Why should you reward players for voting?

Running a successful Hytale server isn't just about building a great world, it's about getting people to see it. Server lists like Hytale-Servers.pro usually rank servers based on their vote count. The math is simple: More votes = Higher ranking = More new players.

But why would a player take the time to vote? That's where Vote Rewards come in. By giving your players in-game items, currency, or special perks when they vote, you create a powerful incentive loop that grows your community automatically.

In this guide, we will show you exactly how to set up the two most popular voting plugins: HyVote and HyVotifier.

Understanding the Basics (Simplified)

You might hear technical terms like "Votifier V2 Protocol." Don't worry, you don't need to be a coder to understand this.

Think of it like a secure handshake:

1. The Website: When a player votes on Hytale-Servers.pro, our site says, "Hey, Player X just voted!"
2. The Plugin: Your server's plugin (HyVote or HyVotifier) hears this and says, "Great, thanks for the info!"
3. The Reward: The plugin then automatically gives Player X their reward in-game.

Below, we'll guide you through setting this up for both major plugins.

Option 1: Setting up HyVote

Best for: Beginners looking for an easy, all-in-one solution.

HyVote is fantastic because it works right out of the box with minimal fuss. It allows for colored messages, vote menus, and even reminders for players who haven't voted yet.

Step 1: Install the Plugin

1. Download the latest version of HyVote from CurseForge.
2. Navigate to your server's mods folder.
3. Drag and drop the .jar file you downloaded into that folder.
4. Restart your server. This generates the necessary configuration files.

Step 2: Configure Hytale-Servers.pro

Before you edit your server files, let's get your server listing ready to talk to your server.

1. Log in and go to your Server Dashboard. Then press the "Edit" button on your server.
2. Navigate to the Vote Rewards panel.
3. Set the protocol to Votifier V2.
4. Fill in the details:
   • IP Address: Your server's actual IP.
   • Port: 8192 (This is the default for HyVote).
   • Secret: Click the Refresh Icon to generate a unique secret key.

     Important: Copy this "Secret" key now. You will need it for the next step!

5. Click Save.

Step 3: Configure the Plugin

Now we need to tell your server to trust Hytale-Servers.pro.

1. Go to your server's mods folder and find the folder named Hytalist_HyVote.
2. Open the config.json file with a text editor (like Notepad or VS Code).
3. Find the section labeled "CustomTokens".
4. Add your secret key as shown below. Replace PASTE_YOUR_SECRET_KEY_HERE with the key you copied earlier.

Your config should look like this:

{
  "Port": 8192,
  "Token": "X0HpLVO5JtFXTIa7QS2EwbEDXv",
  "DisableV1Protocol": false,
  "BroadcastMessage": true,
  "BroadcastMessages": [
    "<green>%player%</green> <gray>has voted on</gray> <aqua>%service%</aqua> <gray>and received <yellow>rewards</yellow>!</gray>"
  ],
  "CustomTokens": {
    "HytaleServersPro": "PASTE_YOUR_SECRET_KEY_HERE"
  }
}

1. Save the file and restart your server.
2. Go back to your dashboard and click Send Test Vote to verify it works!

Option 2: Setting up HyVotifier

Best for: Advanced users or Server Networks needing vote forwarding.

HyVotifier is a powerhouse. It supports complex features like forwarding votes across multiple servers (great for networks), playing custom sounds, and displaying on-screen notifications.

Step 1: Install the Plugin

1. Download HyVotifier from CurseForge.
2. Drop the .jar file into your server's mods folder.
3. Restart your server to complete the installation.

Step 2: Configure Hytale-Servers.pro

1. Go to your Server Dashboard, edit your server and find the Vote Rewards panel.
2. Set protocol to Votifier V2.
3. Fill in the details:
   • IP Address: Your server IP.
   • Port: 8192 (Default).
   • Secret: Click the refresh icon to generate your key. Copy this key.
4. Click Save.

Step 3: Configure the Plugin

1. In your server's mods folder, find the directory HSL_Votifier.
2. Open config.json.
3. Locate the "Tokens" section.
4. Add your website key here.

Your config should look like this:

{
  "BindHost": "0.0.0.0",
  "BindPort": 8192,
  "DisableV1Protocol": false,
  "Tokens": {
    "HytaleServersPro": "PASTE_YOUR_SECRET_KEY_HERE"
  }
}

1. Save the file and restart your server.
2. Use the Send Test Vote button on your dashboard to ensure connections are working.

Troubleshooting: What if it doesn't work?

If you pressed "Test Vote" and nothing happened, don't panic! Here are the most common issues for non-technical users:

• Port Forwarding: The most common issue is that the port (usually 8192 or 8193) isn't open. You may need to log into your router or host panel and "Forward" this port so the vote signal can get through.
• The Firewall: Ensure your server's firewall isn't blocking the connection.
• JSON Errors: If you missed a comma , or a quotation mark " in your config file, the plugin won't load. You can use an online "JSON Validator" to check your code if you aren't sure.

Next Steps

Congratulations! You've just set up a system that will passively grow your player base.

Now that the technical part is done, it's time to get creative. Check the documentation for your chosen plugin to learn how to add Random Rewards (like a 1% chance to win a rare sword) or Vote Streaks to keep players coming back every day.

Ready to get more players? Check your server ranking on Hytale-Servers.pro now!