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    What is Hytale? The Block-Based RPG That Came Back From the Dead

    Hytale is an upcoming block-based sandbox RPG that combines Minecraft-style building with deep adventure gameplay, professional creation tools, and official modding support. After being cancelled in June 2025, the game was revived by its original creators and launches in Early Access on January 13, 2026.

    The Short Answer

    Hytale in 60 Seconds

    Everything you need to know at a glance

    What is it? Hytale is a block-based sandbox game created by Hypixel Studios (the team behind Minecraft's most popular server). Think Minecraft meets an action-RPG: you can build anything you want, but there's also a full adventure mode with zones to explore, bosses to fight, and quests to complete.

    When does it launch? Early Access begins January 13, 2026 on Windows PC, priced at $19.99 USD.

    What makes it special? Unlike Minecraft, Hytale launches with official modding tools, professional-grade building features (like an in-game 3D model maker), structured RPG content, and multiplayer servers from day one.

    The drama: After 10 years of development and over $100 million invested, Riot Games cancelled Hytale in June 2025. Five months later, original founders Simon Collins-Laflamme and Philippe Touchette bought back the IP and revived the project. Full release details here.

    Game Design

    What Makes Hytale Different from Minecraft?

    More than just another block game

    Structured Adventure Content

    Hytale features a full adventure mode with distinct zones (Emerald Grove, Borea tundra, Devastated Lands), each with unique biomes, creatures, NPCs, dungeons, and bosses. It's not just open-ended survival—there's actual progression and story.

    Professional Creation Tools

    The Model Maker is Hytale's standout feature: an in-game 3D modeling tool that lets you create custom objects, furniture, and decorations beyond basic blocks. Think of it as Blender-lite built directly into the game.

    Official Modding from Day One

    Unlike Minecraft's unofficial modding scene, Hytale launches with complete modding support: scripting APIs, asset tools, documentation, and mod management. Create custom game modes, creatures, items, or entire zones.

    Tactical Combat System

    Combat features weapon variety (swords, spears, bows, magic), enemy AI with distinct behaviors, and multi-phase boss fights. It's closer to an action-RPG than Minecraft's simple click-to-attack combat.

    How to Play

    Two Game Modes at Launch

    Choose your playstyle

    Exploration Mode (Adventure)
    The main mode where you experience Hytale's RPG systems. Start in Zone 1 (Emerald Grove) and progress through increasingly challenging areas. Features include:

    • Procedurally generated worlds with handcrafted dungeons and structures
    • RPG progression: skills, abilities, equipment, and character builds
    • Combat against varied enemies and epic boss encounters
    • NPC villages with quests and storylines
    • Resource gathering and crafting systems
    • Single-player and multiplayer support

    Creative Mode (Building)
    Unrestricted building mode with unlimited resources. Perfect for architects and creators:

    • Access to all blocks, items, and tools instantly
    • Model Maker for creating custom 3D objects
    • Flying and advanced camera controls
    • World editing tools for terraforming
    • Save and share creations with the community
    • Multiplayer creative servers supported

    Coming Post-Launch: Additional modes including minigames and full Adventure Mode are planned for future updates based on community feedback.

    Comparison

    Hytale vs Minecraft: Key Differences

    Not just "Minecraft 2"

    What They Share:

    • Block-based voxel worlds you can modify
    • Creative building and survival/adventure gameplay
    • Strong emphasis on multiplayer and community
    • Modding as a core feature

    How Hytale Differs:

    • Graphics: Modern engine with advanced lighting, animations, and particle effects while maintaining the blocky aesthetic
    • Structured Content: Hytale has zones, story, quests, and progression systems—not just open-ended survival
    • Creation Tools: Model Maker and prefab systems go far beyond Minecraft's block placement
    • Combat Depth: Tactical combat with weapon types, enemy AI, and boss mechanics vs Minecraft's basic combat
    • Official Modding: Complete API and tools from day one vs Minecraft's reverse-engineered mods
    • Performance: Custom engine built for performance vs Minecraft's Java limitations

    Who Should Play Hytale?

    • Minecraft players wanting more structure and RPG depth
    • Creative builders seeking professional-grade tools
    • Modders looking for official support and comprehensive APIs
    • RPG fans who enjoy block-based aesthetics
    • Server communities seeking new multiplayer experiences

    Looking for more sandbox games? Check out our guide to games like Minecraft for additional alternatives.

    Launch Details

    Early Access: January 13, 2026

    Pricing, platforms, and what to expect

    Release Date: January 13, 2026 (Early Access)
    Platform: Windows PC only at launch
    Price: Three editions available:

    • Standard Edition: $19.99 USD - Full game access
    • Supporter Edition: $34.99 USD - Includes cosmetics and supporter perks
    • Cursebreaker (Founder) Edition: $69.99 USD - Premium cosmetics and founder status

    All editions provide complete game access—higher tiers support development and include cosmetic bonuses only (no gameplay advantages).

    Why $19.99?
    Founder Simon Collins-Laflamme describes the pricing as "aggressively low as possible" given the game's Early Access state: "The game is unfinished and runs on a build from over four years ago. Charging more didn't feel right."

    Pre-Orders: Opened December 13, 2025 through the official Hytale website.

    Future Platforms: Mac and Linux support plans have not been officially announced. Console versions may come after full release.

    Development History

    The Dramatic Story of Hytale

    From hype to cancellation to resurrection

    Hytale's development has been one of gaming's wildest rides:

    December 2018: Hypixel Studios (creators of Minecraft's biggest server) announced Hytale with a trailer that garnered over 60 million views—one of the most-watched game announcements in history.

    2020: Riot Games acquired Hypixel Studios, providing resources and financial backing. The project expanded in scope from a PC game to a cross-platform live-service title.

    June 23, 2025: After over 10 years of development and costs exceeding $100 million, Riot Games cancelled Hytale. The cancellation stemmed from overly ambitious scope, technical challenges, and no clear path to completion.

    November 17, 2025: In a stunning twist, original founders Simon Collins-Laflamme and Philippe Touchette bought back the Hytale IP from Riot Games for an estimated $20-30 million. They reformed Hypixel Studios as an independent company with over 30 returning developers and a 10-year funding commitment.

    The Revival Strategy: Rather than continuing with Riot's troubled build, the team returned to a four-year-old legacy version—before the scope exploded and technical debt mounted. This "back to basics" approach enables the January 2026 launch.

    Read the complete story: Hytale's cancellation and revival | Full release details

    Multiplayer

    Servers and Community Play

    Built for multiplayer from the ground up

    Hytale supports both private servers for friends and public community servers from day one:

    Private Servers: Easy setup for small groups, full control over game modes and mods, whitelist and permission systems, persistent world saves.

    Public Community Servers: Large-scale servers hosting hundreds of players, custom game modes, minigame networks (similar to Hypixel's Minecraft server), role-playing servers, and creative build showcases.

    Modded Server Support: Unlike most games where modding support comes later, Hytale's official mod system works with servers from launch. Server owners can install mods, create custom gameplay, and modify everything.

    PebbleHost will offer Hytale server hosting at launch with enterprise hardware, custom control panels, 24/7 support, automatic backups, and one-click mod installation.

    Ready to Host a Hytale Server?

    PebbleHost's Hytale hosting launches January 13, 2026 with Ryzen 7900 CPUs, 99.99% uptime, and 72-Hour refunds. Budget and Premium tiers available.

    View Hosting Plans
    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about Hytale

    What type of game is Hytale?

    Hytale is a block-based sandbox RPG combining creative building, adventure gameplay, and modding. Think Minecraft meets an action-RPG with professional creation tools and official mod support.

    When does Hytale release?

    Early Access launches January 13, 2026 on Windows PC. Pre-orders opened December 13, 2025 at $19.99 USD (Standard Edition).

    Is Hytale just a Minecraft clone?

    No. While both are block-based sandbox games, Hytale features structured RPG content, professional creation tools (Model Maker), official modding APIs, tactical combat, and a modern custom engine.

    Can I mod Hytale?

    Yes! Hytale launches with complete modding support including official scripting APIs, asset tools, documentation, and mod management. Create custom game modes, items, creatures, zones, and more.

    Will Hytale have multiplayer servers?

    Yes. Hytale supports both private servers for friends and public community servers from launch. PebbleHost offers Hytale server hosting with 24/7 support.

    What happened with the cancellation?

    Riot Games cancelled Hytale on June 23, 2025 after costs exceeded $100 million. Original founders bought back the IP on November 17, 2025 and revived the project. Full story here.

    What platforms will Hytale support?

    Windows PC at Early Access launch. Mac and Linux support plans have not been officially announced. Console versions may come after full release.

    What's included in Early Access?

    Two game modes (Exploration and Creative), full modding support, multiplayer servers, multiple zones, combat system, and building tools. Additional modes and features will be added during Early Access.