The wait is finally over. After years of anticipation, Hytale officially entered Early Access on January 13, 2026, opening the gates to the magical world of Orbis. Thousands of players are already flooding the servers, discovering that Hypixel Studios’ sandbox RPG is far more than just a blocky builder. With a deep combat system, distinct elemental zones, and a survival loop that rewards preparation over grinding, your first few nights can be brutal if you aren't prepared. Whether you’re a veteran of the genre or a newcomer, this Hytale Early Access guide will walk you through the essential steps to survive your first day, master the combat mechanics, and establish a stronghold in the Emerald Grove.

Day One: Surviving the Emerald Grove

Your journey begins in Zone 1: The Emerald Grove. While it looks idyllic with its lush greenery and flowing rivers, don't let the scenery fool you. As soon as you spawn, your priority is gathering basic resources before the sun sets. Unlike other sandbox games where you punch trees immediately, Hytale rewards scavenging first.

Look for loose rubble and fallen sticks on the ground. You can also harvest Plant Fiber by breaking tall grass. These three resources are the trinity of the early game. Once you have a handful of each, press C (default) to open your crafting menu and create a Crude Workbench. This station is your gateway to the Copper Age.

Crafting Your First Tools

With your workbench placed, craft a Crude Hatchet and Crude Pickaxe. Note that tool durability in Hytale is relatively forgiving, but efficiency matters. You’ll also want to craft a Crude Sword immediately. The local wildlife in Zone 1—specifically the aggressive Trorks—can surprise you even in broad daylight.

Mastering Hytale’s Combat System

Combat in Hytale is distinct from its predecessors, relying heavily on stamina management and weapon types. You cannot simply spam-click your way to victory; doing so will drain your stamina bar, leaving you unable to block or dodge.

Weapon Types and Playstyles

Early Access offers several distinct weapon classes, each with unique advantages:

  • One-Handed Swords: The most versatile option for beginners. They offer a balance of speed and damage, and most importantly, allow you to hold a shield.
  • Axes: These deal cumulative damage. Landing successive hits increases your damage output, rewarding aggressive play, but they are slower than swords.
  • Daggers: Dual-wielding daggers allows for high mobility and a special dash mechanic, perfect for dodging heavy attacks from Dungeon bosses.
  • Maces/Hammers: Heavy hitters that consume significant stamina but deal massive knockback—ideal for crowd control when you get swarmed.

Pro Tip: Pay attention to your Signature Move gauge. As you deal damage, this bar fills up. Once full, you can unleash a powerful special attack (like a leaping slam with a mace) that can turn the tide of a difficult fight.

Base Building and Progression

Once you’ve survived the first night, it’s time to build a permanent home. Hytale separates crafting into specialized stations. You won’t craft complex building pieces at your basic bench; for that, you need a Builder’s Workbench.

This station unlocks specific architectural elements like beams, pillars, and roof tiles. Hytale’s building system allows for intricate detailing without needing mods. You can slot beams into blocks to create realistic supports, a feature that builders are already praising across social media.

The Hunt for Copper

To progress beyond stone tools, you must venture underground. Look for cave entrances in the Emerald Grove. You are hunting for Copper Ore, easily identifiable by its orange-brown oxidation. Be cautious: caves are often inhabited by Goblins and subterranean creatures that are tougher than surface mobs. Bring plenty of food—while Hytale doesn't have a starvation mechanic that kills you, food provides essential health regeneration buffs that are vital for dungeon delving.

Looking Ahead: Zones 2 and 3

While this guide focuses on Zone 1, many players are already attempting to cross into Zone 2 (Howling Sands) and Zone 3 (Borea). A word of warning: these zones act as difficulty spikes. The heat of the Howling Sands and the freezing winds of Borea require specific gear to traverse safely. For now, focus on maxing out your Copper equipment and mastering the blocking timing in the Emerald Grove before venturing further into Orbis.