For years Hytale has been one of the most anticipated sandbox games in history. Now its launch path is official: preorders started on December 13, 2025, and Early Access goes live on January 13, 2026 for PC. Alongside these dates, Hypixel Studios has shared new details about the game’s development history, editions, features like Creative Mode, and answers to community questions about platforms, upgrades, and more.
Interest is especially strong from players planning to run their own Hytale server, and from communities preparing for Hytale server hosting at launch.
Below is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know.
What Is Hytale?
Hytale is a sandbox adventure game created by Hypixel Studios, designed to blend creative building, RPG-style exploration, and powerful modding tools into one unified experience. Often described as the “next evolution of block-based sandbox games,” Hytale gives players complete freedom to explore vast biomes, fight enemies, craft equipment, build cities, or create their own custom game modes.
Some of the game features:
- An open world filled with handcrafted zones, dungeons, creatures, and secrets
- Deep creative tools for building, scripting, and world editing
- A flexible combat system with melee, ranged, and magic abilities
- Full modding support, allowing players to create everything from small tweaks to entirely new games
- Multiplayer and server support, enabling public, private, or heavily customized Hytale servers
- A dedicated Creative Mode, letting players design environments freely without restrictions
A Short History of Hytale’s Long-Awaited Launch
Hytale’s journey to release has been anything but ordinary. Development began years ago when members of the Hypixel team set out to build a sandbox game without the limitations they experienced in Minecraft. The project gained massive attention in 2019 when the reveal trailer went viral and instantly positioned Hytale as one of the most anticipated games in the genre.
Behind the scenes, development became challenging. Hypixel Studios was acquired by Riot Games in 2020, which brought additional resources but also increased the game’s scope. By early 2025, the project reached a breaking point, and Hytale was almost canceled under Riot’s leadership.
In a surprising turn, Hytale’s founders regained control of the studio in mid-2025. Their update titled “Hytale Is Saved” confirmed that development would continue independently with a clearer, more realistic plan. Since then, the team has focused on transparency, sharing major updates including the first FAQ, Creative Mode previews, and technical details about servers and modding.
Now Hytale is finally approaching release after one of the most eventful development cycles in the sandbox genre. It is built to support both casual players and advanced creators. Whether you want to explore, battle, build, script, or run a multiplayer community, Hytale offers a platform where creativity thrives. It aims to capture the freedom of classic sandbox games while giving players modern tools to push their ideas even further.
Preorder Phase Open Now
Hytale preorders started on December 13, 2025, giving players the opportunity to purchase Early Access and secure their place in the game’s first wave of players. These preorders include the ability to reserve usernames ahead of launch, a key step for community creators and server owners.
Early Access access via preorder is essential for players who want to explore the game early, start modding, and prepare their Hytale servers for launch day.
Hytale Early Access Pricing Tiers
According to community-shared information that originated from official statements and social posts, Hytale Early Access will feature three pricing tiers:
- Standard Edition — $19.99 USD
The base Early Access purchase that gives players full access to the game on PC plus 3 themed outfits and a cool cape design.
- Supporter Edition — $34.99 USD
A mid-tier version that includes 3 additional unique outfits with matching cape designs and a pair of goggles. These extras do not provide gameplay advantages but offer cosmetic flair and a way to support the development team.
- Cursebreaker (Founders) Edition — $69.99 USD
The highest tier, expected to include expanded cosmetic sets and special founder status items. Like the Supporter Edition, this tier does not grant gameplay perks beyond aesthetics.
According to Hytale’s FAQ, the Studio is working toward regional pricing for some markets, but it may not be available at launch.
Early Access Begins January 13 2026
Hytale officially enters Early Access on January 13, 2026, with PC as the launch platform. According to the developers’ announcement, Linux and Mac support are possible later, and console versions are planned further in the future, though no dates are set yet.
During Early Access, players will be able to:
- Explore the sandbox world of Orbis with handcrafted zones and procedurally generated biomes
- Build and customize worlds with powerful creation tools
- Join or host public and private Hytale servers
- Modify game content using official modding tools
- Participate in community experiences and early content creation
Minigames and the full Adventure Mode are not included at launch, but are planned as the Early Access build progresses.
How To Reserve Your Hytale Username
Players can reserve their Hytale username before launch by creating an account on the official Hytale website. This helps ensure that your preferred in-game identity is secured before the rush of new players arrives.
To reserve your name:
- Visit the official Hytale site
- Create or log in to your account
- Make sure to check the newsletters button when accepting the terms and conditions, as you will receive a token to register your username
- In your account go to "Usernames" and click on "Reserve Username"
- Once you receive your token, you can reserve your in-game username
Hypixel is sending out emails containing tokens to players who are subscribed to the newsletter so they can reserve their names. There's not much information as to when or under what priority this is done, but it is not immediate.
Official Hytale PC System Requirements
Hytale’s developers have now published official hardware recommendations, so players can check their setup before Early Access.
Minimum Requirements (30 FPS, 1080p, Low)
- OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
- CPU: Intel Core i5-7500 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200
- RAM: 8 GB (12 GB if using integrated graphics)
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 620 / AMD Vega 6 / GTX 900 series or equivalent
- Storage: ~20 GB SSD
- Internet: Stable connection
Recommended Requirements (60 FPS, 1080p, High)
- OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
- CPU: Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- RAM: 16 GB
- GPU: Mid-range dedicated GPU (GTX 900 series or better)
- Storage: NVMe SSD
High-Quality Recording / Streaming (1440p @ 60 FPS)
- CPU: Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 equivalent
- RAM: 32 GB
- GPU: RTX 30 series / Radeon RX 7000 series
- NVMe SSD with ~50 GB free space
Hytale’s voxel style leans on CPU performance and RAM, so improving those can boost performance significantly.
What To Expect From Hytale Gameplay
Hytale offers a blend of structured adventure and open sandbox creativity. Here’s what players are most excited about going into Early Access.
A World Built For Exploration
Hytale features hand-crafted zones with their own wildlife, enemies, climates, and storylines. From snowy mountains to mysterious forests, each region provides new challenges and opportunities.
RPG Progression
While the game maintains sandbox freedom, it also includes leveling systems, equipment upgrades, and narrative-driven content that gives players something to work toward.
Rich Combat System
Combat in Hytale is more dynamic than in many voxel games. Players can expect directional attacks, evasive moves, spells, and distinct enemy behaviors.
Minigames And Multiplayer Content
Hypixel’s legacy with Minecraft minigames has shaped Hytale’s multiplayer foundation. Early Access is expected to support fast-paced, competitive, and cooperative minigames that will thrive on dedicated Hytale servers.
Modding & Customization
Modding is emphasized as a core pillar of Hytale. Early Access will launch with tools to create and modify game content, and the developers have committed to providing access to server source code once legally possible, opening the door for deep customization.
Creative Mode
Creative Mode allows players to build freely with full access to blocks, tools, and world editing features. You can fly, test designs, and set up complex builds without gameplay restrictions, ideal for creators and server planners.
Hytale FAQ: Servers, Modding, Hosting, And Gameplay
Below is a clean, simple FAQ section inspired by community questions.
Will Hytale Support Modding?
Absolutely. Hytale is one of the most mod-friendly sandbox games ever announced.
Modding will be available at launch and includes:
- Scripting
- Custom models and animations
- World editing
- Game mode creation
- Total conversion modifications
This level of creativity is a major reason why interest in Hytale server hosts is so high.
Will Hytale Have Minigames?
Yes. Hypixel’s legacy guarantees strong minigame support.
Players can expect:
- Fast-paced competitive minigames
- Co-op adventures
- Parkour, PvP, and challenge-based modes
- Custom minigames built by the community
These modes will thrive on dedicated servers.
Is Hytale Similar To Minecraft?
Hytale shares a block-based foundation but branches out in major ways.
Differences include:
- More advanced combat
- RPG elements and story progression
- Official modding tools
- Handcrafted zones
- Cinematic animations and richer world-building
Many players view Hytale as the next evolution of Minecraft-style creativity.
Will Hytale Be On Steam At Launch?
No. Early Access will launch independently to keep the feedback community-focused.
Is Hytale PC-Only At Launch?
Yes, Windows PC is confirmed. Mac, Linux, and consoles are possible later but not guaranteed for Early Access.
Can I Upgrade My Edition Later?
Yes, you can upgrade between editions and pay only the difference.
Will There Be Regional Pricing?
The team is working on it but it may not be ready in time for preorder launch.
Will There Be Cosmetic Purchases?
Yes, cosmetic items are planned, but no pay-to-win systems.
Can I Host My Own Hytale Server?
Yes. Hytale is being developed with full server support. Players will be able to run private or public Hytale servers for friends, communities, or large networks.
Options will include:
- Self-hosting on your own hardware
- Renting from a Hytale server hosting provider
- Using custom configurations or modpacks
- Running minigames or creative worlds
Host Hytale With Pine Hosting At Launch
We’re proud to confirm that full support for Hytale server hosting will be available starting on the game’s release day. Our focus is on fast, stable, and highly customizable servers for players and communities of all sizes.
Here’s what you can expect at launch:
- Instant server deployment as soon as Hytale goes live
- Mod and script support to power custom experiences
- A redesigned control panel tailored specifically for Hytale
- Enterprise-grade DDoS protection to keep servers online and secure
- Automated backups and easy restores for peace of mind
- High-performance hardware for low-latency, smooth gameplay
- Additional Hytale-focused features designed to enhance both player and admin experience
With this setup, Pine Hosting positions itself as a top Hytale server host, delivering unique tools, advanced customization options, and reliable performance from day one, so stay tuned for more.
