Hytale has finally entered the hands of the community after an extraordinary journey marked by cancellation, community mobilization, and ultimate resurrection. The Early Access launch on January 13, 2026, represents a pivotal moment for both the game and the broader conversation around game preservation in the digital age.

The path to this launch was anything but conventional. After Riot Games canceled Hytale in June 2025, seemingly closing the door on the project permanently, the original founders undertook an audacious effort to reclaim their creation. They successfully acquired the intellectual property and assembled a dedicated team to revive what was being called a “legacy” build—a foundational version that preserved the core systems and vision that had captivated millions of players during its original announcement.

The decision to launch a deliberately unfinished product demonstrates both confidence in the community and realistic acknowledgment of resource constraints. Rather than spending years perfecting a single-player experience in isolation, the founders opted for transparent Early Access development, inviting players to participate in shaping the game’s evolution alongside the development team.

Launch Details and Pricing Strategy

Release Date and Availability: Hytale launched on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, exclusively through the dedicated Hytale Launcher on PC. This controlled distribution approach allows the team to manage server load, gather focused feedback, and maintain quality control while the player base expands.

Pricing Tiers: The game offers three distinct purchase options tailored to different player segments and commitment levels:

• Standard Edition ($23.99): The entry point for players interested in experiencing the core exploration and building systems.
• Supporter Edition ($41.99): Positioned for players who wish to show direct financial support while accessing standard gameplay features.
• Cursebreaker Founder’s Edition ($83.99): The premium tier, likely including exclusive cosmetics, early access to future features, and recognition of early supporters’ role in the revival.

Current State and Development Roadmap

The current Early Access build is candidly described as “rough and unfinished,” a transparent communication approach that manages expectations while signaling the team’s commitment to iterative improvement. The immediate focus centers on stabilizing and enhancing core exploration and building systems—the foundational pillars that made Hytale conceptually compelling.

The team is actively working to restore Adventure Mode and other features that were present in the original concept, though their integration will occur methodically as resources and development time permit. This phased approach reflects both the project’s resource constraints and its commitment to quality over rushed feature completeness.