Tailscale Setup Guide for Hytale

Tailscale creates a secure peer-to-peer VPN network that bypasses NAT, CGNAT, and firewall restrictions. It's the perfect solution when share codes don't work for playing Hytale with friends.

What is Tailscale?

Tailscale is a zero-configuration VPN service built on WireGuard that creates a secure network between your devices. Unlike traditional VPNs, Tailscale creates direct peer-to-peer connections when possible, offering:

NAT Traversal: Works through most router and firewall configurations
CGNAT Bypass: No need for public IP or port forwarding
Encrypted: WireGuard encryption for all traffic
Zero Configuration: Automatic setup, no manual networking required
Free for Personal Use: Up to 100 devices at no cost

Why Tailscale Works: Hytale automatically detects Tailscale addresses and includes them in share codes as high-priority connection candidates. This means you can use share codes as normal, and they'll connect through Tailscale.

Installing Tailscale

Both you and your friends need to install Tailscale. The process is simple and takes less than 5 minutes per person.

Windows Installation

Visit tailscale.com/download
Click Download for Windows
Run the installer (tailscale-setup.exe)
Click through the installation wizard (default settings are fine)
When prompted, sign in with your preferred account:
- Google
- Microsoft
- GitHub
- Email
Click Connect to join your Tailscale network

Verify Installation:

Look for the Tailscale icon in your system tray (near the clock). It should show as connected.

Your Tailscale IP will be something like 100.x.x.x

Linux Installation

Ubuntu/Debian:

curl -fsSL https://tailscale.com/install.sh | sh
sudo tailscale up

Fedora/CentOS/RHEL:

curl -fsSL https://tailscale.com/install.sh | sh
sudo tailscale up

Arch Linux:

sudo pacman -S tailscale
sudo systemctl enable --now tailscaled
sudo tailscale up

macOS Installation

Visit tailscale.com/download
Click Download for macOS
Open the .pkg file and follow installation steps
Sign in with your account when prompted
Allow system permissions when requested

Using Tailscale with Hytale

Step 1: Both Players Install Tailscale

Make sure both you and your friend have installed Tailscale and are signed in to the same "tailnet" (your Tailscale network). If you used the same sign-in method (e.g., both using Google), you're automatically on the same network.

Step 2: Share Your World (Host)

Launch Hytale and load your world
Press ESC → Online Play
Toggle "Allow Other Players to Join" to ON
Important: Re-save your settings after connecting to Tailscale
The share code will now include your Tailscale address (100.x.x.x)
Copy and send the share code to your friend

Critical: If you connect to Tailscale after generating a share code, you must re-save your Online Play settings to generate a new code that includes Tailscale addresses.

Step 3: Join via Share Code (Friend)

Make sure you're connected to Tailscale
In Hytale, go to Servers → Join via Code
Paste the share code
Click Connect

Hytale will try connection candidates in priority order. Tailscale addresses have high priority (1000), so they'll be attempted first.

Troubleshooting Tailscale Connection

Problem: Share Code Doesn't Include Tailscale Address

Symptom: Checking the share code structure, you don't see any 100.x.x.x addresses listed in candidates.

Solution 1: Re-generate Code

Make sure Tailscale is running and connected, then re-save your Online Play settings to generate a fresh share code.

Solution 2: Check Connection

Open Tailscale and verify you're connected. The icon should show green.

Solution 3: Restart Hytale

Close Hytale completely, ensure Tailscale is running, then relaunch Hytale and try again.

Problem: Can't See Friend in Tailscale Network

Symptom: You're both connected to Tailscale but can't see each other's devices.

Solution 1: Same Account

Make sure you both signed into Tailscale with the same account provider (e.g., both using Google). Or, one person can share their tailnet by going to Tailscale admin console → Settings → Sharing.

Solution 2: Approve Devices

Go to Tailscale Admin Console and make sure all devices are approved and connected.

Problem: Connection Still Fails

Symptom: Tailscale address is in share code but connection still times out.

Solution 1: Firewall

Allow Hytale through Windows Firewall for both Private and Public networks.

Solution 2: Use Relay

Tailscale falls back to DERP relay servers if direct connection fails. This adds latency but works in nearly all cases. Make sure relay is enabled in Tailscale settings.

Advanced Tailscale Features

MagicDNS (Easy Device Names)

MagicDNS allows you to use device names instead of IP addresses. Enable it in Tailscale settings, and you can connect to devices like mypc.tailnet.ts.net instead of 100.x.x.x.

Subnet Routing (Access LAN)

Subnet routing lets you access devices on someone's local network through Tailscale. Useful for server hosting or accessing other machines remotely.

Tailscale SSH

Built-in SSH support for remote access to Linux servers. Perfect for managing dedicated Hytale servers remotely.

Performance Considerations

Direct vs Relay Connections

Tailscale tries to establish direct peer-to-peer connections when possible:

Direct Connection: Best performance, lowest latency (typically adds <5ms)
Relay (DERP) Connection: Falls back when direct fails, adds 20-100ms depending on location

Check connection status in Tailscale admin console to see if you're using direct or relay connections.

Optimizing for Gaming

Close bandwidth-heavy applications while playing
Use wired connections instead of Wi-Fi when possible
Place both players in the same Tailscale region if available
Disable unnecessary background apps

Tailscale vs Port Forwarding vs Dedicated Server

Method	Pros	Cons
Tailscale	Works everywhere, no router config, encrypted, free	Requires installation, slight latency overhead
Port Forwarding	Direct connection, no extra software	Doesn't work with CGNAT, complex setup, security risk
Dedicated Server	24/7 uptime, best performance, no host dependency	Monthly cost, requires maintenance

Tailscale FAQ

Q: Is Tailscale really free?

Yes, Tailscale is free for personal use with up to 100 devices. Perfect for gaming with friends. Businesses and larger teams have paid plans.

Q: Does Tailscale slow down my internet?

Minimal impact. Direct connections add ~5ms latency. Relay connections can add 20-100ms depending on server location. Your regular internet speed is unaffected.

Q: Can I use Tailscale for other games?

Absolutely! Tailscale works for any multiplayer game or application. It's commonly used for Minecraft, Terraria, and many other games with LAN/direct connect options.

Q: Is Tailscale secure?

Yes, Tailscale uses WireGuard encryption (modern, audited cryptography) and implements zero-trust networking principles. All traffic is encrypted end-to-end.

Q: Do we all need to use the same login method?

Not necessarily. One person can invite others to their tailnet, or you can use Tailscale's sharing features to allow access between different accounts.