Hytale launches tomorrow. After seven years of hype, silence, Riot Games acquisition, cancellation, and dramatic buyback, the Minecraft-inspired sandbox enters early access on January 13, 2026. Hypixel Studios founder Simon Collins-Laflamme reacquired the IP from Riot in November 2025, rehired 30+ original developers, and reverted to the pre-Riot Java engine to ship quickly.
Expect a rough early access build – Collins-Laflamme calls it “messy and janky” but prioritizes player access over polish. The 2018 trailer racked up 62 million views promising voxel RPG adventure deeper than Minecraft, more accessible than Terraria. Now players finally test the reality.
Hytale’s Wild Journey
- 2018: Viral trailer, massive hype
- 2020: Riot Games acquires Hypixel Studios
- 2021: Engine rewrite begins (C++ from Java)
- 2025: Riot cancels after scope creep
- Nov 2025: Simon buys back IP
- Jan 13, 2026: Early access launches
Riot’s four-year engine rebuild would have delayed launch 2+ years. Hypixel reverted to battle-tested Java codebase, enabling rapid player testing and iteration.
Early Access Content & Pricing
| Edition | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $19.99 | Core game access |
| Supporter | $34.99 | Standard + cosmetics, name reservation |
| Cursebreaker | $69.99 | All content + lifetime benefits |
Day-one features include four zones (Emerald Grove, Howling Sands, Borea, Devastated Lands), multiplayer servers, Blockbench modding tools, and cross-play. Adventure Mode (narrative quests) comes later.
Three Core Experiences
Hytale splits gameplay into distinct modes:
- Exploration Mode: Survival crafting with RPG progression, combat, bosses
- Creative Mode: Unlimited building, scripting, world editing
- Adventure Mode: Story-driven dungeons (future update)
Expect Minecraft-style voxels with Terraria combat depth, RuneScape questing, and day-one mod support. Hypixel server polish carries over to seamless multiplayer.
Launch Details
- Time: 7AM PT / 10AM ET / 3PM GMT (Jan 13)
- Platforms: Windows first (Mac/Linux later)
- Launcher: Download via Hytale.com (not Steam)
- Expect: 1M+ concurrent players, server issues
Why Hytale Still Matters in 2026
Minecraft dominates but lacks RPG depth. Terraria perfected combat but limited building. Hytale promises both plus modding ecosystem from day one. Hypixel Studios understands live service – weekly updates planned based on player feedback.
50-person team rebuilt in months what Riot couldn’t achieve in years. Java engine ensures stability over unfinished C++ rewrite. Community owns early access roadmap.
FAQs
Is Hytale finished?
True early access – buggy, incomplete zones, missing Adventure Mode. Collins-Laflamme prioritizes player access over polish.
Will servers handle 1M players?
Hypixel.com expects massive queues. Download launcher early, create account now. Staggered login recommended.
Is it free-to-play?
Buy-to-play with three editions. No microtransactions planned. Lifetime benefits for Cursebreaker tier.
Console version coming?
Windows launch. Mac/Linux “attempted.” Consoles distant future after 1.0.
Better than Minecraft?
Deeper combat/RPG systems. Built-in modding surpasses Forge headaches. Community servers from day one.
Refund policy?
Standard early access – 14 days/2 hours per most regions. Hypixel emphasizes “don’t pre-order if uncomfortable.”
After 7 Years, Hytale Delivers
Hytale survives where others perished. Riot’s AAA overreach killed the dream; Hypixel’s scrappy indie approach resurrects it. Minecraft competitor finally playable tomorrow.
Expect jank but embrace potential. 62 million trailer views weren’t wrong – voxel RPG ambition lives. Hypixel Studios proves small teams ship when publishers pivot. Orbis awaits.