you're using one (some servers block VPN connections)
- Try connecting from a different network (mobile hotspot) to test
- Check if other online games work normally
ISP or routing issues:
- Some ISPs may have routing problems to certain server locations
- Try at different times of day
- Contact your ISP if the problem persists
8. Server is Full
If the server has reached its player limit, new connections will be rejected.
Fix:
- Wait for a slot to open
- Contact the server owner about increasing the player limit
9. Server is Restarting or Updating
Servers may be temporarily unavailable during:
- Scheduled restarts
- Updates
- Maintenance
Fix: Wait a few minutes and try again.
Still Can't Connect?
If you've tried everything above and still can't connect:
For server owners:
- Check your full server logs for specific error messages
- Ensure your hosting provider isn't experiencing issues
- Contact LOW.MS support with your server logs
For players:
- Contact the server owner with details about the error
- Try connecting to a different Hytale server to rule out client issues
- Reinstall Hytale if the problem persists across all servers
Summary
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Server not running | Start the server or contact owner |
| Authentication error | Run /auth login device and persist credentials |
| Wrong IP/Port | Verify the correct address |
| Firewall blocking | Allow Hytale through firewall |
| Not whitelisted | Request whitelist access |
| Version mismatch | Update client and/or server |
| Network issues | Restart router, disable VPN, try different network |
Want Hassle-Free Hosting?
With LOW.MS Hytale hosting:
- Servers are pre-configured and ready to join
- Authentication is handled automatically
- 24/7 uptime monitoring
- No port forwarding or firewall configuration needed
Order a Hytale server from LOW.MS and skip the connection troubleshooting entirely.