What is the ex-Riot Games game Hytale?

Riot Games may be primarily known for its largest titles, including League of Legends and Valorant, but the studio has dabbled in all sorts of games. From spin-offs that expand the League of Legends universe to unrelated titles that they bought the rights to, Riot Games has many titles under its umbrella.

One of those games used to be Hytale, which was a sandbox RPG that encouraged players to create and fight their way in a fantasy world. While the game was ultimately canceled by Riot Games, it seems that isn’t the case anymore, since it’s making a revival.

Here’s what to know about the former Riot Games game Hytale ^[1], including what it is and what Riot has to do with it.

What is Hytale?

Hytale is a bright, blocky sandbox RPG that lets players explore, create, and fight their way through its procedurally generated fantasy world. Players can collect resources, craft gear, build structures, and explore different regions, all filled with dungeons, secrets, and monsters. Hytale combines responsive combat, speaking NPCs, and quests into one adventure. This makes the game appealing to solo players and players who enjoy co-op alike.

Hytale highlights imagination and discovery in its gameplay. In the block-based world, players can use tools to build large bases or shelters, alter the terrain, and make unique objects or animations. Hytale offers scripting systems, server tools, and model editors to support and encourage community-made mods and mini-games.

The combat system is more action-oriented than other sandbox games, featuring enemies specific to each area, diverse weapon types, and effective dodge mechanics. Hytale feels more guided and narrative-driven than Minecraft because it incorporates RPG and adventure elements.

Did Riot Games make Hytale?

Hytale was developed by Hypixel Studios, a team formed in 2018 by creators of one of the largest Minecraft server networks. After years of creating mini-games and custom systems in Minecraft, the developers aimed to make an entirely new, standalone game. It was made to provide the player freedom and tools they felt were missing.

The studio’s announcement trailer went viral in 2018, attracting millions of views and excitement. By early development, millions had already signed up for beta access, showing the strong community interest.

In 2020, Riot Games acquired Hypixel Studios. The goal was to provide the team with long-term stability, technology, and resources. Hytale was originally scheduled for release in 2021, but a significant engine change and expanding scope for the game caused delays.

Riot’s involvement brought funding and structure but also led to a larger, more ambitious project. Development complexities and shifting plans slowed progress, resulting in significant changes by 2025.

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Why was Hytale canceled by Riot Games?

In June 2025, Riot announced it was canceling Hytale and shutting down Hypixel Studios. Since the game had taken years to develop and had a loyal fanbase, the decision surprised many.
According to Riot, the studio encountered challenges in aligning its goals with the game’s direction, as the project grew more complex

After years of work, the studio concluded Hytale was no longer viable under Riot’s management. 
This stunned many players, suggesting this was the end of a once-promising title.

How was Hytale revived?

Simon Collins-Laflamme, a co-founder of Hypixel, bought back Hytale from Riot Games in November 2025. They have recruited many original developers again and are committed to funding the development for the next ten years.

The team is working to bring Hytale’s original sandbox-adventure vision back, increase development speed, and keep the community updated more often and clearly. They are also focused on rebuilding player trust and recapturing the elements that first made the game so exciting

Hytale is currently undergoing active development once more. More details have been revealed in recent blog entries, and the team has stated that Early Access will be available shortly. The Early Access version will put focus on exploration and creative modes. Moreover, future updates will add official mini-games, adventure mode, and more advanced gameplay mechanics.

The Early Access build will be rough at launch, according to the developers, and regular patches are anticipated based on community input. Soon, a precise date for the Early Access release should be disclosed.

When will Hytale be released?

Hytale aims to deliver a hybrid of freeform sandbox creativity and structured RPG-style adventure. With development now back in the hands of its original creators, the game appears closer than ever to becoming playable.

Players can expect new gameplay videos, regular blog updates, and increasing transparency from the team as Early Access approaches.

FAQs

Is Hytale still being developed?

Yes. After Riot canceled the project, one of the original founders bought it back. Development is active again, and Early Access is planned.

Was Hytale made by Riot Games?

No. Hytale was created by Hypixel Studios. Riot later acquired the studio to support development.

Why did Riot cancel Hytale?

Riot cited development challenges, scope shifts, and long production delays. The project was no longer viable under their management.

References

1. [1] "Official Hytale website". hytale.com. Retrieved November 26, 2025