After years of anticipation, Hytale's Early Access launch is officially confirmed for January 13, 2026. Pre-purchase opens December 13, 2025. Here's everything you need to know about the release, pricing, platforms, and how to prepare for launch day.
Two critical dates for Hytale's launch
Players can pre-purchase Hytale starting December 13, 2025 - exactly one month before launch. Three editions will be available: Standard Edition ($19.99 USD), Supporter Edition ($34.99 USD), and Cursebreaker Founders Pack ($69.99 USD).
All three editions grant full access to Hytale Early Access on launch day. The higher tiers provide cosmetic items and supporter perks but do not affect gameplay. Pre-purchasing guarantees access on launch day and helps support the independent development team.
Hytale officially launches in Early Access on January 13, 2026, exclusively on Windows PC. This marks the official playable release after the game's initial announcement in 2018 and subsequent cancellation in June 2025.
The launch includes two core game modes from day one: Exploration Mode (adventure RPG with 20-30 hours of content) and Creative Mode (unlimited building). Full modding support and multiplayer servers will be available immediately.
All editions include full game access
Perfect for most players
Support development
Premium founders pack
Higher tiers support development and provide cosmetic perks only - no gameplay advantages
Everything available on January 13, 2026
The full adventure experience with procedurally generated worlds, dungeons, NPCs, and the complete zone system from Orbis (tropical) to Devastated Lands. Players can expect 20-30 hours of content in the initial Early Access build, with regular updates adding new zones, creatures, and storylines every 2-3 months.
Unrestricted building with access to all blocks, items, and the model maker tool. Creative mode supports both single-player and multiplayer, allowing players to construct everything from small homes to massive cities. The Model Maker lets you create custom 3D objects beyond traditional block building.
Unlike most Early Access games, Hytale launches with complete modding tools on day one. The game is built on a modding-first architecture, with official documentation, scripting APIs, and asset creation tools available at launch. Server owners can run modded servers immediately without waiting for unofficial tools.
Players can host private servers for friends or set up public community servers from launch day. PebbleHost will offer Hytale server hosting with enterprise hardware and custom control panels optimized for Hytale's unique requirements, supporting both vanilla and modded gameplay.
Make sure you're ready for launch
Launch Platform: Windows PC Only
Hytale's Early Access release is Windows-exclusive. Hypixel Studios has confirmed that Mac and Linux support are planned for later in the Early Access period (Q1 2026), but no specific dates have been announced. Console versions (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) are not planned for Early Access but may come after full release.
Steam Release
Hytale will be available on Steam alongside the official Hytale launcher. Players can purchase through either platform, and both versions will receive identical updates simultaneously. Steam achievements and cloud saves will be supported from day one.
Official requirements will be published closer to the December pre-purchase date
From announcement to cancellation to revival
Hytale's development has been a long and unconventional journey. Initially announced in December 2018, the game generated unprecedented hype with over 60 million views on its announcement trailer - making it one of the most-watched game reveals in history.
The Cancellation (June 2025)
On June 23, 2025, Riot Games (Hytale's publisher since 2020) cancelled the project after over 10 years of development. Internal restructuring and shifting priorities led to the decision, devastating millions of fans who had waited years for the game. Development costs had reportedly exceeded $100 million, and repeated delays led Riot's leadership to question the project's viability.
The Revival (November 2025)
On November 17, 2025, Hytale's original founders announced they had reacquired the IP from Riot Games and reformed Hypixel Studios as an independent company. With over 30 developers returning to the project and the founders pledging funding for 10 years, they committed to the January 13, 2026 Early Access launch date using a four-year-old legacy build.
This dramatic resurrection story has reignited community enthusiasm. The full story of Hytale's cancellation and revival demonstrates the founders' commitment to bringing their vision to players, even after corporate setbacks threatened to shelve the project permanently.
What's coming after January 13, 2026
Hypixel Studios has outlined a clear Early Access roadmap with major content updates planned every 2-3 months. Early Access is expected to last 12-18 months before the full 1.0 release, tentatively planned for late 2027.
Q1 2026 (Post-Launch)
Q2-Q3 2026
Q4 2026 Onwards
PebbleHost's Hytale hosting will be available at launch with enterprise hardware, custom control panels, and 24/7 support
View Hosting PlansGot questions? We've got answers
Hytale launches in Early Access on January 13, 2026, exclusively on Windows PC. Pre-purchase opens December 13, 2025, exactly one month before launch.
Hytale offers three editions: Standard Edition ($19.99), Supporter Edition ($34.99), and Cursebreaker Founders Pack ($69.99). All editions include full game access - higher tiers provide cosmetic bonuses only to support development.
Yes, Hytale will be available on Steam at launch alongside the official Hytale launcher. Both versions receive identical updates and support Steam features like achievements and cloud saves.
Early Access launches on Windows PC only. Mac and Linux support are planned for Q1 2026. Console versions may come after full release, but no dates are confirmed.
Yes! Players can host private or public servers from launch day. PebbleHost offers Hytale server hosting with enterprise hardware, 24/7 support, and custom control panels optimized for Hytale.
Expected Early Access duration is 12-18 months, with regular content updates every 2-3 months. The full 1.0 release is tentatively planned for late 2027. Community feedback will shape development priorities.
Riot Games cancelled Hytale in June 2025. The original founders reacquired the IP in November 2025 and revived the project. Read the full story here.
Yes! Hytale launches with full modding support, including official tools, APIs, and documentation. The game is built with modding as a core feature, and server owners can run modded servers from day one.