Hytale has had a tumultuous journey, but it is beginning to take flight once again. After Riot Games cancelled the title following seven years of development, the game has now been reclaimed by its original owner, who aims to restore the vision that was lost during this time.

The developer, Hypixel, has been quick to share news, including new gameplay footage revealed shortly after the acquisition, and an announcement of the early access release date set for January 13, 2026.

Despite the excitement, the studio has urged fans to manage their expectations. In a recent announcement, CEO Simon Collins-Laflamme mentioned that the game’s current state isn’t up to par: “The game isn’t good yet; eventually, it will.”

He emphasized the importance of honesty around the early access offering, saying, “If you don’t feel comfortable pre-ordering or participating in early access, please don’t. The first impression will be rough, but the path ahead matters more.”

Content Lead Polina Logado also reinforced the message by stating, “Be aware it’s alpha release! We are doing our best to fix and improve things!”

Speculation continues about the future of Hytale, yet the commitment from the team gives a glimmer of hope to fans who have followed the project closely.