The highly anticipated sandbox title, Hytale, is finally approaching its early access release on January 13, following a seven-year development journey marked by funding changes and a recent revival. This launch is a significant moment for many eager players, especially those familiar with the creative origins of its development team.
Hytale's development began in 2015, with initial backing from Riot Games. Riot Games later acquired the development team in 2020, but the project faced uncertainty in June 2025 before being re-acquired and revived by its original founder in November. This tumultuous journey has only heightened anticipation for the game, which has its roots in a team of accomplished Minecraft modders.
The early access will commence simultaneously across all regions at 7 AM PST on Tuesday, January 13. While there is no advanced access, players are encouraged to prepare for the launch. It is important to note that the early access will exclusively be available on Windows PCs, with support for Mac and Linux planned for a later date.
To ensure a smooth launch experience, players can download the Hytale Launcher in advance and create an account. This proactive step is highly recommended by Hypixel founder Simon Collins-Laflamme, who anticipates over a million players on release day and seeks to mitigate potential server issues. The game requires approximately 20 GB of free space, making the download relatively quick.
Three distinct editions of Hytale are available for pre-order, each offering unique cosmetic items. The Standard Edition, priced at $23.99, includes the Voyager, Savanna, and Forest Guardian cosmetic sets, along with the Forest Guardian Cape. The Supporter Edition, costing $41.99, encompasses all items from the Standard Edition plus additional cosmetic sets like Featherbound, Scavenger, and Arctic Scout, complete with their respective capes, as well as the Knight Cape and Explorer Goggles. For the most dedicated fans, the Cursebreaker Founder's Edition, at $83.99, combines all items from both the Standard and Supporter editions, adding four exclusive cosmetic sets (Hope of Gaia, Void Hero, Pop Star, Voidbearer) and two extra capes (Royal Emissary, New Beginning).
This launch marks the culmination of extensive effort and dedication, promising an engaging experience for players who have patiently awaited the arrival of Hytale.
