Hytale has launched exclusively on Windows PC—but not on Steam. Here’s why, which editions are available, and what’s included in Early Access.
Hytale is widely seen as one of the most ambitious sandbox RPG projects in years. Its winding development journey—and the bold move to bypass Steam entirely—have fueled plenty of discussion. Now, after a rollercoaster development cycle, Hytale is finally in players’ hands: Early Access launched on January 13, 2026, exclusively for Windows PC.
The game’s timeline is a saga in itself. First announced back in 2018, Hytale looked all but finished in 2025, when development was effectively shuttered. But in a twist, the original creators bought back the rights on November 17, 2025, relaunching the studio behind the project. With over 30 developers returning to the fold and a decade-long private funding commitment reportedly secured, Hytale is back on track—building on a stable, pre-Riot codebase. The result: a rare revival story in an industry that rarely grants second chances.
Why Isn’t Hytale Launching on Steam?
At launch, Hytale is not available on Steam. The developers want to focus the initial Early Access phase on a well-informed community rather than a broad audience that might come in with mismatched expectations. Instead of relying on external platforms, development and distribution are handled through the game’s own launcher.
Running an in-house launcher also brings clear advantages: faster updates, more flexible testing, and full control over modding support. It also avoids limitations imposed by platforms like the Steam Workshop.
Will Hytale Come to Steam Later?
A future Steam release hasn’t been ruled out—but it’s neither confirmed nor currently planned. A Steam launch could happen after the full release, provided technical and modding requirements can be aligned with the platform. Until then, the only way to access the game is via the official Hytale launcher on the developer’s website.
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Is Hytale Coming to PS5, Xbox, or Switch?
During Early Access, Hytale is available exclusively on Windows PC. Support for macOS and Linux has not been scheduled. Console versions for PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch are not planned at this time, but could follow after the full release.
Which Editions of Hytale Are Available?
At the start of Early Access on January 13, 2026, three editions are available:
- Standard Edition ($23.79): Includes the complete Early Access game with all modes and multiplayer features.
- Supporter Edition ($41.64): Adds cosmetic items, in-game currency, and a supporter badge.
- Cursebreaker Founders Pack ($83.29): Includes all Supporter Edition content plus exclusive premium cosmetics and founder status.
All editions offer the same gameplay content. The extras are purely cosmetic and help fund ongoing development.
What’s Included in Early Access?
Even at launch, Hytale offers a substantial amount of content:
- Exploration Mode: An adventure RPG with procedurally generated worlds, NPCs, dungeons, and a zone-based system featuring regions like Emerald Grove and the Devastated Lands.
- Creative Mode: An unrestricted building mode with access to all blocks, items, and the integrated Model Maker. Players can create custom 3D objects that go far beyond classic block building.
- Modding support: Full modding tools are available from day one, including documentation, APIs, and asset editors. Modded servers are supported right from launch.
- Multiplayer: Private and public servers can be hosted directly. Partners like PebbleHost provide hosting solutions with dedicated hardware and control panels.
What Are the System Requirements?
The official requirements haven’t been finalized yet, but early estimates look like this:
Minimum requirements:
- CPU: Intel i5-4460 or equivalent
- RAM: 8 GB
- GPU: GTX 960 or equivalent
- Storage: 10 GB free space
Recommended requirements:
- CPU: Intel i7-8700K or equivalent
- RAM: 16 GB
- GPU: RTX 2060 or equivalent
- Storage: 20 GB SSD
How Long Will Hytale Stay in Early Access?
No specific timeframe has been announced. The length of Early Access will depend on active community feedback. The developers are planning regular updates with new zones, creatures, quests, game modes, modding features, and tool improvements. The goal is a high-quality experience—without locking in a fixed release date for version 1.0.
