hytale-f2p/README.md

# 🎮 Hytale F2P Launcher | Cross-Platform Multiplayer Support 🪟 🍎 🐧

<div align="center">

![Version](https://img.shields.io/badge/Version-2.0.2-green?style=for-the-badge)
![Platform](https://img.shields.io/badge/Platform-Windows%20%7C%20Linux%20%7C%20macOS-lightgrey?style=for-the-badge)
![License](https://img.shields.io/badge/License-Educational-blue?style=for-the-badge)

**An unofficial cross-platform launcher for Hytale with automatic updates and multiplayer support (all OS supported)**

[![GitHub stars](https://img.shields.io/github/stars/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P?style=social)](https://github.com/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P/stargazers)
[![GitHub forks](https://img.shields.io/github/forks/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P?style=social)](https://github.com/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P/network/members)

⭐ **If you find this project useful, please give it a STAR!** ⭐

🛑 **Found a problem? Join the Discord and Select #Open-A-Ticket!: https://discord.gg/gME8rUy3MB** 🛑

⚠️ **READ [QUICK START](https://github.com/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P/tree/main?tab=readme-ov-file#-quick-start) before Downloading & Installing the Launcher!** ⚠️

</div>

---
## 📸 Screenshots

<div align="center">
  <h3>Hytale F2P Launcher</h3>
  <img src="https://i.imgur.com/9iDuzST.png" alt="Hytale F2P Launcher" width="1000">
  <br />
  <details>
    <summary><b>View Mods Preview</b></summary>
    <img src="https://i.imgur.com/NaareIS.png" alt="Hytale F2P Mods" width="1000">
  </details>
  <br />
  <details>
    <summary><b>View Latest News</b></summary>
    <img src="https://i.imgur.com/n1nEqRS.png" alt="Hytale F2P News" width="1000">
  </details>
  <br />
  <details>
    <summary><b>View Social & Chat</b></summary>
    <img src="https://i.imgur.com/Y4hL3sx.png" alt="Hytale F2P Chat" width="1000">
  </details>
</div>

---
## ✨ Features

🎯 **Core Features**
- 🔄 **Automatic Updates** - Smart version checking and seamless game updates
- 💾 **Data Preservation** - Intelligent UserData backup and restoration during updates
- 🌐 **Cross-Platform** - Full support for Windows, Linux (X11/Wayland), and macOS
- ☕ **Java Management** - Automatic Java runtime detection and installation
- 🎮 **Multiplayer Support** - Automatic multiplayer client installation (Windows, macOS & Linux !)

🛡️ **Advanced Features**
- 📁 **Custom Installation** - Choose your own installation directory
- 🔍 **Smart Detection** - Automatic game and dependency detection
- 🗂️ **Mod Support** - Built-in mod management system
- 💬 **Player Chat** - Integrated chat system for community interaction
- 📰 **News Feed** - Stay updated with the latest Hytale news
- 🎨 **Modern UI** - Clean, responsive interface with dark theme

---

# 🚀 Quick Start

## 🖥️ System Requirements

### 🎮 Hytale Hardware Requirements

Hytale is designed to be accessible while scaling for high-end performance. Below are the [official system requirements for the Early Access](https://hytale.com/news/2025/12/hytale-hardware-requirements) release.

<div align="center">

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Component</th>
      <th>🥉 Minimum (1080p @ 30 FPS)</th>
      <th>🥈 Recommended (1080p @ 60 FPS)</th>
      <th>🥇 Best (1440p @ 60 FPS)</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <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)
        <br />
        <small><i>⚠️ Note: macOS Intel (x86) is not yet supported</i></small>
      </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><b>⚙️ CPU</b></td>
      <td>Intel i5-7500 / Ryzen 3 1200 / Apple M1</td>
      <td>Intel i5-10400 / Ryzen 5 3600 / Apple M2</td>
      <td>Intel i7-10700K / Ryzen 9 3800X / Apple M3</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><b>🧠 RAM</b></td>
      <td>8GB (Dedicated) / 12GB (iGPU)</td>
      <td>16 GB</td>
      <td>32 GB</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><b>🎮 GPU</b></td>
      <td>GTX 900 / RX 400 / UHD 620</td>
      <td>GTX 1060 / RX 580 / Iris Xe</td>
      <td>RTX 30 Series / RX 7000 Series</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><b>💾 Storage</b></td>
      <td>20 GB (SATA SSD)</td>
      <td>20 GB (NVMe SSD)</td>
      <td>50 GB+ (NVMe SSD)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><b>🌐 Network</b></td>
      <td>2 Mbit/s</td>
      <td>8 Mbit/s</td>
      <td>10+ Mbit/s</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

</div>

### 🪟 Windows Prequisites
* **Java JDK 25:** Download via [Adoptium](https://adoptium.net/temurin/releases/?version=25) or [Oracle](https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/downloads/#jdk25-windows)
* **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/)
* **ENABLE MULTIPLAYER:** // TODO MULTIPLAYER GUIDE; FIREWALL GUIDE AND SUCH

### 🐧 Linux Prequisites

> [!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).

* 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

---

## 📥 Installation

### 🪟 Windows
1. Make sure you have installed all [**Windows Prequisites**](https://github.com/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P/tree/main?tab=readme-ov-file#-windows-prequisites) above.
2. Download the latest `Hytale-F2P-Launcher.exe` from [**Releases**](https://github.com/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P/releases/latest/).
3. Run the EXE.
4. Launch from Desktop or Start menu.

### 🐧 Linux
1. Make sure you have installed all [**Linux Prequisites**](https://github.com/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P/tree/main?tab=readme-ov-file#-linux-prequisites) above.
2. Download the latest `Hytale-F2P-Launcher.AppImage` or any specific-packages in accordance with your distro from [**Releases**](https://github.com/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P/releases/latest/).
3. Give permission to the file (`chmod +x <filename>`).
4. Run the file by double-clicking, or via Terminal (`./<filename>`), or find it via Desktop/App Library.

### 🍎 macOS
1. Download .DMG file from the from [**Releases**](https://github.com/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P/releases/latest/).
2. Run the file.
3. If says "Apple could not verify ...", go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Scroll to bottom, find "Hytale F2P Launcher" > press Open Anyway.
4. Alterative: You can also use the .zip. // TODO: NEEDS MORE INFORMATION

---

# Server

## 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.

1. Open your Singleplayer World
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

> [!NOTE]
> Only Hytale-F2P-Server.rar file is needed to set it up on non-playing hardware (such as VPS/server hosting).
> Only HytaleServer.jar needed to use your "Server" folder made by the launcher to host local dedicated server.
> Use services like Playit.gg, Tailscale, Radmin VPN to share UDP connection if setting up router is not possible.

> [!IMPORTANT]
> See detailed information of setting up a server here: [SERVER.md](SERVER.md)

// TODO: Server.md would be used as a detailed information to avoid confuses)

---

## 🛠️ Building from Source

See [BUILD.md](BUILD.md) for comprehensive build instructions.

---

// TODO: this part needs to be written in dev notes

## 📌 Versioning Policy

**⚠️ Important: Semantic Versioning Required**

This project follows **strict semantic versioning** with **numerical versions only**:

- ✅ **Valid**: `2.0.1`, `2.0.11`, `2.1.0`, `3.0.0`
- ❌ **Invalid**: `2.0.2b`, `2.0.2a`, `2.0.1-beta`, `v2.0.2b`

**Format**: `MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH` (e.g., `2.0.11`)

- **MAJOR**: Breaking changes
- **MINOR**: New features (backward compatible)
- **PATCH**: Bug fixes (backward compatible)

**Why?** The auto-update system requires semantic versioning for proper version comparison. Letter suffixes (like `2.0.2b`) are not supported and will cause update detection issues.

---

## 📋 Changelog
// TODO: CHANGELOG SHOULD BE IN `CHANGELOG.MD`

### 🆕 v2.0.2b *(Minor Update: Performance & Utilities)*
- 🌎 **Language Translation** — A big welcome for Spanish 🇪🇸 and Portuguese (Brazil) 🇧🇷 players! **Language setting can be found in the bottom part of Settings pane.**
- 💻 **Laptop/Hybrid GPU Performance Issue Fix** — Added automatic GPU detection system and options to choose which GPU will be used for the game, *specifically for Linux users*.
- 👨‍💻 **In-App Logging** — Reporting bugs and issues to `Github Issues` tab or `Open A Ticket` channel in our Discord Server has been made easier for players, no more finding logs file manually.
- 🛠️ **Repair Button** — Your game's broken? One button will fix them, go to Settings pane to Repair your game in one-click, **without losing any data**. If doing so did not fix your issue, please report it to us immediately!
- 🐛 **Fixed Bugs** — Fixed issue [#84](https://github.com/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P/issues/84) where mods disappearing when game starts in previous launcher (v2.0.2a).

### 🆕 v2.0.2a *(Minor Update)*
- 🧑‍🚀 **Profiles System** — Added proper profile management: create, switch, and delete profiles. Each profile now has its own **isolated mod list**.
- 🔒 **Mod Isolation** — Fixed ModManager so mods are **strictly scoped to the active profile**. Browsing and installing now only affects the selected profile.
- 🚨 **Critical Path Fix** — Resolved a macOS bug where mods were being saved to a Windows path (`~/AppData/Local`) instead of `~/Library/Application Support`.
- 🛡️ **Stability Improvements** — Added an **auto-sync step before every launch** to ensure the physical mods folder always matches the active profile.
- 🎨 **UI Enhancements** — Added a **profile selector dropdown** and a **profile management modal**.

### 🆕 v2.0.2
- 🎮 **Discord RPC Integration** - Added Discord Rich Presence with toggle in settings (enabled by default)
- 🌐 **Cross-Platform Multiplayer** - Added multiplayer patch support for Windows, Linux, and macOS
- 🎨 **Chat Improvements** - Simplified chat color system
- 🏆 **Badge System Expansion** - Added new FOUNDER UUID to the badge system
- 🔧 **Progress Bar Fix** - Resolved issue where download progress bar stayed active after game launch
- 🐛 **Bug Fixes**: General fixes

### 🔄 v2.0.1
- 📊 **Advanced Logging System** - Complete logging with timestamps, file rotation, and session tracking
- 🔧 **Play Button Fix** - Resolved issue where play button could get stuck in "CHECKING..." state
- 💬 **Discord Integration** - Added closable Discord notification for community engagement
- 📁 **Game Location Access** - New "Open Game Location" button in settings for easy file access
- 🎯 **UI Polish** - Removed bounce animation from player counter for smoother experience
- 🛡️ **Stability Improvements** - Enhanced error handling and process lifecycle management
- ⚡ **Performance Optimizations** - Faster startup times and better resource management
- 🔄 **Timeout Protection** - Added safety timeouts to prevent launcher freezing

### 🔄 v2.0.0
- ✅ **Automatic Game Update System** - Smart version checking and seamless updates
- ✅ **Partial Automatic Launcher Update System** - This will inform you when I release a new update.
- 🛡️ **UserData Preservation** - Intelligent backup/restore of game saves during updates
- 🐧 **Enhanced Linux Support** - Full Wayland and X11 compatibility
- 🔄 **Multiplayer Auto-Install** - Automatic multiplayer client setup on updates (Windows)
- 📡 **API Integration** - Real-time version checking and client management
- 🎨 **UI Improvements** - Added contributor credits footer
- 🔄 **Complete Launcher Overhaul** - Total redesign of the launcher architecture and interface
- 🗂️ **Integrated Mod Manager** - Built-in mod installation, management
- 💬 **Community Chat System** - Real-time chat for launcher users to connect and communicate

### 🔧 v1.0.1
- 📁 **Custom Installation** - Choose installation directory with file browser
- 🏠 **Always on Top** - Launcher stays visible during installation
- 🧠 **Smart Detection** - Automatic game detection and UI adaptation
- 🗑️ **Uninstall Feature** - Easy game removal with one click
- 🔄 **Dynamic UI** - "INSTALL" vs "PLAY" button based on game state
- 🛠️ **Path Management** - Proper custom directory handling
- 💫 **UI Polish** - Improved layout and overflow prevention

### 🎉 v1.0.0 *(Initial Release)*
- 🎮 **Offline Gameplay** - Play Hytale without internet connection
- ⚡ **Auto Installation** - One-click game setup
- ☕ **Java Management** - Automatic Java runtime handling
- 🎨 **Modern Interface** - Clean, intuitive design
- 🌟 **First Release** - Core launcher functionality

---

## 👥 Contributors

<div align="center">

**Made with ❤️ by the community**

[![Contributors](https://contrib.rocks/image?repo=amiayweb/Hytale-F2P)](https://github.com/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P/graphs/contributors)

</div>

### 🏆 Project Creator
- [**@amiayweb**](https://github.com/amiayweb) - *Lead Developer & Project Creator | Windows*
- [**@Relyz1993**](https://github.com/Relyz1993) - *Server Helper & Second Developer & Project Creator*

### 🌟 Contributors
- [**@sanasol**](https://github.com/sanasol) - *Main Issues Fixer | Multiplayer Patcher | Beta Tester | macOS*
- [**@Terromur**](https://github.com/Terromur) - *Main Issues Fixer | Beta Tester | Windows & Linux*
- [**@fazrigading**](https://github.com/fazrigading) - *Main Issues Fixer | Beta Tester | Build Release Manager | Fedora*
- [**@ericiskoolbeans**](https://github.com/ericiskoolbeans) - *Beta Tester | OS*
- [**@chasem-dev**](https://github.com/chasem-dev) - *Issues Fixer | macOS*
- [**@crimera**](https://github.com/crimera) - *Issues Fixer | OS*
- [**@Citeli-py**](https://github.com/Citeli-py) - *Issues Fixer | OS*
- [**@Rahul-Sahani04**](https://github.com/Rahul-Sahani04) - *Issues Fixer | Beta Tester| Windows*

---

## 📊 GitHub Stats

<div align="center">

![GitHub stars](https://img.shields.io/github/stars/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P?style=for-the-badge&logo=github)
![GitHub forks](https://img.shields.io/github/forks/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P?style=for-the-badge&logo=github)
![GitHub issues](https://img.shields.io/github/issues/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P?style=for-the-badge&logo=github)
![GitHub downloads](https://img.shields.io/github/downloads/amiayweb/Hytale-F2P/total?style=for-the-badge&logo=github)

</div>


## 📞 Support

<div align="center">

**Need help?** Join us: https://discord.gg/gME8rUy3MB

</div>

---

## ⚖️ Legal Disclaimer

<div align="center">

⚠️ **Important Notice** ⚠️

</div>

This launcher is created for **educational purposes only**.

🏛️ **Not Official** - This is an independent fan project **not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with** Hypixel Studios or Hytale.

🛡️ **No Warranty** - This software is provided **"as is"** without any warranty of any kind.

📝 **Responsibility** - The authors take no responsibility for how this software is used.

🛑 **Takedown Policy** - If Hypixel Studios or Hytale requests removal, this project will be taken down immediately.

❤️ **Support Official** - Please support the official game by **purchasing** it legally when available.

---

<div align="center">

**⭐ Star this project if you found it helpful! ⭐**

*Made with ❤️ by [@amiayweb](https://github.com/amiayweb) and the legendary contributors with amazing community*
[![Star History Chart](https://api.star-history.com/svg?repos=amiayweb/Hytale-F2P&type=date&legend=top-left)](https://www.star-history.com/#amiayweb/Hytale-F2P&type=date&legend=top-left)
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