Image credit: Hypixel Studios

Are there any fans of sandbox games and creative worlds out there? If so, we have some good news for you!

We’re announcing another game, scheduled for release early next year. We’re talking, of course, about the new version of Hytale. After years of silence and uncertainty, it’s back and better than ever.

It’s a title that has always been associated with three words: building, exploration and immense freedom in the magical universe of Orbis.

If you want to know exactly what the return of Hytale means, how to prepare for it and what to expect, read our guide!

A Brief History of Hytale

Before we move on to what’s coming next, let’s take a look at the origins of Hytale.

In this sandbox RPG, you play as a hero in the world of Orbis using the game’s creative tools to build structures, develop your character, and shape your own adventure.

The game was unveiled in 2018 and immediately enjoyed great popularity. The trailer received millions of views, and the game was instantly dubbed Minecraft’s successor.

Hytale - Announcement Trailer

Over time, several key events took place, such as the acquisition of Hypixel Studios by Riot Games, and a change in direction for the game. This ultimately led to Riot cancelling production.

At that point, it seemed like the end of the story. However, the developers decided to repurchase the rights to the game, breathing new life into the project.

This moment led to a revival in the game’s popularity, prompting Hypixel Studios to place greater emphasis on its strengths, such as creativity, freedom, and active community involvement through the community feedback loop.

Official Announcement From Hypixel Studios: What Do We Know So Far?

Now, let’s move on to what you’ve all been waiting for.

According to the official Hypixel Studios announcement, The Hytale early access release date is scheduled for 13 January 2026. The game was supposed to be a Christmas release, but due to a lengthy acquisition process, there were delays.

However, for those who can’t wait, the producers have prepared pre-orders open on 13 December 2025.

Hytale | Creative Mode Gameplay

In Hypixel Studios announcement, producers also remind us that Hypixel will be unfinished build, which means that the game will still be unfinished and may contain bugs and technical issues. Additionally, many features will only be added in future updates.

This time, Hytale is being developed with the help of players, who can contribute community feedback loop, bug reports and creative ideas, giving them a real impact on the game’s development.

How Can Hytale Change The Sandbox RPG Market?

Hytale stands out thanks to several key features, such as:

  • combining sandbox with RPG and adventure,
  • offering a procedural generation system for the world,
  • supporting creativity and a full modding ecosystem,
  • allowing players to influence the game’s development.

Additionally, its community is already active on Discord, Twitch and servers, creating their own worlds, mini-games and RP projects. By listening to feedback and bug reports, Hypixel Studios ensures the sandbox RPG early access model actively shapes the game.

Thanks to this approach, Hytale can become one of the most important sandbox RPG early access games of the decade.

Conclusion

That’s all you need to know about the early access release date for Hytale.

Join the players now to become part of the adventure in the magical world of Orbis!