> ## 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. # Hytale Server Not Starting? How to Find and Fix the Cause > Hytale server not starting? Check the first start, then Console and Logs for a broken mod, an early plugin, a config.json typo or a wrong Default world. If your FREAKHOSTING Hytale server doesn't start, first check whether it has ever started: if **Game settings** shows **config.json does not exist yet**, [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) so our team completes the first start. If it has run before, read **Console** and **Logs**. Usual causes are a mod that fails to load, an early plugin without **Load early plugins**, or a typo in a JSON config file. | Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel pages | | - | - | - | - | | Beginner to intermediate | 5 to 15 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Hytale server | **Console**, **Logs**, **Files**, **Game settings** | ## Has your server ever started? A new Hytale server has to be linked once to a Hytale account before it can download its files. Our team does this for you. | You see | What it means | What to do | | - | - | - | | **config.json does not exist yet** on **Game settings** | The first start has not finished | [Open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) and ask us to complete the first start | | Only `QUICKSTART.md` and a few downloader files in **Files** | Same as above | Same as above | | `config.json`, `universe` and `mods` in **Files** | The server has run before | Continue below | ## How to find why your Hytale server stopped **1. Read the console** Open **Console** and start the server. Watch the last lines before it stops. See [use the server console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md). **2. Search the logs** Open **Logs**, pick the newest log file and click **First error**. The lines around it usually name the cause. See [read server logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md). **3. Match the cause below** Use the table to fix it, then start the server again. ## Common causes and fixes | Cause | Fix | | - | - | | A mod fails to load | Stop the server, move the newest mod out of `mods` (or delete it; it goes to the **Trash**) and start again. Add mods back one at a time. | | A mod is for another Hytale version | Update the mod, or remove it until its author supports your version. | | An early plugin is refused | Turn on **Load early plugins** in **Game settings** > **Start-up and backups**, save and restart. Only do this if the plugin needs it. | | A typo in `config.json` or a world's `config.json` | Open the file in **Files**, click **History** and restore the version from before your edit. | | Not enough memory | Lower **View distance** (try the **Light on memory** preset). See [optimise performance](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/hytale/how-to-optimize-your-hytale-server-performance.md). | | Assets can't be found | Make sure **Assets File Path** on **Startup** is still `Assets.zip`. | ## Players can't join, but the server runs If the server is running but nobody can get in, check **Default world** on **Game settings**. It must match a folder in `universe/worlds`. A world name with no folder stops players from joining. Set it back to `default` or to your world's exact folder name. For other join problems, see [join your server](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/hytale/how-to-join-your-hytale-server.md). ## What if the server won't stop? Wait a minute, then use **Kill** in the [power controls](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). Kill stops the server at once, without saving, so only use it when **Stop** doesn't work. ## When to restore a backup If you can't find the cause, stop the server and restore the last backup from before the problem. See [back up your server](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/hytale/how-to-back-up-your-hytale-server.md). ## Frequently asked questions ### My server stopped working after a Hytale update. Why? Mods built for the old version often fail after an update. Remove them, start the server, and add updated versions back one at a time. See [update your server](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/hytale/how-to-update-your-hytale-server.md). ### How do I share my log with support? On **Console**, click **Share log**, then **Create link**. Passwords, keys and IP addresses are removed automatically. Paste the link into your ticket. ### Can I start the server with a broken mod? Remove the broken mod instead. The server is safer without it. ### Will reinstalling fix it? Reinstalling can delete or change files. Make a backup first and [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) before you reinstall a Hytale server. ## Related guides > [card] [Hytale server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/hytale/hytale-server-hosting-guide.md) > > Every Hytale page in one place. > [card] [Getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/hytale/getting-started-with-your-hytale-server.md) > > The first start and first settings. > [card] [Install mods](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/hytale/how-to-install-mods-on-your-hytale-server.md) > > Mods and early plugins. > [card] [Back up your server](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/hytale/how-to-back-up-your-hytale-server.md) > > Restore a working copy. > [card] [Read server logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md) > > Find the first error. *** > [!NOTE] > > **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (Hytale server, **Game settings**, **Startup** and **Files** 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.