Hypixel Studios has released Hytale in early access on January 15, 2026, after a tumultuous development history involving cancellation by Riot Games and subsequent revival. The survival game draws heavy comparisons to Minecraft, offering similar block-based exploration and crafting but with graphical enhancements and mechanical tweaks. Players are advised to prepare for complex workbench systems and resource challenges as they dive into the procedurally generated world of Orbis.
Hytale's early access debut marks the culmination of a decade-long project by Hypixel Studios. Originally acquired by Riot Games, the title was cancelled in mid-2025 before being revived in November of that year, allowing the team to proceed with a minimum $20 launch available exclusively through the game's own website and launcher, bypassing platforms like Steam, Epic, or GOG.
Reviewers note Hytale's striking similarities to Minecraft, describing it as 'a neat Minecraft texture pack' due to shared elements like procedurally generated cube worlds, mob encounters including skeletons, spiders, zombies, and golems, and core activities of mining, crafting, and building. However, differences include prettier visuals with gorgeous sunrises, improved jumping mechanics allowing two-block leaps and four-block mantling, and combat where enemies block attacks, requiring timed strikes. Trees obey gravity, collapsing fully when the base is chopped for faster resource gathering, and sticks drop directly from trees and bushes rather than being crafted.
Crafting demands extensive preparation, with eight essential workbenches—such as the Blacksmith's Anvil, Tanning Rack, and Arcanist's Workbench—requiring sizable base expansions. A key convenience is placing chests adjacent to workbenches, enabling automatic material sourcing during crafting, unlike Minecraft's inventory juggling. Weapons follow a progression from crude tools using rubble and plant fiber to advanced Mithril variants requiring rare ores like Thorium and Cobalt, crafted at upgradable anvils. Repair Kits, made from light leather, iron ingots, and linen scraps, restore durability on the go.
Death is less punishing, retaining two-thirds of inventory with a compass marker to retrieve the rest. Early players highlight iron's scarcity, found deep underground amid tough enemies, and the effort to build teleporters using materials from biomes like the Azure Forest and Howling Sands. While balancing issues persist, such as overpowered underground frogs, Hypixel promises an upcoming Adventure Mode with RPG quests and 'Alterverses' to distinguish Hytale further. The Forgotten Temple serves as an initial hub for registering encountered mobs via 'Memories' to unlock recipes.
As early access evolves, Hytale aims to build on its Minecraft foundations while addressing criticisms of familiarity.
