Hytale’s second major early access update is now live, continuing the game’s rapid development pace following its January 13, 2026 launch. Update 2 arrives less than two weeks after release and introduces meaningful gameplay systems, expanded customization, and important tooling aimed directly at modders and server creators.
The update follows an unusually intense development journey for Hytale — from its origins as a Minecraft server project in 2015, through its cancellation under Riot Games in mid-2025, to its reacquisition by founder Simon Collins-Laflamme and subsequent early access launch. Since returning to independent development, the studio has already delivered two major updates and confirmed that Update 3 will enter pre-release next week.
New Character Customization Options
Update 2 expands player expression with several long-requested customization features.
Avatar and visual updates
Players now have access to multiple new face options and additional hair visuals, allowing for more distinct character identities.
Armor visibility toggle
A new armor visibility option has been added directly to the character panel. This allows players to choose whether equipped armor is visually displayed. Server owners can optionally enforce armor visibility rules, making the system flexible for both roleplay and competitive environments.
Necromancy Enters Hytale
One of the most notable additions in Update 2 is the introduction of necromancy-themed gameplay.
The Grimoire and skeletal minions
A new grimoire item allows players to raise skeletal minions from bone piles found in the world. The item drops from the large Praetorian Skeleton enemy and introduces the first direct form of summoning gameplay.
According to Simon Collins-Laflamme, the grimoire is directly connected to Hytale’s future magic system, strongly suggesting this is an early foundation rather than a one-off feature.
This marks the clearest signal yet that structured magic schools and progression systems are actively in development.
World Generation V2 and Modding Support
Update 2 brings major progress for modders and technical creators.
WorldGen V2 documentation preparation
The new WorldGen V2 system is now being prepared for public documentation. This is a major step toward enabling deeper biome, terrain, and structure modding at a core level.
New world templates
Flat and void world templates have been added, improving usability for builders, creators, and server projects that require controlled environments.
Ore generation overhaul
Ore placement has been significantly refactored across the world. Underground regions, especially within Devastated Lands, now contain more varied and better-distributed ore spawns, improving progression flow and exploration rewards.
Gameplay and Quality-of-Life Improvements
Update 2 also delivers several mechanical refinements across core systems.
Mining progression changes
Pickaxe progression has been adjusted to better reflect tier balance. Adamantite now requires Thorium or Cobalt pickaxes, tightening progression clarity and reducing early power spikes.
Farming improvements
Several farming frustrations have been addressed:
- Eternal crops no longer break when hit by weapons
- Tilled soil remains active for longer periods
- Seeds are returned more consistently
- Players can now hold torches in their offhand while hoeing
These changes significantly improve long-term farming setups and base maintenance.
Accessibility, Stability, and Server Enhancements
The update includes a broad range of technical and usability improvements.
Accessibility additions
A new accessibility mode addressing ophidiophobia has been added, allowing players uncomfortable with snake-like enemies to reduce or modify their appearance.
Editor and interface updates
Tooltips, editor workflows, and UI clarity have been improved across multiple systems, reducing friction for both players and creators.
Server improvements
A new server auto-update system has been introduced, alongside performance improvements and numerous stability fixes aimed at large multiplayer environments.
What This Update Signals for Hytale
Update 2 reinforces two clear development priorities: fast iteration and community-driven creation.
The early rollout of modding documentation, combined with foundational systems like necromancy and WorldGen V2, shows a strong push toward long-term extensibility rather than short-term content drops. With Update 3 already entering pre-release next week, Hytale’s post-launch cadence is shaping up to be far more aggressive than many expected.
For early access players, this update represents both immediate gameplay value and a strong signal of where the game is heading next.
Enjoy our updates? You can add GamingHQ as a preferred source in Google Search to see our articles more often.
