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 on June 23, 2025.
The launch includes two core game modes from day one: Exploration Mode (adventure RPG) 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 zone system from Emerald Grove to Devastated Lands. The Early Access build includes substantial adventure content, with regular updates planned to add new zones, creatures, and storylines.
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. Mac and Linux support plans have not been officially announced with specific dates. Console versions (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) are not planned for Early Access but may come after full release.
Where to Buy
Hytale will be available for purchase through the official Hytale website starting December 13, 2025. Additional platforms for purchase may be announced closer to launch.
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 23, 2025)
On June 23, 2025, Riot Games (which acquired Hypixel Studios in 2020) cancelled the project after over 10 years of development. The cancellation stemmed from overly ambitious scope, technical challenges from engine rebuilds, and costs exceeding $100 million with no clear completion path. The decision devastated millions of fans who had waited years for the game.
The Revival (November 17, 2025)
On November 17, 2025, Hytale's original founders Simon Collins-Laflamme and Philippe Touchette 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 a 10-year personal funding commitment, they announced 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 is committed to regular updates throughout Early Access, with community feedback shaping development priorities. While specific timelines have not been officially announced, the team has confirmed several areas of focus:
Confirmed Post-Launch Content:
Platform Expansion:
The duration of Early Access and full 1.0 release date have not been officially announced. The team is taking a community-driven approach, prioritizing quality and player feedback over strict timelines.
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.
Pre-orders open December 13, 2025 through the official Hytale website. The game will be priced at $19.99 USD for the Standard Edition. Additional platforms for purchase may be announced closer to launch.
Early Access launches on Windows PC only. Mac and Linux support plans have not been officially announced with specific dates. 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.
The Early Access duration has not been officially announced. The team will use Early Access to iterate based on community feedback, with regular content updates planned throughout development. Quality and player feedback will be prioritized over strict timelines.
Riot Games cancelled Hytale on June 23, 2025 after costs exceeded $100 million. Original founders Simon Collins-Laflamme and Philippe Touchette reacquired the IP on November 17, 2025 and revived the project as an independent studio. 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.