Hytale Early Access Launch Date: January 13, 2026

Hytale Early Access Launch Date: January 13, 2026
Hytale game screenshot showing early access gameplay and release date announcement

After years of anticipation and a dramatic return from cancellation, the highly anticipated RPG, Hytale, is officially launching into Early Access on January 13, 2026. Fans can mark their calendars, as pre-purchasing options will become available starting December 13th, paving the way for a long-awaited dive into this unique open-world adventure.

From Cancellation to Creator Control: Hytale's Journey

Hytale, which garnered significant attention in previous years for its innovative blend of Minecraft-style creativity with robust RPG mechanics—often described as a fusion of Minecraft and Skyrim—faced an uncertain future after its cancellation by Riot Games. However, the project has been successfully revived as an independent indie title, returning full creative control to its original developers. This move has reignited excitement among its substantial fanbase, who have closely followed the game's development and journey.

A Glimpse into a "Rough" Early Access

The development team has been remarkably transparent about what players can expect from the upcoming Early Access phase. In a recent announcement, they emphasized that this will be a "very real" early access experience, starkly different from many polished, near-final games often seen under the same label on platforms like Steam. Players should anticipate an experience that is "very much unfinished and will be buggy for a while," with the developers openly stating that the "first impression will be rough." This frankness underscores the team's commitment to an iterative development process, inviting players to join them in shaping the game from its foundational stages.

Mark Your Calendars: Pre-Orders and Launch

For eager adventurers ready to embark on this journey, pre-purchasing for Hytale will commence on December 13th. The game will then go live for Early Access participants on January 13, 2026. This staggered release allows players to secure their copy ahead of time before diving into the open-world RPG experience. Additionally, just over a week ago, the developers released a substantial gameplay video, offering a comprehensive look at the game's current state and mechanics, further fueling anticipation for its long-awaited debut.