> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # How to Install Mods on Your Hytale Server > How to install mods on a Hytale server: stop it, upload the mod's .zip or .jar to the mods folder and start it. Early plugins need Load early plugins on. To install a mod on your FREAKHOSTING Hytale server, stop the server, open **Files** in the Game Panel, go to the `mods` folder and upload the mod file (`.zip` or `.jar`). Then start the server. Plugins that load before the game starts, called early plugins, also need **Load early plugins** switched on in **Game settings**. Make a backup before you add mods. | Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel pages | | - | - | - | - | | Beginner | 5 minutes per mod | Every FREAKHOSTING Hytale server | **Files**, **Game settings** | ## Before you start * Your server must have started once, so it has its `mods` folder. If it never has, see [getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/hytale/getting-started-with-your-hytale-server.md). * Download the mod from its author's page. Check that it supports your server's Hytale version. * Make a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md). ## How to install a Hytale mod **1. Stop the server** [Stop the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). **2. Open the mods folder** Click **Files** and open the `mods` folder in the server's main folder. If it isn't there, click **New folder** and create `mods`. **3. Upload the mod** Click **Upload** and choose the mod's `.zip` or `.jar` file. Upload the file as it is; don't unpack it. **4. Start the server** Start the server and watch the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) for errors while it loads. Use **Logs** to search the log later. For many mods at once, [SFTP](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-connect-via-sftp.md) is faster. ## What are early plugins? Early plugins load before the game itself starts. Hytale treats them as unsupported and possibly unstable, so the server only loads them when you accept that. **1. Open Game settings** Click **Game settings** and open **Start-up and backups**. **2. Switch on Load early plugins** Turn on **Load early plugins**. It is the same setting as **Accept Early Plugins** on the **Startup** page. **3. Save and restart** Click **Review and save**, then **Save changes**, and restart. Startup settings apply when the server starts. Only switch it on if a mod's author says it needs early plugins. ## Which plugins does Hytale recommend for servers? The official Hytale Server Manual lists these plugins from Nitrado and Apex Hosting: | Plugin | What it does | | - | - | | WebServer | A base for web APIs that other plugins use | | Query | Shows server status and player counts over HTTP | | PerformanceSaver | Limits view distance dynamically to save resources | | PrometheusExporter | Exports server and JVM metrics | Plugins that open their own web port, such as WebServer, need an extra port. [Open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) and ask for an extra port. ## How to remove a mod Stop the server, delete the mod file from `mods` in **Files** and start the server again. A deleted file goes to the **Trash**, so you can get it back. ## Frequently asked questions ### Why doesn't my Hytale mod load? Check the console and **Logs** for errors. The most common causes are a mod built for another Hytale version, a missing mod it depends on, or an early plugin without **Load early plugins** on. ### Do players need to install the mods too? It depends on the mod. Check the mod's page. ### Can a mod break my world? Yes, a faulty mod can damage saves. Always back up first, and test new mods one at a time. ### My plugin says its web server is listening on a port. Can people reach it? Only if that port belongs to your server. Your server has one port for the game. [Open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php), ask for an extra port, and set the plugin to use it. ## Related guides > [card] [Hytale server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/hytale/hytale-server-hosting-guide.md) > > Every Hytale page in one place. > [card] [Server not starting](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/hytale/hytale-server-not-starting.md) > > When a mod stops the server. > [card] [Optimise performance](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/hytale/how-to-optimize-your-hytale-server-performance.md) > > PerformanceSaver and view distance. > [card] [Back up your server](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/hytale/how-to-back-up-your-hytale-server.md) > > Back up before adding mods. > [card] [File Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md) > > Upload and delete files. *** > [!NOTE] > > **Checked against the official [Hytale Server Manual](https://support.hytale.com/hc/en-us/articles/45326769420827)** on 3 November 2026; panel steps tested on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (Hytale server, **Game settings** and **Startup** pages). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes. > [!NOTE] > > ### Need Extra Help? > > If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist: > > * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website. > * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) > * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting) > * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com) > [!TIP] > > ### Save on Your Hosting > > Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order! *** **Last Updated:** November 2026 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.