fix: improve update system UX and macOS compatibility

Update System Improvements:
- Fix duplicate update popups by disabling legacy updater.js
- Add skip button to update popup (shows after 30s, on error, or after download)
- Add macOS-specific handling with manual download as primary option
- Add missing open-download-page IPC handler
- Add missing unblockInterface() method to properly clean up after popup close
- Add quitAndInstallUpdate alias in preload for compatibility
- Remove pulse animation when download completes
- Fix manual download button to show correct status and close popup
- Sync player name to settings input after first install

Client Patcher Cleanup:
- Remove server patching code (server uses pre-patched JAR from CDN)
- Simplify to client-only patching
- Remove unused imports (crypto, AdmZip, execSync, spawn, javaManager)
- Remove unused methods (stringToUtf8, findAndReplaceDomainUtf8)
- Move localhost dev code to backup file for reference

Code Quality Fixes:
- Fix duplicate DOMContentLoaded handlers in install.js
- Fix duplicate checkForUpdates definition in preload.js
- Fix redundant if/else in onProgressUpdate callback
- Fix typo "Harwadre" -> "Hardware" in preload.js

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>

.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/support_request.yml

@@ -1,8 +1,22 @@
 name: Support Request
 description: Request help or support
-title: "[SUPPORT] "
+title: "[SUPPORT] <ADD YOUR TITLE HERE>"
 labels: ["support"]
 body:
+  - type: dropdown
+    id: acknowledge
+    attributes: 
+      label: Checklist
+      options:
+        - label: I have read the README.md before asking Support Request.
+          required: true
+        - label: I have read the TROUBLESHOOTING.md before asking Support Request.
+          required: true
+        - label: I have added title before submitting this Support Request.
+          required: true
+        - label: I acknowledge that my Support Request will not be responded as quick as in Discord Open-A-Ticket, I prefer this way.
+          required: true
+
   - type: markdown
     attributes:
       value: |
@@ -24,7 +38,7 @@ body:
     attributes:
       label: Context
       description: Provide any relevant context or background information.
-      placeholder: "I've tried..., but got..."
+      placeholder: "I've tried these steps, but got..."
     validations:
       required: true
 
@@ -37,12 +51,17 @@ body:
     validations:
       required: true
 
-  - type: input
+  - type: dropdown
     id: version
     attributes:
       label: Version
       description: What version are you using?
-      placeholder: "e.g. v2.0.11 stable/pre-release"
+      options:
+        - v2.1.2
+        - v2.1.1
+        - v2.1.0
+        - v2.0.11
+        - v2.0.2
     validations:
       required: true
 
@@ -52,13 +71,12 @@ body:
       label: Platform
       description: What platform are you using?
       options:
-        - Windows 10
-        - Windows 11
-        - macOS (Apple Silicon)
-        - macOS (Intel)
-        - Linux Ubuntu/Debian-based
-        - Linux Fedora/RHEL-based
-        - Linux Arch-based
+        - Windows 11 x64
+        - Windows 10 x64
+        - macOS ARM64 (Apple Silicon)
+        - Linux x64 Ubuntu/Debian-based
+        - Linux x64 Fedora/RHEL-based
+        - Linux x64 Arch-based
     validations:
       required: true
 

GUI/index.html

@@ -882,7 +882,7 @@
     <script src="js/i18n.js"></script>
     <script type="module" src="js/settings.js"></script>
     <script type="module" src="js/update.js"></script>
-    <script src="js/updater.js"></script>
+    <!-- updater.js disabled - using update.js instead which has skip button and macOS handling -->
 </body>
 
 

GUI/js/install.js

@@ -72,8 +72,11 @@ export async function installGame() {
           setTimeout(() => {
             window.LauncherUI.hideProgress();
             window.LauncherUI.showLauncherOrInstall(true);
+            // Sync player name to both launcher and settings inputs
             const playerNameInput = document.getElementById('playerName');
             if (playerNameInput) playerNameInput.value = playerName;
+            const settingsPlayerName = document.getElementById('settingsPlayerName');
+            if (settingsPlayerName) settingsPlayerName.value = playerName;
             resetInstallButton();
           }, 2000);
         }
@@ -125,8 +128,11 @@ function simulateInstallation(playerName) {
           setTimeout(() => {
             window.LauncherUI.hideProgress();
             window.LauncherUI.showLauncherOrInstall(true);
+            // Sync player name to both launcher and settings inputs
             const playerNameInput = document.getElementById('playerName');
             if (playerNameInput) playerNameInput.value = playerName;
+            const settingsPlayerName = document.getElementById('settingsPlayerName');
+            if (settingsPlayerName) settingsPlayerName.value = playerName;
             resetInstallButton();
           }, 2000);
         }
@@ -246,9 +252,3 @@ document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', async () => {
   setupInstallation();
   await checkGameStatusAndShowInterface();
 });
-window.browseInstallPath = browseInstallPath;
-
-document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', async () => {
-  setupInstallation();
-  await checkGameStatusAndShowInterface();
-});

GUI/js/update.js

@@ -6,12 +6,12 @@ class ClientUpdateManager {
     }
 
     init() {
-        window.electronAPI.onUpdatePopup((updateInfo) => {
-            this.showUpdatePopup(updateInfo);
-        });
+        console.log('🔧 ClientUpdateManager initializing...');
 
-        // Listen for electron-updater events
+        // Listen for electron-updater events from main.js
+        // This is the primary update trigger - main.js checks for updates on startup
         window.electronAPI.onUpdateAvailable((updateInfo) => {
+            console.log('📥 update-available event received:', updateInfo);
             this.showUpdatePopup(updateInfo);
         });
 
@@ -20,18 +20,30 @@ class ClientUpdateManager {
         });
 
         window.electronAPI.onUpdateDownloaded((updateInfo) => {
+            console.log('📦 update-downloaded event received:', updateInfo);
             this.showUpdateDownloaded(updateInfo);
         });
 
         window.electronAPI.onUpdateError((errorInfo) => {
+            console.log('❌ update-error event received:', errorInfo);
             this.handleUpdateError(errorInfo);
         });
 
-        this.checkForUpdatesOnDemand();
+        console.log('✅ ClientUpdateManager initialized');
+
+        // Note: Don't call checkForUpdatesOnDemand() here - main.js already checks
+        // for updates after 3 seconds and sends 'update-available' event.
+        // Calling it here would cause duplicate popups.
     }
 
     showUpdatePopup(updateInfo) {
-        if (this.updatePopupVisible) return;
+        console.log('🔔 showUpdatePopup called, updatePopupVisible:', this.updatePopupVisible);
+
+        // Check if popup already exists in DOM (extra safety)
+        if (this.updatePopupVisible || document.getElementById('update-popup-overlay')) {
+            console.log('⚠️ Update popup already visible, skipping');
+            return;
+        }
 
         this.updatePopupVisible = true;
         
@@ -92,7 +104,10 @@ class ClientUpdateManager {
                     </div>
 
                     <div class="update-popup-footer">
-                        This popup cannot be closed until you update the launcher
+                        <span id="update-footer-text">Downloading update...</span>
+                        <button id="update-skip-btn" class="update-skip-btn" style="display: none; margin-top: 0.5rem; background: transparent; border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.2); color: #9ca3af; padding: 0.5rem 1rem; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: pointer; font-size: 0.75rem;">
+                            Skip for now (not recommended)
+                        </button>
                     </div>
                 </div>
             </div>
@@ -113,16 +128,43 @@ class ClientUpdateManager {
             installBtn.addEventListener('click', async (e) => {
                 e.preventDefault();
                 e.stopPropagation();
-                
+
                 installBtn.disabled = true;
                 installBtn.innerHTML = '<i class="fas fa-spinner fa-spin" style="margin-right: 0.5rem;"></i>Installing...';
-                
+
                 try {
                     await window.electronAPI.quitAndInstallUpdate();
+
+                    // If we're still here after 5 seconds, the install probably failed
+                    setTimeout(() => {
+                        console.log('⚠️ Install may have failed - showing skip option');
+                        installBtn.disabled = false;
+                        installBtn.innerHTML = '<i class="fas fa-check" style="margin-right: 0.5rem;"></i>Try Again';
+
+                        // Show skip button
+                        const skipBtn = document.getElementById('update-skip-btn');
+                        const footerText = document.getElementById('update-footer-text');
+                        if (skipBtn) {
+                            skipBtn.style.display = 'inline-block';
+                            if (footerText) {
+                                footerText.textContent = 'Install not working? Skip for now:';
+                            }
+                        }
+                    }, 5000);
                 } catch (error) {
                     console.error('❌ Error installing update:', error);
                     installBtn.disabled = false;
                     installBtn.innerHTML = '<i class="fas fa-check" style="margin-right: 0.5rem;"></i>Install & Restart';
+
+                    // Show skip button on error
+                    const skipBtn = document.getElementById('update-skip-btn');
+                    const footerText = document.getElementById('update-footer-text');
+                    if (skipBtn) {
+                        skipBtn.style.display = 'inline-block';
+                        if (footerText) {
+                            footerText.textContent = 'Install failed. Skip for now:';
+                        }
+                    }
                 }
             });
         }
@@ -138,10 +180,15 @@ class ClientUpdateManager {
                 
                 try {
                     await window.electronAPI.openDownloadPage();
-                    console.log('✅ Download page opened, launcher will close...');
-                    
-                    downloadBtn.innerHTML = '<i class="fas fa-check" style="margin-right: 0.5rem;"></i>Launcher closing...';
-                    
+                    console.log('✅ Download page opened');
+
+                    downloadBtn.innerHTML = '<i class="fas fa-check" style="margin-right: 0.5rem;"></i>Opened in browser';
+
+                    // Close the popup after opening download page
+                    setTimeout(() => {
+                        this.closeUpdatePopup();
+                    }, 1500);
+
                 } catch (error) {
                     console.error('❌ Error opening download page:', error);
                     downloadBtn.disabled = false;
@@ -161,9 +208,39 @@ class ClientUpdateManager {
             });
         }
 
+        // Show skip button after 30 seconds as fallback (in case update is stuck)
+        setTimeout(() => {
+            const skipBtn = document.getElementById('update-skip-btn');
+            const footerText = document.getElementById('update-footer-text');
+            if (skipBtn) {
+                skipBtn.style.display = 'inline-block';
+                if (footerText) {
+                    footerText.textContent = 'Update taking too long?';
+                }
+            }
+        }, 30000);
+
+        const skipBtn = document.getElementById('update-skip-btn');
+        if (skipBtn) {
+            skipBtn.addEventListener('click', (e) => {
+                e.preventDefault();
+                e.stopPropagation();
+                this.closeUpdatePopup();
+            });
+        }
+
         console.log('🔔 Update popup displayed with new style');
     }
 
+    closeUpdatePopup() {
+        const overlay = document.getElementById('update-popup-overlay');
+        if (overlay) {
+            overlay.remove();
+        }
+        this.updatePopupVisible = false;
+        this.unblockInterface();
+    }
+
     updateDownloadProgress(progress) {
         const progressBar = document.getElementById('update-progress-bar');
         const progressPercent = document.getElementById('update-progress-percent');
@@ -197,35 +274,96 @@ class ClientUpdateManager {
         const statusText = document.getElementById('update-status-text');
         const progressContainer = document.getElementById('update-progress-container');
         const buttonsContainer = document.getElementById('update-buttons-container');
+        const installBtn = document.getElementById('update-install-btn');
+        const downloadBtn = document.getElementById('update-download-btn');
+        const skipBtn = document.getElementById('update-skip-btn');
+        const footerText = document.getElementById('update-footer-text');
+        const popupContainer = document.querySelector('.update-popup-container');
 
-        if (statusText) {
-            statusText.textContent = 'Update downloaded! Ready to install.';
+        // Remove breathing/pulse animation when download is complete
+        if (popupContainer) {
+            popupContainer.classList.remove('update-popup-pulse');
         }
 
         if (progressContainer) {
             progressContainer.style.display = 'none';
         }
 
+        // Use platform info from main process if available, fallback to browser detection
+        const autoInstallSupported = updateInfo.autoInstallSupported !== undefined
+            ? updateInfo.autoInstallSupported
+            : navigator.platform.toUpperCase().indexOf('MAC') < 0;
+
+        if (!autoInstallSupported) {
+            // macOS: Show manual download as primary since auto-update doesn't work
+            if (statusText) {
+                statusText.textContent = 'Update downloaded but auto-install may not work on macOS.';
+            }
+
+            if (installBtn) {
+                // Still show install button but as secondary option
+                installBtn.classList.add('update-download-btn-secondary');
+                installBtn.innerHTML = '<i class="fas fa-check" style="margin-right: 0.5rem;"></i>Try Install & Restart';
+            }
+
+            if (downloadBtn) {
+                // Make manual download primary
+                downloadBtn.classList.remove('update-download-btn-secondary');
+                downloadBtn.innerHTML = '<i class="fas fa-external-link-alt" style="margin-right: 0.5rem;"></i>Download Manually (Recommended)';
+            }
+
+            if (footerText) {
+                footerText.textContent = 'Auto-install often fails on macOS:';
+            }
+        } else {
+            // Windows/Linux: Auto-install should work
+            if (statusText) {
+                statusText.textContent = 'Update downloaded! Ready to install.';
+            }
+
+            if (footerText) {
+                footerText.textContent = 'Click to install the update:';
+            }
+        }
+
         if (buttonsContainer) {
             buttonsContainer.style.display = 'block';
         }
 
-        console.log('✅ Update downloaded, ready to install');
+        // Always show skip button in downloaded state
+        if (skipBtn) {
+            skipBtn.style.display = 'inline-block';
+            console.log('✅ Skip button made visible');
+        } else {
+            console.error('❌ Skip button not found in DOM!');
+        }
+
+        console.log('✅ Update downloaded, ready to install. autoInstallSupported:', autoInstallSupported);
     }
 
     handleUpdateError(errorInfo) {
         console.error('Update error:', errorInfo);
-        
+
+        // Show skip button immediately on any error
+        const skipBtn = document.getElementById('update-skip-btn');
+        const footerText = document.getElementById('update-footer-text');
+        if (skipBtn) {
+            skipBtn.style.display = 'inline-block';
+            if (footerText) {
+                footerText.textContent = 'Update failed. You can skip for now.';
+            }
+        }
+
         // If manual download is required, update the UI (this will handle status text)
         if (errorInfo.requiresManualDownload) {
             this.showManualDownloadRequired(errorInfo);
             return; // Don't do anything else, showManualDownloadRequired handles everything
         }
-        
+
         // For non-critical errors, just show error message without changing status
         const errorMessage = document.getElementById('update-error-message');
         const errorText = document.getElementById('update-error-text');
-        
+
         if (errorMessage && errorText) {
             let message = errorInfo.message || 'An error occurred during the update process.';
             if (errorInfo.isMacSigningError) {
@@ -289,6 +427,16 @@ class ClientUpdateManager {
             buttonsContainer.style.display = 'block';
         }
 
+        // Show skip button for manual download errors
+        const skipBtn = document.getElementById('update-skip-btn');
+        const footerText = document.getElementById('update-footer-text');
+        if (skipBtn) {
+            skipBtn.style.display = 'inline-block';
+            if (footerText) {
+                footerText.textContent = 'Or continue without updating:';
+            }
+        }
+
         console.log('⚠️ Manual download required due to update error');
     }
 
@@ -300,13 +448,35 @@ class ClientUpdateManager {
 
         document.body.classList.add('no-select');
 
-        document.addEventListener('keydown', this.blockKeyEvents.bind(this), true);
-        
-        document.addEventListener('contextmenu', this.blockContextMenu.bind(this), true);
-        
+        // Store bound functions so we can remove them later
+        this._boundBlockKeyEvents = this.blockKeyEvents.bind(this);
+        this._boundBlockContextMenu = this.blockContextMenu.bind(this);
+
+        document.addEventListener('keydown', this._boundBlockKeyEvents, true);
+        document.addEventListener('contextmenu', this._boundBlockContextMenu, true);
+
         console.log('🚫 Interface blocked for update');
     }
 
+    unblockInterface() {
+        const mainContent = document.querySelector('.flex.w-full.h-screen');
+        if (mainContent) {
+            mainContent.classList.remove('interface-blocked');
+        }
+
+        document.body.classList.remove('no-select');
+
+        // Remove event listeners
+        if (this._boundBlockKeyEvents) {
+            document.removeEventListener('keydown', this._boundBlockKeyEvents, true);
+        }
+        if (this._boundBlockContextMenu) {
+            document.removeEventListener('contextmenu', this._boundBlockContextMenu, true);
+        }
+
+        console.log('✅ Interface unblocked');
+    }
+
     blockKeyEvents(event) {
         if (event.target.closest('#update-popup-overlay')) {
             if ((event.key === 'Enter' || event.key === ' ') && 

README.md

@@ -4,9 +4,10 @@
   <h1>🎮 Hytale F2P Launcher 🚀</h1>
   <h2>💻 Cross-Platform Multiplayer 🖥️</h2>
   <h3>Available for Windows 🪟, macOS 🍎, and Linux 🐧</h3>
-  <p><small>An unofficial cross-platform launcher for Hytale with automatic updates and multiplayer support (all OS supported)</small></p>
+  <p><small>An unofficial cross-platform launcher for Hytale with automatic updates and multiplayer support!</small></p>
 </header>
 
+![GitHub Downloads](https://img.shields.io/github/downloads/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P/total?style=for-the-badge)
 ![Version](https://img.shields.io/badge/Version-2.1.1-green?style=for-the-badge)
 ![Platform](https://img.shields.io/badge/Platform-Windows%20%7C%20macOS%20%7C%20Linux-orange?style=for-the-badge)
 ![License](https://img.shields.io/badge/License-Educational-blue?style=for-the-badge)
@@ -118,9 +119,9 @@
     <tr>
       <td><b>🖥️ OS</b></td>
       <td colspan="3" align="center">
-        Windows 10/11 (64-bit; X64/ARM64) | Linux (x64/ARM64) | macOS (Apple Silicon only)
+        Windows 10/11 (64-bit X64) | Linux (x64) | macOS (ARM64/Apple Silicon)
         <br />
-        <small><i>⚠️ Note: macOS Intel (x86) is not yet supported <sup><a href="#fn1" id="ref1">1</a></sup></i></small>
+        <small><i>⚠️ Note: ARM64 (Windows & Linux), macOS (x86/Intel) <b>are not supported!</b> ⚠️</i></small>
       </td>
     </tr>
     <tr>
@@ -131,7 +132,7 @@
     </tr>
     <tr>
       <td><b>🧠 RAM</b></td>
-      <td>8GB (dGPU)<sup><a href="#fn1" id="ref2">2</a></sup> /<br>12GB (iGPU)<sup><a href="#fn1" id="ref3">3</a></sup></td>
+      <td>8GB (dGPU) / 12GB (iGPU)<sup><a href="#fn1" id="ref1">1</a></sup></td>
       <td>16 GB</td>
       <td>32 GB</td>
     </tr>
@@ -156,19 +157,19 @@
   </tbody>
 </table>
 </div>
-<p id="fn1"><sup>Note 1</sup> Hytale did not provide game files for macOS Intel, yet.</p>
-<p id="fn2"><sup>Note 2</sup> Using Discrete/Dedicated GPU (dGPU) must have 8 GB RAM minimum.</p>
-<p id="fn3"><sup>Note 3</sup> Using Integrated GPU (dGPU) must have 12 GB RAM minimum.</p>
+<p id="fn1"><sup>Note 1</sup> Using Discrete/Dedicated GPU (dGPU) must have 8 GB RAM minimum, while using Integrated GPU (iGPU) must have 12 GB RAM.</p>
 
+> [!WARNING]
+> Our launcher has **not yet** supported Offline Mode (playing Hytale without internet).
+> We will surely add the feature as soon as possible. Kindly wait for the update.
 
+---
 
 ### 🪟 Windows Prequisites
-* **
 * **Java JDK 25:**
-  * [Oracle](https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/downloads/#jdk25-windows), **no** support for Windows ARM64 in both version 25 and 21.
-  * [Adoptium](https://adoptium.net/temurin/releases/?version=25), has Windows ARM64 support in version 21 only.
+  * [Oracle](https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/downloads/#jdk25-windows)
+  * [Adoptium](https://adoptium.net/temurin/releases/?version=25)
   * [Microsoft](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/java/openjdk/download), has Windows ARM64 support in version 25.
-  * Download from any vendor if your OS is not Windows with ARM64 architecture.
 * **Latest Visual Studio Redist:** 
   * Download via [Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable](https://aka.ms/vc14/vc_redist.x64.exe)
   * Or [All-in-One by Techpowerup](https://www.techpowerup.com/download/visual-c-redistributable-runtime-package-all-in-one/)
@@ -178,9 +179,9 @@
 > [!WARNING]
 > Ubuntu-based Distro like ZorinOS or Pop!_OS or Linux Mint would encounter issues due to UbuntuLTS environment, [check this Discord post](https://discord.com/channels/1462260103951421493/1463662398501027973).
 
-* Make sure you have already installed newest **GPU driver**, consult your distro docs or wiki.
-
-* Install `libpng` package to avoid SDL3_Image error:
+* Make sure you have already installed newest **GPU driver** especially proprietary NVIDIA, consult your distro docs or wiki.
+  * Also make sure that your GPU can be connected to EGL, try checking it first (again, consult your distro docs or wiki) before installing Hytale game via our launcher.
+* Install `libpng` package to avoid `SDL3_Image` error:
   * `libpng16-16 libpng-dev` for Ubuntu/Debian-based Distro
   * `libpng libpng-devel` for Fedora/RHEL-based Distro
   * `libpng` for Arch-based Distro
@@ -194,11 +195,12 @@
 1. **Prerequisites:** Ensure you have installed all [**Windows Prerequisites**](https://github.com/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P/tree/main?tab=readme-ov-file#-windows-prequisites) listed above.
 2. **Download:** Get the latest `Hytale-F2P-Launcher.exe` from the [**Releases**](https://github.com/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P/releases/latest/) page.
 3. **SmartScreen Note:** Since the executable is currently unsigned, Windows may show a "Windows protected your PC" popup.
-    * Click **More info**.
-    * Click **Run anyway**.
+    * Click **More info**, then click **Run anyway**.
 4. **Launch:** Once installed, you can launch the app directly from your Desktop or the Start menu.
-
----
+5. **Whitelist in Windows Firewall** [#192](https://github.com/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P/issues/192#issuecomment-3803042908)
+    * Open the Windows Start Menu and search for `Allow an app through Windows Firewall`
+    * Click "Change settings" (you may need Admin privileges) and Locate `HytaleClient.exe` in the list.
+    * Ensure both the Private and Public checkboxes are checked. Click OK to save.
 
 ### 🐧 Linux Installation
 
@@ -243,8 +245,6 @@
    * **Desktop Entry:** After installing via `.rpm`, `.deb`, or `.pkg.tar.zst`, the launcher should automatically appear in your App Library/Grid.
    * Missing libxcrypt.so.1: Install `libxcrypt-compat` using your package manager
 
----
-
 ### 🍎 macOS Installation  
 
 > [!NOTE]
@@ -272,9 +272,9 @@ The `.zip` version is useful for users who prefer a portable installation or nee
 
 --- 
 
-# How to Host a Server
+# 📢 How to Host a Server
 
-## Host your Singleplayer Server (Online-Play Feature)
+## 🌐 Host your Singleplayer Server (Online-Play Feature)
 
 > [!NOTE]
 > You have to play the game to host the server. See Dedicated Server section below if you want to host it without you playing as the host.
@@ -283,23 +283,29 @@ The `.zip` version is useful for users who prefer a portable installation or nee
 2. Pause the game (Esc) > select Online Play > Turn on `Allow Other Players to Join` > Set password if needed > Press `Save`.
 3. Check the status `Connected via STUN` or `Connected via UPnP`.
 
-## Dedicated Server
+## 🖧 Host a Dedicated Server
 
 > [!NOTE]
-> If you have already  `HytaleServer.jar` in `HytaleF2P/{release/pre-release}/package/game/latest/Server`, you can use it to host local dedicated server. 
+> If you already have the patched `HytaleServer.jar` in `HytaleF2P/{release/pre-release}/package/game/latest/Server`, you can use it to host local dedicated server. 
 
 > [!TIP]
 > Use services like Playit.gg, Tailscale, Radmin VPN to share UDP connection if setting up router as an admin is not possible.
 
 > [!WARNING]
-> `Hytale-F2P-Server.rar` file is needed to set up a server on non-playing hardware (such as VPS/server hosting).
+> `Hytale-F2P-Server.rar` file is needed to set up a server on non-playing hardware (such as VPS/server hosting). Linux ARM64 is supported for server only.
 
 > [!IMPORTANT]
-> See detailed information of setting up a server here: [SERVER.md](SERVER.md)
+> See detailed information of setting up a server here: [SERVER.md](SERVER.md). Download the latest patched JAR, the patched RAR, or the SH/BAT scripts from channel `#open-public-server` in our Discord Server. 
 
 ---
 
-## 🛠️ Building from Source
+## 🔧 Troubleshooting
+
+See [TROUBLESHOOTING.md](TROUBLESHOOTING.md) for detailed Troubleshooting guide.
+
+---
+
+## 🔨 Building from Source
 
 See [BUILD.md](docs/BUILD.md) for comprehensive build instructions.
 

backend/managers/gameLauncher.js

@@ -285,6 +285,55 @@ exec "$REAL_JAVA" "\${ARGS[@]}"
    const gpuEnv = setupGpuEnvironment(gpuPreference);
    Object.assign(env, gpuEnv);
 
+  // Linux: Replace bundled libzstd.so with system version to fix glibc 2.41+ crash
+  // The bundled libzstd causes "free(): invalid pointer" on Steam Deck / Ubuntu LTS
+  if (process.platform === 'linux' && process.env.HYTALE_NO_LIBZSTD_FIX !== '1') {
+    const clientDir = path.dirname(clientPath);
+    const bundledLibzstd = path.join(clientDir, 'libzstd.so');
+    const backupLibzstd = path.join(clientDir, 'libzstd.so.bundled');
+
+    // Common system libzstd paths
+    const systemLibzstdPaths = [
+      '/usr/lib/libzstd.so.1',                    // Arch Linux, Steam Deck
+      '/usr/lib/x86_64-linux-gnu/libzstd.so.1',   // Debian/Ubuntu
+      '/usr/lib64/libzstd.so.1'                   // Fedora/RHEL
+    ];
+
+    let systemLibzstd = null;
+    for (const p of systemLibzstdPaths) {
+      if (fs.existsSync(p)) {
+        systemLibzstd = p;
+        break;
+      }
+    }
+
+    if (systemLibzstd && fs.existsSync(bundledLibzstd)) {
+      try {
+        const stats = fs.lstatSync(bundledLibzstd);
+
+        // Only replace if it's not already a symlink to system version
+        if (!stats.isSymbolicLink()) {
+          // Backup bundled version
+          if (!fs.existsSync(backupLibzstd)) {
+            fs.renameSync(bundledLibzstd, backupLibzstd);
+            console.log(`Linux: Backed up bundled libzstd.so`);
+          } else {
+            fs.unlinkSync(bundledLibzstd);
+          }
+
+          // Create symlink to system version
+          fs.symlinkSync(systemLibzstd, bundledLibzstd);
+          console.log(`Linux: Linked libzstd.so to system version (${systemLibzstd}) for glibc 2.41+ compatibility`);
+        } else {
+          const linkTarget = fs.readlinkSync(bundledLibzstd);
+          console.log(`Linux: libzstd.so already linked to ${linkTarget}`);
+        }
+      } catch (libzstdError) {
+        console.warn(`Linux: Could not replace libzstd.so: ${libzstdError.message}`);
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
   try {
     let spawnOptions = {
       stdio: ['ignore', 'pipe', 'pipe'],

docs/STEAMDECK_CRASH_INVESTIGATION.md

@@ -0,0 +1,123 @@
+# Steam Deck / Ubuntu LTS Crash Investigation
+
+## Status: SOLVED
+
+**Last updated:** 2026-01-27
+
+**Solution:** Replace bundled `libzstd.so` with system version.
+
+---
+
+## Problem Summary
+
+The Hytale F2P launcher's client patcher causes crashes on Steam Deck and Ubuntu LTS with the error:
+```
+free(): invalid pointer
+```
+or
+```
+SIGSEGV (Segmentation fault)
+```
+
+The crash occurs after successful authentication, specifically right after "Finished handling RequiredAssets".
+
+**Affected Systems:**
+- Steam Deck (glibc 2.41)
+- Ubuntu LTS
+
+**Working Systems:**
+- macOS
+- Windows
+- Older Arch Linux (glibc < 2.41)
+
+---
+
+## Root Cause
+
+The **bundled `libzstd.so`** in the game client is incompatible with glibc 2.41's stricter heap validation. When the game decompresses assets using this library, it triggers heap corruption detected by glibc 2.41.
+
+The crash occurs in `libzstd.so` during `free()` after "Finished handling RequiredAssets" (asset decompression).
+
+---
+
+## Solution
+
+Replace the bundled `libzstd.so` with the system's `libzstd.so.1`.
+
+### Automatic (Launcher)
+
+The launcher automatically detects and replaces `libzstd.so` on Linux systems. No manual action needed.
+
+### Manual
+
+```bash
+cd ~/.hytalef2p/release/package/game/latest/Client
+
+# Backup bundled version
+mv libzstd.so libzstd.so.bundled
+
+# Link to system version
+# Steam Deck / Arch Linux:
+ln -s /usr/lib/libzstd.so.1 libzstd.so
+
+# Debian / Ubuntu:
+ln -s /usr/lib/x86_64-linux-gnu/libzstd.so.1 libzstd.so
+
+# Fedora / RHEL:
+ln -s /usr/lib64/libzstd.so.1 libzstd.so
+```
+
+### Restore Original
+
+```bash
+cd ~/.hytalef2p/release/package/game/latest/Client
+rm libzstd.so
+mv libzstd.so.bundled libzstd.so
+```
+
+---
+
+## Why This Works
+
+1. The bundled `libzstd.so` was likely compiled with different allocator settings or an older toolchain
+2. glibc 2.41 has stricter heap validation that catches invalid memory operations
+3. The system `libzstd.so.1` is compiled with the system's glibc and uses compatible memory allocation patterns
+4. By using the system library, we avoid the incompatibility entirely
+
+---
+
+## Previous Investigation (for reference)
+
+### What Was Tried Before Finding Solution
+
+| Approach | Result |
+|----------|--------|
+| jemalloc allocator | Worked ~30% of time, not stable |
+| GLIBC_TUNABLES | No effect |
+| taskset (CPU pinning) | Single core too slow |
+| nice/chrt (scheduling) | No effect |
+| Various patching approaches | All crashed |
+
+### Key Insight
+
+The crash was in `libzstd.so`, not in our patched code. The patching just changed timing enough to expose the libzstd incompatibility more frequently.
+
+---
+
+## GDB Stack Trace (Historical)
+
+```
+#0  0x00007ffff7d3f5a4 in ?? () from /usr/lib/libc.so.6
+#1  raise () from /usr/lib/libc.so.6
+#2  abort () from /usr/lib/libc.so.6
+#3-#4  ?? () from /usr/lib/libc.so.6
+#5  free () from /usr/lib/libc.so.6
+#6  ?? () from libzstd.so    <-- CRASH POINT (bundled library)
+#7-#24  HytaleClient code (asset decompression)
+```
+
+---
+
+## Branch
+
+`fix/steamdeck-libzstd`

docs/STEAMDECK_DEBUG_COMMANDS.md

@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+# Steam Deck / Linux Crash Fix
+
+## SOLUTION: Use system libzstd
+
+The crash is caused by the bundled `libzstd.so` being incompatible with glibc 2.41's stricter heap validation.
+
+### Automatic Fix
+
+The launcher automatically replaces `libzstd.so` with the system version. No manual action needed.
+
+### Manual Fix
+
+```bash
+cd ~/.hytalef2p/release/package/game/latest/Client
+
+# Backup and replace
+mv libzstd.so libzstd.so.bundled
+ln -s /usr/lib/libzstd.so.1 libzstd.so
+```
+
+### Restore Original
+
+```bash
+cd ~/.hytalef2p/release/package/game/latest/Client
+rm libzstd.so
+mv libzstd.so.bundled libzstd.so
+```
+
+---
+
+## Debug Commands (for troubleshooting)
+
+### Check libzstd Status
+
+```bash
+# Check if symlinked
+ls -la ~/.hytalef2p/release/package/game/latest/Client/libzstd.so
+
+# Find system libzstd
+find /usr/lib -name "libzstd.so*"
+```
+
+### Binary Validation
+
+```bash
+file ~/.hytalef2p/release/package/game/latest/Client/HytaleClient
+ldd ~/.hytalef2p/release/package/game/latest/Client/HytaleClient
+```
+
+### Restore Client Binary
+
+```bash
+cd ~/.hytalef2p/release/package/game/latest/Client
+cp HytaleClient.original HytaleClient
+rm -f HytaleClient.patched_custom
+```
+
+---
+
+## Environment Variables
+
+| Variable | Description | Example |
+|----------|-------------|---------|
+| `HYTALE_AUTH_DOMAIN` | Custom auth domain | `auth.sanasol.ws` |
+| `HYTALE_NO_LIBZSTD_FIX` | Disable libzstd replacement | `1` |

main.js

@@ -176,7 +176,8 @@ function createWindow() {
   initDiscordRPC();
 
   // Configure and initialize electron-updater
-  autoUpdater.autoDownload = false;
+  // Enable auto-download so updates start immediately when available
+  autoUpdater.autoDownload = true;
   autoUpdater.autoInstallOnAppQuit = true;
 
   autoUpdater.on('checking-for-update', () => {
@@ -201,6 +202,20 @@ function createWindow() {
 
   autoUpdater.on('error', (err) => {
     console.error('Error in auto-updater:', err);
+
+    // Handle macOS code signing errors - requires manual download
+    if (mainWindow && !mainWindow.isDestroyed()) {
+      const isMacSigningError = process.platform === 'darwin' &&
+        (err.code === 'ERR_UPDATER_INVALID_SIGNATURE' ||
+         err.message.includes('signature') ||
+         err.message.includes('code sign'));
+
+      mainWindow.webContents.send('update-error', {
+        message: err.message,
+        isMacSigningError: isMacSigningError,
+        requiresManualDownload: isMacSigningError || process.platform === 'darwin'
+      });
+    }
   });
 
   autoUpdater.on('download-progress', (progressObj) => {
@@ -218,7 +233,10 @@ function createWindow() {
     console.log('Update downloaded:', info.version);
     if (mainWindow && !mainWindow.isDestroyed()) {
       mainWindow.webContents.send('update-downloaded', {
-        version: info.version
+        version: info.version,
+        platform: process.platform,
+        // macOS auto-install often fails on unsigned apps
+        autoInstallSupported: process.platform !== 'darwin'
       });
     }
   });
@@ -859,6 +877,17 @@ ipcMain.handle('open-external', async (event, url) => {
   }
 });
 
+ipcMain.handle('open-download-page', async () => {
+  try {
+    // Open GitHub releases page for manual download
+    await shell.openExternal('https://github.com/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P/releases/latest');
+    return { success: true };
+  } catch (error) {
+    console.error('Failed to open download page:', error);
+    return { success: false, error: error.message };
+  }
+});
+
 ipcMain.handle('open-game-location', async () => {
   try {
     const { getResolvedAppDir, loadVersionBranch } = require('./backend/launcher');
@@ -1086,8 +1115,37 @@ ipcMain.handle('download-update', async () => {
   }
 });
 
-ipcMain.handle('install-update', () => {
-  autoUpdater.quitAndInstall(false, true);
+ipcMain.handle('install-update', async () => {
+  console.log('[AutoUpdater] Installing update...');
+
+  // On macOS, quitAndInstall often fails silently
+  // Use a more aggressive approach
+  if (process.platform === 'darwin') {
+    console.log('[AutoUpdater] macOS detected, using force quit approach');
+    // Give user feedback that something is happening
+    if (mainWindow && !mainWindow.isDestroyed()) {
+      mainWindow.webContents.send('update-installing');
+    }
+
+    // Small delay to show the "Installing..." state
+    await new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(resolve, 500));
+
+    try {
+      autoUpdater.quitAndInstall(false, true);
+    } catch (err) {
+      console.error('[AutoUpdater] quitAndInstall failed:', err);
+      // Force quit the app - the update should install on next launch
+      app.exit(0);
+    }
+
+    // If quitAndInstall didn't work, force exit after a delay
+    setTimeout(() => {
+      console.log('[AutoUpdater] Force exiting app...');
+      app.exit(0);
+    }, 2000);
+  } else {
+    autoUpdater.quitAndInstall(false, true);
+  }
 });
 
 ipcMain.handle('get-launcher-version', () => {

preload.js

@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ contextBridge.exposeInMainWorld('electronAPI', {
   saveCloseLauncher: (enabled) => ipcRenderer.invoke('save-close-launcher', enabled),
   loadCloseLauncher: () => ipcRenderer.invoke('load-close-launcher'),
 
-  // Harwadre Acceleration
+  // Hardware Acceleration
   saveLauncherHardwareAcceleration: (enabled) => ipcRenderer.invoke('save-launcher-hw-accel', enabled),
   loadLauncherHardwareAcceleration: () => ipcRenderer.invoke('load-launcher-hw-accel'),
 
@@ -50,14 +50,7 @@ contextBridge.exposeInMainWorld('electronAPI', {
   selectModFiles: () => ipcRenderer.invoke('select-mod-files'),
   copyModFile: (sourcePath, modsPath) => ipcRenderer.invoke('copy-mod-file', sourcePath, modsPath),
   onProgressUpdate: (callback) => {
-    ipcRenderer.on('progress-update', (event, data) => {
-      // Ensure data includes retry state if available
-      if (data && typeof data === 'object') {
-        callback(data);
-      } else {
-        callback(data);
-      }
-    });
+    ipcRenderer.on('progress-update', (event, data) => callback(data));
   },
   onProgressComplete: (callback) => {
     ipcRenderer.on('progress-complete', () => callback());
@@ -69,7 +62,6 @@ contextBridge.exposeInMainWorld('electronAPI', {
     ipcRenderer.on('installation-end', () => callback());
   },
   getUserId: () => ipcRenderer.invoke('get-user-id'),
-  checkForUpdates: () => ipcRenderer.invoke('check-for-updates'),
   openDownloadPage: () => ipcRenderer.invoke('open-download-page'),
   getUpdateInfo: () => ipcRenderer.invoke('get-update-info'),
   onUpdatePopup: (callback) => {
@@ -126,6 +118,7 @@ contextBridge.exposeInMainWorld('electronAPI', {
   checkForUpdates: () => ipcRenderer.invoke('check-for-updates'),
   downloadUpdate: () => ipcRenderer.invoke('download-update'),
   installUpdate: () => ipcRenderer.invoke('install-update'),
+  quitAndInstallUpdate: () => ipcRenderer.invoke('install-update'),  // Alias for update.js compatibility
   getLauncherVersion: () => ipcRenderer.invoke('get-launcher-version'),
   onUpdateAvailable: (callback) => {
     ipcRenderer.on('update-available', (event, data) => callback(data));