Hytale Early Access Guide – Release Date, How to Play, and What’s Included!

After years of silence and uncertainty, Hytale is finally moving forward again. Since the first reveal trailer, the project went through major changes, including Riot Games stepping in, pausing development, and eventually handing the game back to Hypixel Studios. Now, not long after regaining full control, Hypixel has officially confirmed that Hytale Early Access is happening. Below is a complete breakdown of the release date, how to join Early Access, system requirements, available modes, and why you won’t find Hytale on Steam.

Hytale Early Access Release Date

Hypixel Studios has confirmed that Hytale Early Access launches on January 13, 2026, at 10 AM EST. This information was shared directly through their official website and social media channels. To play at launch, players must pre-purchase the game through the official Hytale Store. There is no open beta or free trial announced for this phase.

How to Play Hytale Early Access

Hytale Early Access is PC-only. At launch, the game will be available for:

• Windows
• macOS (Apple Silicon)
• Linux

Consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, as well as mobile devices, are not supported during Early Access.

Hytale will also not be available on Steam. To play, you must buy one of the Early Access editions directly from the Hytale Store. After purchasing, you will download the official Hytale Game Client, which handles installation and updates.

Hytale Early Access Editions

Standard Edition

• Game access
• Username reservation
• Exclusive Standard Cape
• Forest Guardian, Voyager, and Savanna Scout sets
• Future content access

Supporter Edition

• Everything in Standard
• Exclusive Supporter Capes
• Featherbound, Scavenger, and Arctic Scout sets
• Explorer Goggles
• Future content access

Cursebreaker Edition

• Everything from Standard and Supporter
• Exclusive Cursebreaker Capes
• Hope of Gaia, Void Hero, Pop Star, and Voidbearer sets
• Future content access

All items and bonuses are permanent and stay on your account even after Early Access ends. Players can also upgrade editions later. There is also a Mix and Match option that lets you build a custom bundle by choosing items from different editions.

Hytale Minimum System Requirements

Before buying Early Access, make sure your system meets these minimum specs.

Operating System

• 64-bit Windows 10 or 11
• Linux x64 (Kernel 6.15)
• macOS Tahoe on Apple Silicon

GPU

• Integrated: Intel UHD 620, AMD Vega 6, or Apple M1
• Dedicated: NVIDIA GTX 900 Series, AMD Radeon 400 Series, or Intel Arc A-Series

RAM

• 8 GB (multiplayer or dedicated GPU)
• 12 GB (integrated GPU singleplayer)

CPU

• Intel Core i5-7500 or equivalent
• AMD Ryzen 3 1200 or equivalent
• Apple M1

Storage

• SSD with at least 10 GB free space

Network

• 2 Mbit/s download speed for multiplayer

All Game Modes Available in Early Access

At launch, Early Access will include the following modes:

• Exploration Mode Explore the world of Orbis, discover biomes, interact with NPCs, and collect resources at your own pace.
• Creative Mode Build freely with advanced tools. Create structures, landscapes, and entire worlds without restrictions.
• Modding Support Hytale includes built-in modding tools, allowing players to customize gameplay, mechanics, and visuals.
• Adventure Mode and Minigames will not be playable during Early Access and are expected to arrive closer to full release.

Why Hytale Is Not on Steam

Hytale will not launch on Steam during Early Access. According to Hypixel’s leadership, Steam does not currently support certain modding features that Hytale relies on. While Steam is still considered a strong platform, Hypixel does not see it as a requirement at this stage. That said, the team has not fully ruled out a Steam release in the future. Discussions with Valve are ongoing, and plans may change after Early Access.

Hytale Early Access marks a major turning point after years of waiting. While it won’t include every planned feature right away, it gives players a chance to explore, build, and experiment with mods early on. If you are interested in sandbox creativity, world exploration, and deep customization, Early Access offers a solid first step into Hytale’s long-term vision.