Hytale, the sandbox RPG that garnered significant attention and funding upon its early access launch, has received a substantial content preview from developer Hypixel Studios. The extensive update, shared via a devblog, showcases a wide array of planned features, including 22 new videos and 37 accompanying images, detailing the ongoing development of the game.
Despite the wealth of upcoming content, studio head Simon Collins-Laflamme acknowledged that the game is still in a nascent stage. "To be transparent, there aren't many reasons to come back and play Hytale right now," he stated in the devblog. "We have a lot of work to do to realize the game's potential, and this is just the start of that journey." He previously warned in November 2025 that the adventure sandbox was far from feature-complete.
Chapter 1 and Beyond
The preview highlights numerous additions slated for Chapter 1, such as a new handcrafted dungeon, a boss encounter with a goblin chieftain, expanded goblin faction variety, and a world event called a Goblin Breach. This event will allow players to enter a portal to a new realm for combat and loot collection. Other planned world events include predator tracking and trapping, Void assassin encounters, treasure chests that trigger enemy waves, and puzzle-based environmental barriers.
Hypixel Studios is also working on an overhauled user interface, a new mod browser, spectator and hardcore modes, and a significant rework of the crafting system. Players can also expect additional cosmetics and an improved player model. Furthermore, over a dozen minigames and party games are in development, designed for seamless multiplayer experiences.
Development Timeline and Key Features
A vague release timeline for these new features has been provided:
Chapter 1 content is expected within the next two to three months. Spectator and hardcore modes, along with a mod browser and moving platforms, are slated for Update 6, estimated in two to three weeks. A new server-side Custom UI based on NoesisGUI is anticipated within one to two months. Carryable objects and the implementation of cubic chunks technology are also planned for the next two to three months, though content utilizing cubic chunks will take longer. Machinima tools are expected within two to three months, potentially sooner if used for a Chapter 1 teaser trailer. The crafting system rework is scheduled for Chapter 2, with volumetric clouds and the Hytale Asset Editor rework listed as TBD.
Previously, Hytale entered early access in January, securing funding that extended its development runway. The game had been initially canceled by Riot after nearly a decade of development before its creator, Simon Collins-Laflamme, bought back the rights to continue its work.