Everything you need to know about Hytale, the latest Minecraft killer

Everything you need to know about Hytale, the latest Minecraft killer

Polygon technology

Key Points:

  • After more than a decade of development, Hytale launched in early access in mid-2025, but the release is a scaled-back version missing key features like the campaign-driven adventure mode and minigames.
  • Originally developed by Hypixel Studios and acquired by Riot Games in 2020, Hytale was canceled by Riot in 2025; the game was then repurchased by Hypixel's founder Simon Collins-Laflamme, who revived development and is now self-publishing.
  • Early access includes two main modes: Exploration mode, a survival-builder sandbox similar to Minecraft, and Creative mode, which offers extensive modding and building tools; promised features like adventure mode and minigames are planned for future updates.
  • Hytale is