Server discovery is coming to Hytale
Server discovery is an in-game server list for community-run Hytale servers. It gives players one place to browse servers from inside the game instead of having to rely on third-party lists, Discord posts, or word of mouth.
Community servers are where many players will find long-running worlds, minigames, roleplay spaces, creative communities, and places that feel different from anything we could build ourselves. Server discovery is one of the ways we want to make those communities easier to find.
What players will see
When server discovery launches in-game with Update 5, players will be able to browse community servers directly from Hytale. The browser is built around simple information first: what the server is called, how it describes itself, what kind of experience it offers, which regions it serves, and which audience it is intended for.
Players will be able to search by server name or description, filter by server type, audience, and region, then open a server profile to learn more before joining. The goal for V1 is not to replace every community site or every server showcase overnight. Rather, we aim to put the basic discovery loop inside the game, where players are already looking for something to play.
This is the first version
This first version is deliberately light. It gives us the foundation we need: clear listings, useful tags, region and audience info, domain verification, moderation, and compatibility checks so players only see servers they can actually join.
That foundation matters because server discovery is not meant to stop at a simple list. Over time, we want Hytale to become a better one-stop place to explore community-made experiences that would otherwise be scattered across third-party sites and social channels. Richer listings, better browsing tools, deeper customization, and more ways for great communities to be found are all directions we want to build toward after the basics are solid.
V1 is the first light of that work, not the final shape.
Server operators can prepare now
Today, we are opening the listing tools so server operators can create, edit, verify, and submit their server profiles ahead of the in-game browser going live. Server discovery itself is not live in game yet, but it will launch with Update 5.
We are shipping the operator side first because listings need time to be written, reviewed, polished, and verified before players start browsing. The goal is simple: when in-game discovery goes live, players should already have a clean directory of community servers ready to explore.
Getting started as a server operator
- Sign in to the Account Manager and open the Server Profiles page.
- Click Create server.
- Fill in your server's details and submit.
- Describe your server with a name and description that tell players what makes your community worth joining.
- Pick a server type so players can find the experience they want: Survival, Adventure/RPG, Creative, PvP, Minigames, Roleplay, Social, Sandbox, or Other.
- Set an audience tag: Everyone, Teen, or Mature, so players land somewhere that is right for them.
- Pick the regions you serve from ten options across NA, South America, EU, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania.
- Verify your domain via a TXT record so players know the listing is genuinely yours.
- Wait for moderation. The status on your listing card will update as it moves through review.
- Each listing enters a moderation queue. A moderator confirms the details are accurate and, once accepted, your listing will appear in the in-game browser as soon as discovery goes live.
- Once accepted, configure your server to send heartbeats using the discovery token shown on your listing card. If your server stops sending heartbeats for more than two minutes, it is hidden from listings until it comes back online.
Heads up: Discovery token generation will be released with the server listing feature in the pre-release. This will be a simple command you run in either the console or chat as an OP to complete the link. This token is used for sending information like server version/patchline and a general availability check.
That's it. Get your listing in the queue today, and you'll be ready to greet players the moment in-game discovery goes live.
A few notes for the initial version
We wanted to ship something simple and stable, so the initial version has a few deliberate boundaries:
- Listings are name, description, and tags. No custom icons, banners, or rich media yet; those are things we want to build on after the basics are solid.
- No live player count or ratings yet. These are things we want to explore next. We want to get the foundation right first so servers cannot spoof or manipulate these data points.
FAQ
When does the in-game server browser launch?
The in-game server browser will ship alongside update 5, it will also be accessable for viewing during the upcoming update 5 pre release.
How long does moderation take?
Submissions are reviewed in the order they arrive. Most listings should clear the queue quickly, but during the initial launch wave the queue may be longer than usual. The status on your listing card updates as it moves through review.
What does each status mean?
- Under review: submitted, waiting for a moderator
- Accepted: approved and ready to appear once discovery launches
- Denied: review failed; check the reason, update, and resubmit
- Pending verification: domain TXT record check is still in progress
- Paused: you've temporarily hidden the listing
Can I list more than one server?
One listing per game profile. If you would like multiple servers listed you'll need to add them each under their own game profile.
What if my server goes offline?
Your server pings the discovery service every two minutes using its discovery token. If we don't hear from it for more than two minutes, it's quietly hidden from listings until it's back. No action needed on your end, just keep your server running.
Why should I verify my domain?
Domain verification proves you control the host you've listed. It protects players from impersonators and gives your listing extra credibility. You verify by adding a TXT record we provide; once we see it, your listing moves out of "Pending verification."
What happens if I never verify my domain?
Listings stuck in "Pending verification" for more than 30 days are removed. If you'd rather list by IP or skip verification for a small personal server, that's fine; you just won't have the verification signal on your listing.
Can I edit a listing after it's accepted?
Yes. Most fields can be edited in place. Significant changes (like changing the host) may re-trigger review.
What's the discovery token, and when should I regenerate it?
Your discovery token is the secret your server uses to authenticate its heartbeat with the discovery service. This token is also used for sending information like server version/patchline so we can make sure that players see servers they can actually join.
My listing was denied: what now?
Review the reason in your listing card alongside the Server Operator Policies. Update the listing and resubmit; most denials come down to small policy mismatches that are easy to fix.
Will players see live player counts?
Live player count, and richer media are coming up next after the basics are solid. We are working on guard rails that will avoid player count tampering by servers and enable them to better advertise and showcase their brand identity to players.
How are listings sorted in the browser?
We will allow users to sort by featured (a curated highlight list moderated by the Hytale Team), overall likes and personal favorites.
Is there a public API I can build against?
The discovery API exists, but it isn't a public integration target in the initial version. If you have a use case, get in touch. It'll help us prioritize what a public API should look like.
Where do I share feedback or report a problem with a listing?
You can report bugs here and leave feedback here. We'll be paying close attention to feedback during the launch window: what works, what doesn't, and what you'd want next.
