What is ‘Hytale’? The new viral ‘Minecraft clone’ explained

In recent days, the gaming community has been abuzz with discussions surrounding “Hytale,” a newly launched video game that has quickly captured the attention of players worldwide. Since its debut earlier this week, the game has experienced a remarkable surge in player engagement, positioning itself as a strong contender for one of the year’s best-selling titles. While some players and content creators have drawn comparisons to “Minecraft,” labeling it a “Minecraft clone,” “Hytale” is carving out its own niche, particularly among fans of the iconic sandbox game.

<h2 class="HeadingblockHeading_6ppY9″>What is ‘Hytale’?

“Hytale” is an open-world sandbox game that invites players to immerse themselves in a vibrant world where resource collection, crafting, and construction are key components of gameplay. Players start with nothing and must navigate challenges such as gathering resources, battling monsters, and ultimately building their own unique worlds. The game also features a creative mode, allowing players to design their environments without the need to gather resources first.

The similarities to “Minecraft” are evident, a connection that is not surprising given that “Hytale’s” developer, Hypixel Studios, previously worked on a prominent multiplayer “Minecraft” server. Development of “Hytale” began in 2015, initially as an independent project. However, after Hypixel Studios was acquired by Riot Games, the project faced setbacks, including its cancellation in mid-2025. Fortunately, Hypixel founder Simon Collins-Laflamme acquired the rights to the game and resumed development in November.

Currently, “Hytale” is in early access, meaning it is still undergoing active development and is not yet fully complete. While some features are still in the works and players may encounter bugs, the game is fully playable in its current state.

<h2 class="HeadingblockHeading_6ppY9″>What Platforms is ‘Hytale’ Available on?

At present, “Hytale” is available exclusively on PC, with versions compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Patrick Derbic, the executive director of “Hytale,” indicated in an FAQ that console versions for platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and PS5 are anticipated, though he emphasized that this would occur at a later stage as the team focuses on stabilizing the game’s code base. Notably, “Hytale” is not available on Steam; it can currently be accessed solely through the official “Hytale” website. However, a Steam release remains a possibility for the future, albeit not a priority at this time.

<h2 class="HeadingblockHeading_6ppY9″>How Much Does “Hytale” Cost?

The standard edition of “Hytale” is priced at .99. For those seeking additional perks, there are two higher tiers available for purchase on PC: the Supporter tier at .49 and the Cursebreaker Founders Edition at .99. These premium options come with exclusive cosmetics and costumes, though they do not include any extra content.

<h2 class="HeadingblockHeading_6ppY9″>How Popular is “Hytale”?

While specific sales figures for “Hytale” have yet to be disclosed, early indications suggest that the game is enjoying significant popularity. Reports indicate that pre-purchase sales have generated enough revenue to sustain at least two years of development. Additionally, on its release day, over 400,000 viewers tuned in to watch gameplay on Twitch, highlighting the game’s immediate impact within the gaming community.

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What is ‘Hytale’? The new viral ‘Minecraft clone’ explained