The first update for Hytale is now available for players. This release introduces a wide range of fixes and improvements to make the game better. The development team stated they are dedicated to keeping a fast update schedule to solve problems and enhance the game experience.
Many parts of the game have been adjusted. Changes were made to the world and environment, non-player characters, creatures, crafting systems, farming, audio and visual effects, user interface, character customization, combat mechanics, game balance, and command functions.
The team shared this message: “Welcome to the first Hytale update! Today, we are releasing new content alongside a range of fixes and quality-of-life improvements. We are committed to maintaining a rapid patching cadence to address issues and improve the game as quickly as possible.”
Important additions include dinosaurs and other NPCs that now populate the underground jungles. However, these characters currently have “placeholder behaviors” while the team continues working on them. Because these new NPCs require changes to the environment in their biome, players are advised to generate new unexplored areas if they want to visit and interact with them.
Players can also expect to see proper atmospheric effects and creature spawns in the Devastated Lands sewers. Volcanic environmental effects have been added beneath volcanoes. Additionally, the invisible filler block that sat between the bench in the Forgotten Temple has been removed.
All NPCs now have knockback resistance. Fire-themed NPCs are immune to fire damage, which makes sense, although they still look like they are catching fire for now. Skeletons no longer drown in water. Kweebecs are now immune to damage from cacti or brambles. Livestock should no longer be able to climb on top of the chicken coop. Cautious wildlife predators, such as the Fox, will not attack players unless the player attacks them first.
It is now easier to find the Backpack and its upgrades. The base backpack no longer requires a Tier 2 Workbench to craft. It also now takes less than 10 seconds to transform hides into Leather, which is a helpful change.
There is much more included in this update. For a complete list of changes, players should check the official website for the full patch notes.
Regarding the game’s early access launch, a writer noted: “This week’s early access release feels like a splendid start; a flexible, well-featured – and already enjoyable – foundation with plenty of polish and attention to detail.”
The studio is also offering substantial support for modding and other creative ways to play. They aim to build a strong community, similar to the one that has supported Minecraft so well. With the next two years of development funding already secured, the future looks promising for Hytale.
