---
title: Prerequisites
type: docs
weight: 1
---

Before you start developing Hytale plugins, you need to set up your development environment.

## Java 25

Hytale plugins require **Java 25** or later. Download and install the JDK from:

- [Eclipse Temurin](https://adoptium.net/) (Recommended)
- [Oracle JDK](https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/downloads/)

Verify your installation:

```bash
java --version
# Should output: openjdk 25.x.x or similar
```

## Gradle

Hytale plugins use **Gradle** as the build system. You can either:

1. Use the Gradle Wrapper (recommended) - included in the project template
2. Install Gradle globally from [gradle.org](https://gradle.org/install/)

## IDE (Optional)

We recommend using one of these IDEs:

{{< tabs items="IntelliJ IDEA,Eclipse,VS Code" >}}
{{< tab >}}
**IntelliJ IDEA** (Recommended)

1. Download [IntelliJ IDEA](https://www.jetbrains.com/idea/) (Community or Ultimate)
2. Open your plugin project folder
3. IntelliJ will automatically detect the Gradle project
4. Wait for the project to sync

{{< /tab >}}
{{< tab >}}
**Eclipse**

1. Download [Eclipse IDE for Java Developers](https://www.eclipse.org/downloads/)
2. Install the Buildship Gradle Integration plugin
3. Import as a Gradle project

{{< /tab >}}
{{< tab >}}
**VS Code**

1. Install [VS Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/)
2. Install the Extension Pack for Java
3. Install the Gradle for Java extension
4. Open the project folder

{{< /tab >}}
{{< /tabs >}}

## Hytale Game

You need the Hytale game installed:

1. Download and install the [Hytale Launcher](https://hytale.com/)
2. Launch the game at least once to download all files

## Next Steps

Once your environment is set up, proceed to [Building and Running](../building-and-running) to set up the server and build your first plugin.
