Hytale Early Access: Everything Launching on January 13, 2026

After one of gaming’s most dramatic comeback stories, Hytale is finally launching into early access on January 13, 2026. What started as a cancellation in June 2025 has transformed into a community-driven revival, with original founder Simon Collins-Laflamme buying back the rights from Riot Games and returning to the game’s original vision.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Hytale’s early access launch, from pricing and features to system requirements and what players should realistically expect on day one.

The Dramatic Journey to Launch

Hytale’s path to release reads like a Hollywood script. Development began in 2015 by Hypixel Studios, the team behind Minecraft’s most popular server network. When the announcement trailer dropped in December 2018, it exploded across the internet, accumulating over 60 million views and becoming one of the year’s most-watched game trailers.

Riot Games acquired Hypixel Studios in 2020, investing heavily to expand the game’s scope. However, this expansion proved problematic. The studio decided to completely rewrite the game engine in 2021, transitioning from Java to C++ for cross-platform capabilities. This decision, while technically ambitious, essentially restarted development and led to years of silence.

By June 2025, Riot Games made the difficult decision to cancel Hytale and close Hypixel Studios. The gaming community mourned what seemed like the death of a promising project.

Then came the resurrection. In November 2025, Simon Collins-Laflamme (known as “Hypixel” in the Minecraft community) reacquired the intellectual property and studio assets. He rehired over 30 original developers and made a crucial decision: abandon the new engine and return to the 4-year-old build that existed before Riot’s overhaul. This version was closer to the original vision shown in the 2018 trailer and, critically, was much further along in development.

Within weeks of the buyback, the team announced an early access release date and began showing gameplay footage. The speed of this turnaround shocked the community—from cancellation to confirmed launch in just seven months.

Early Access Launch Details

Release Date and Pre-Orders

Early Access Launch: January 13, 2026
Pre-Order Start Date: December 13, 2025

Pre-orders opened exactly one month before launch, giving players the opportunity to secure their preferred usernames. Since Hytale uses a unique username system without discriminators (no “#1234” suffixes like Discord), popular names will disappear quickly.

Platform Availability

Hytale launches exclusively on PC (Windows) for early access. The developers are working on Mac and Linux support, which will arrive later during the early access period. Console versions (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) are not planned for the initial launch.

Notably, Hytale will not be available on Steam at launch. This unconventional decision stems from the developers’ desire to focus on their dedicated community rather than exposing an unfinished product to Steam’s review system. Executive Director Patrick Derbic explained: “We want to spend our time in Early Access working with the community and improving the game, rather than overindexing on negative reviews from players that aren’t as well-informed yet.”

This strategy makes sense given the game’s built-in audience of millions who signed up for beta testing over the years. By launching through their official website at https://store.hytale.com/, the team can control the narrative and work directly with players who understand the early access nature of the product.

Pricing and Editions

Hytale offers three pricing tiers for early access, each providing full access to the game with additional cosmetic rewards at higher tiers:

Standard Edition – $19.99 USD

Full Hytale early access
Username reservation
3 exclusive outfit sets (Forest Guardian, Voyager, Savanna Scout)
Standard cape designs
Full access to modding tools and multiplayer

Supporter Edition – $34.99 USD

Everything from Standard Edition
3 additional outfit sets (Featherbound, Scavenger, Arctic Scout)
Exclusive Supporter capes
Explorer Goggles cosmetic

Cursebreaker Edition – $69.99 USD

Everything from Standard and Supporter Editions
3 premium outfit sets (Hope of Gaia, Void Hero, Pop Star)
Exclusive Cursebreaker capes
Founder status recognition

All cosmetic items provide no gameplay advantages—they’re purely visual. The developers emphasized that higher-tier editions simply support the studio’s independence while offering unique customization options.

Players can upgrade between editions later by paying only the price difference, so starting with the Standard Edition doesn’t lock you out of supporter content permanently.

The $19.99 base price represents Simon’s commitment to accessibility. He stated: “I’m setting the price as low as I can. This decision comes with significant personal risk after I bought back the game and prepared it for early access with a talented team that has now grown to 50 members.”

Regional pricing is planned but may not be available at launch, arriving either during early access or with the full 1.0 release.

Game Modes and Features at Launch

Exploration Mode

Exploration Mode serves as the primary gameplay experience at launch, functioning as a temporary placeholder while the full Adventure Mode is developed. This mode contains the core survival mechanics players expect:

Procedurally generated world across multiple biomes
Resource gathering and crafting systems
Combat against hostile mobs and creatures
Base building and construction
Basic progression through gear upgrades
Multiplayer support with friends

The world is structured around zones rather than infinite generation. At launch, players will explore three main zones:

Emerald Grove (Zone 1) – A temperate starting zone with lush forests, rolling hills, rivers, and peaceful meadows. This beginner-friendly area features the Kweebec faction, friendly NPCs who inhabit mushroom-covered marshlands.
Howling Sands (Zone 2) – A harsh desert environment with scorching dunes, rocky mesas, hidden oases, and deep canyons. Difficulty increases significantly here, with more dangerous creatures and environmental challenges.
Borea (Zone 3) – The frozen northern zone featuring boreal forests, massive glaciers, ice-covered mountains, and bioluminescent underground caves. This high-difficulty area is home to the Outlanders faction and requires preparation to survive.

Each zone features unique biomes, creatures, resources, and challenges. The zone-based structure creates natural progression, encouraging players to establish themselves in the Emerald Grove before venturing into more dangerous territories.

Creative Mode

Creative Mode offers powerful world-building tools that go far beyond Minecraft’s creative mode. This comprehensive toolset is designed for both casual builders and advanced creators:

Flight System:

Fully customizable flight controls
Adjustable speed settings
Hovering or directional flight modes
Configurable inertia for smooth or precise movement

Advanced Building Tools:

Shape Brushes – Generate instant geometric volumes (spheres, pyramids, cones, cubes) with customizable materials and density
Selection Tools – Copy, paste, and transform large areas
Rulers and Measurement Tools – Precise placement for architectural projects
Terrain Sculpting – Paint grass, create paths, add ruins, modify landscapes
Prefab Editor – Browse and place pre-made structures
Model Importer – Import custom 3D models directly into your world

Additional Features:

Smart help menu with tutorials
Quick settings panel for instant adjustments
NPC browser to populate your world with characters
Unlimited resources and invincibility
Scriptable brushes for custom effects

The Creative Mode tools blur the line between playing and game development. Players can create assets that rival official content quality, making it ideal for building minigame servers, adventure maps, and custom experiences.

Modding and Multiplayer

Modding represents one of Hytale’s core pillars, with official support from day one. The development team designed most game systems to be modifiable, including blocks, items, NPCs, world generation, UI elements, and gameplay logic.

Modding Tools Available at Launch:

Blockbench Plugin – Official 3D modeling tool for creating custom blocks, items, characters, and creatures with full animation support
Hytale Asset Publisher – Data resource publisher for most asset types (some limitations on NPCs and world generation initially)
Java Plugin API – Deep modification capabilities for server-side logic, custom minigames, economies, commands, and game mechanics
Visual Studio Code Integration – JSON configuration files for data-driven content

The modding ecosystem uses Java for plugin development, allowing experienced modders to create everything from quality-of-life improvements to complete gameplay overhauls. The system works in both single-player and multiplayer, meaning mods can transform the entire experience.

Multiplayer Features:

Player-hosted servers from launch
Built-in invite and join systems (no complex port forwarding required)
Dedicated server support for 24/7 hosting
Private worlds with friends
Community servers with custom rules and mods

No official Hypixel-style minigame servers will be available at launch. The development team is focusing resources on the core sandbox experience first. However, the community can create their own versions of popular minigames like Bedwars using the modding tools.

Character Customization

Character customization allows players to express their unique identity in Hytale’s world. The system features:

Extensive wardrobe options with outfit sets
Cosmetic accessories (capes, goggles, equipment pieces)
Fantasy species traits (elf ears, demon horns, etc.)
Dynamic layering system for mixing equipment styles
Animations tied to character appearances

The cosmetics from the Supporter and Cursebreaker editions integrate into this system, providing exclusive visual options that stand out in multiplayer environments.

System Requirements

Hytale is designed to run on a wide range of PC hardware, similar to Minecraft Java Edition’s accessibility. The developers provided unusually detailed requirements with specific performance targets:

Minimum Requirements (30 FPS @ 1080p Low Settings)

Operating System: 64-bit Windows 10 (version 1809) or Windows 11
Processor: Intel Core i5-7500 OR AMD Ryzen 3 1200 (or equivalent)
Memory:
- Singleplayer with dedicated GPU: 8 GB RAM
- Singleplayer with integrated GPU: 12 GB RAM
- Multiplayer-only: 8 GB RAM
Graphics Card:
- Integrated: Intel UHD Graphics 620 or AMD Radeon Vega 6
- Dedicated: NVIDIA GTX 900 Series, AMD Radeon 400 Series, or Intel Arc A-Series
Storage: SATA SSD with 20 GB free space
Network: 2 Mbit/s connection for multiplayer (UDP/QUIC compatible)
Additional: Graphics card must support OpenGL 4.1 (Vulkan 1.3 and DirectX 12 support may be required in future updates)

Recommended Requirements (60 FPS @ 1080p High Settings)

Operating System: 64-bit Windows 10 (version 1809) or Windows 11
Processor: Intel Core i5-10400 OR AMD Ryzen 5 3600 (or equivalent)
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics Card:
- Integrated: Intel Iris Xe Graphics or AMD Radeon 660M
- Dedicated: NVIDIA GTX 900 Series, AMD Radeon 400 Series, or Intel Arc A-Series
Storage: NVMe SSD with 20 GB free space
Network: 8 Mbit/s connection for multiplayer

Streaming/Recording Setup (60 FPS @ 1440p)

Processor: Intel Core i7-10700K OR AMD Ryzen 7 3800X (or equivalent)
Memory: 32 GB RAM
Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX 30 Series, AMD Radeon RX 7000 Series, or Intel Arc A-Series
Storage: NVMe SSD with at least 20 GB free space
Network: 8+ Mbit/s connection

These requirements are refreshingly honest and specific. The developers note that optimization is an ongoing process during early access, so performance may improve over time. The relatively modest requirements mean most modern gaming PCs should handle Hytale comfortably.

What to Realistically Expect at Launch

Simon Collins-Laflamme and the development team have been remarkably transparent about early access expectations, repeatedly emphasizing that the game “isn’t good yet.” This honest communication is crucial for setting realistic expectations.

The State of the Game

Hytale’s early access build is based on the version from four years ago, before Riot’s engine overhaul. While this build is more stable and feature-complete than starting from scratch, it has significant limitations:

Expected Issues:

Frequent bugs and crashes (especially in the first weeks)
Missing textures and visual placeholders
Unbalanced gameplay systems (combat, progression, economy)
Incomplete features and rough edges throughout
Performance issues on some hardware configurations
Limited content compared to the final vision

The development team has openly stated that the game is not a finished product. Simon’s message has been consistent: “If you don’t feel comfortable pre-ordering or participating in Early Access, please don’t.”

Why Launch in This State?

The early release serves multiple purposes:

Financial Sustainability – The studio needs revenue to fund continued development as an independent company
Community Feedback – Real player data helps identify problems and prioritize features
Momentum – After seven years of development and a cancellation, getting something playable into players’ hands restores faith
Transparency – Showing the actual state builds trust with the community

Development Roadmap

The team has outlined their immediate post-launch priorities:

First Week:

Initial bug-fixing patch addressing critical crashes
Server stability improvements
Performance optimization based on player hardware data

Early Access Phase (Multi-Year):

Regular content updates adding features, biomes, and systems
Gradual integration of the full Adventure Mode narrative
Expansion of modding capabilities
Official minigames (Bedwars-style modes) after core game is solid
Additional zones beyond the initial three
Console port development (after PC version stabilizes)
Steam release (when the game reaches a more polished state)

The developers view early access as a collaborative journey with the community. Player feedback will directly influence development priorities, similar to how Minecraft evolved during its alpha/beta phases.

Comparison to Minecraft’s Early Days

Many community members have drawn parallels to Minecraft’s alpha phase, which launched with minimal content but grew into a global phenomenon. Minecraft Alpha featured:

Only basic blocks and items
No beds (couldn’t skip night)
No sprinting or hunger system
Limited crafting recipes
Rough graphics and frequent bugs

Despite these limitations, players enjoyed building, exploring, and watching the game evolve. Hytale launches with significantly more features than Minecraft’s early versions: structured zones, multiple game modes, official modding support, dedicated servers, and advanced creative tools.

The key difference is expectations. In 2010, Minecraft was an unknown indie project. Hytale carries years of hype and a high-profile development history. Managing expectations is crucial for community satisfaction.

Hytale vs. Minecraft: Key Differences

While visual similarities exist, Hytale diverges from Minecraft in fundamental ways:

Core Design Philosophy

Minecraft: Pure sandbox with player-driven experiences. No structured progression or official story. Freedom to create your own goals.

Hytale: RPG-sandbox hybrid with curated narrative content. Structured progression through zones with increasing difficulty. Adventure Mode offers quests, bosses, and story while maintaining sandbox elements.

Combat Systems

Minecraft: Simple combat with attack timing and shields. Functional but not the focus.

Hytale: Action-RPG combat with:

Weapon-specific movesets (hammers play differently than daggers)
Dodge rolls and mobility mechanics
Combo attacks for bonus damage
Intelligent enemy AI that flanks and uses tactics
Full magic system with elemental spells

Technical Foundation

Minecraft Java: 15-year-old Java engine with community optimization mods (Optifine, Sodium) required for good performance. Limited render distance. No official modding API.

Hytale: Modern C++ engine built for contemporary hardware. Native optimization with 64+ chunk render distances. Official modding API from launch. Designed for cross-platform play.

World Structure

Minecraft: Infinite procedural generation with repeating biomes. Generic villages and basic structures.

Hytale: Zone-based world with unique biomes per zone. Hand-crafted dungeons and ruins. NPC factions with politics and interactions. Exploration feels more curated and rewarding.

Both games have their strengths. Minecraft excels as a pure creative sandbox with unmatched longevity and cultural impact. Hytale aims to provide more structured adventure content while maintaining creative freedom.

Creator Code Program

Hytale launched a Creator Code revenue-sharing program to support content creators who help build the community. This system allows players to support their favorite YouTubers, streamers, and content creators when purchasing the game.

How It Works

Content creators apply by emailing creators@hytale.com with information about their Hytale-related content
Approved creators receive a unique code (e.g., “code:Prowl8413”)
Players enter the code at checkout
Creators receive 5% of the purchase price

The percentage starts at 5% but will increase as the studio becomes more financially stable and recoups the acquisition costs. Simon mentioned that Hypixel’s previous creator program has distributed over $3 million to creators, showing serious commitment to this model.

Who Can Apply:

YouTubers and streamers producing Hytale content
Modders developing tools and resources
Artists and designers creating Hytale-related work
Community builders running discords, forums, or fan sites
Even creators who plan to make Hytale content but haven’t started yet

The vetting process takes time, so early applications are recommended for those interested in participating from launch.

Should You Pre-Order?

The decision to pre-order Hytale depends on your expectations and tolerance for bugs:

Pre-Order If You:

Want to support the independent development team
Enjoyed Minecraft’s early alpha/beta days and understand “true early access”
Desire a specific username and need to reserve it early
Plan to create mods, servers, or content from day one
Are excited to watch the game evolve and provide feedback
Can tolerate crashes, bugs, and incomplete features

Wait If You:

Want a polished, complete experience
Have little patience for technical issues and frequent bugs
Expect feature parity with the 2018 trailer immediately
Prefer to wait for reviews and community feedback
Are unsure about the game’s direction or your interest level

The developers have been admirably honest about the state of early access. This isn’t a marketing stunt—the game genuinely has rough edges and missing content. However, for players who enjoy being part of a game’s development journey, early access offers a unique opportunity to shape Hytale’s future.

The $19.99 price point is deliberately low to reduce risk for players willing to participate. Even if the current build has issues, the price reflects that reality.

How to Prepare for Launch

For players planning to jump into Hytale on January 13, 2026, here’s how to prepare:

Pre-Launch Checklist

Verify System Requirements – Check that your PC meets at least minimum specs. Upgrade RAM or install an SSD if needed.
Create a Hytale Account – Register at https://accounts.hytale.com before the rush. This speeds up the purchase process.
Reserve Your Username – Pre-order to lock in your desired name. Popular options will disappear within hours of pre-orders opening.
Join the Community – Connect with other players through:
- Official Hytale Discord
- r/HytaleInfo subreddit
- Hytale community forums
- Content creator discords
Learn the Modding Tools – If interested in creating content:
- Download Blockbench and the Hytale plugin
- Study Java basics for plugin development
- Explore Visual Studio Code for JSON editing
- Review official documentation
Find Server Hosts – If planning to run a server, research hosting providers offering Hytale support (many Minecraft hosts are adding it)
Plan Your Launch Day – The servers may experience issues on January 13 due to high traffic. Expect potential download delays or authentication problems during peak hours (launch time: 7 AM PST / 10 AM EST / 3 PM GMT).
Manage Expectations – Remember that early access means bugs, crashes, and incomplete features. Patience will be essential.

Content Creator Opportunities

For YouTubers, streamers, and content creators, Hytale’s launch represents a massive opportunity. The game arrives with years of built-up interest but limited current content, creating a “land rush” for establishing yourself in the niche.

Content Ideas for Launch:

Getting started guides and tutorials
Zone exploration and discovery series
Creative building showcases
Modding tutorials and asset creation
Server gameplay with communities
Combat tips and strategy guides
Comparison videos with Minecraft
Bug compilations and funny moments
Theory crafting about future content

Apply for a creator code early to monetize your content from day one. Even small channels can participate and grow alongside the game’s development.

The Future of Hytale

Early access is just the beginning of Hytale’s journey. The development team has outlined an ambitious long-term vision:

Planned Features (Post-Launch)

Full Adventure Mode – Complete narrative campaign with scripted quests and story progression
Additional Zones – Zones 4 (Devastated Lands), 5, and 6 from the original trailer
Official Minigames – Hypixel-style competitive modes once the core game is stable
Console Versions – PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch ports
Mobile Version – Cross-platform play across all devices
Expanded Modding – More systems open to modification
Ocean Content – Deep ocean exploration with unique biomes and challenges
NPC Faction Systems – More complex political relationships and questlines
Housing and Economy – Player-driven markets and property systems

The roadmap remains flexible based on community feedback and development realities. The team learned from Riot’s mistake of over-promising, so they’re setting conservative expectations while working toward their ambitious vision.

Community-Driven Development

One of Hytale’s strongest advantages is its dedicated community. Millions signed up for beta testing over the years, and the resurrection of the project has rekindled enthusiasm. The developers are positioning early access as a collaborative process where player feedback directly influences priorities.

This approach worked for Minecraft, Terraria, and other successful sandbox games. By releasing early and iterating publicly, the team can avoid developing features nobody wants while focusing on community requests.

Final Thoughts

Hytale’s early access launch on January 13, 2026, marks the end of one of gaming’s most dramatic development sagas and the beginning of a new chapter. From the ashes of cancellation, Simon Collins-Laflamme and the original team have revived their passion project, returning to the vision that captured millions of players’ imaginations.

The key to enjoying Hytale’s early access is managing expectations. This is not a finished game competing with Minecraft’s 15 years of development. It’s a work-in-progress with bugs, missing features, and rough edges. But for players who remember Minecraft’s alpha days—or missed that opportunity—Hytale offers a chance to be part of building something special from the ground up.

The $19.99 entry point removes much of the financial risk, while the honest communication about the game’s state shows respect for players’ time and money. Whether you pre-order or wait for later updates, Hytale’s journey will be worth watching.

For those jumping in on January 13, prepare for crashes, bugs, and incomplete systems. But also prepare for moments of discovery, creative expression, and community building. The rough edges will be polished over time, but the experience of shaping Hytale’s development alongside thousands of other players is available only now.

Welcome to Orbis. The adventure begins January 13, 2026.

Quick Reference: Hytale Early Access at a Glance

Release Date: January 13, 2026
Pre-Order Date: December 13, 2025
Platform: PC (Windows), Mac/Linux later
Price: $19.99 – $69.99 (three editions)
Purchase Location: https://store.hytale.com/
System Requirements: Similar to Minecraft, SSD recommended

Available at Launch:

Exploration Mode (survival gameplay)
Creative Mode (advanced building tools)
Three zones (Emerald Grove, Howling Sands, Borea)
Full modding support
Player-hosted multiplayer servers
Character customization