Hytale officially returns: here's what the new gameplay looks like

Hytale is entering a new stage. After Hypixel Studios regained the rights to the game and announced a renewed development plan, the team released a 16-minute gameplay video that offers the most complete look so far at the real state of the project.

The footage shows biomes, combat systems, creation tools, and multiple in-game elements, along with an extensive list of bugs and incomplete features that confirm the project is still in an early development phase.

A return that reshapes Hytale’s future

In November 2025, Hypixel Studios confirmed that it had bought back the rights to Hytale, separating from Riot Games. Along with this decision, more than 30 developers who had previously worked on the project were rehired. The studio also announced guaranteed funding for the next ten years, redefining the long-term continuity of the title and opening the door to a new production stage.

The team confirmed that early access will initially launch on Windows, with attempts to bring the game to Linux and Mac at a later time. Additional platforms may join afterward. In this first phase, players will have access to Exploration, Creative, and Modding modes, while minigames and the Adventure mode will not be available immediately.

According to the official blog, the early build will include unbalanced content, incomplete systems, and various types of bugs, with frequent updates during the first months.

What the 16-minute gameplay reveals

The video published by Simon offers a broad demonstration of the current state of the game. The footage explores different biomes, structures, creatures, and weather environments, while showcasing both melee and ranged combat. It also presents the initial functionality of the creation tools, which allow players to spawn NPCs, edit them, and test their behavior in real time.

Alongside this showcase, Simon explains that the gameplay was recorded without prior preparation. This means that crafting, farming, or cozy activities were not included because they were not configured for this session. Even so, the footage provides a clear look at the game’s overall structure and the foundations of several core systems.

The technical and design issues still present

Throughout the video, numerous bugs and incomplete features are identified. Simon notes that he took more than 100 notes during the recording, including bugs, pending adjustments, and unfinished areas. Key issues include:

NPC state and AI behavior

Many NPCs still lack complete configurations. Some attack automatically because they have no defined behaviors. There is also an imbalance in stats such as health and damage, and several areas lack NPCs entirely.

Woodcutting is too fast for an Iron-tier axe, and the overlay that appears while chopping is too dark, reducing the player’s visibility.

The bow used in the recording was in debug mode. Each arrow acted as an ultimate attack, indicating it is not yet balanced. Additionally, the weapon sound heard near the end of the video was intentionally added by Simon as a humorous element and is not part of the final design.

Biome weather transitions show evident issues. The character sheet UI is temporary and does not reflect the final intended design. The “end” portal appears unfinished, as do several map sections that still lack NPCs, decoration, or events.

A renewed focus on creation and community

One of the most significant announcements is the economic model for creators. Hypixel Studios confirmed that, for at least the first two years of early access, modders and server owners will pay 0% commission. All earnings will go directly to them, with additional details to be explained in an upcoming official blog post.

This approach is complemented by a community creation discovery page, planned for the post-launch period. There, players will be able to browse and share mods, maps, and community-made projects.
The creation tools also stand out: they allow players to spawn NPCs, modify them, and test them in real time, reinforcing the idea that Hytale aims to be accessible both to players and creators.

What’s next for Hytale

Simon confirmed that more videos are coming soon. The next footage will focus on calmer activities related to everyday life within the game, complementing the more technical and raw nature of the first gameplay showcase.

The team maintains its intention to develop early access in an open and progressive way, incorporating community feedback and updating systems as development moves forward.