On October 12, Hypixel Studios released a major update for the early access sandbox RPG Hytale, titled "Chapter 1: Escape from the Rift." This update adds boss dungeons, goblin items, and multiplayer minigames. While the game originally focused on exploration, free-form building, and challenging powerful enemies and dungeons across various regions, this update further expands exploration and combat while also introducing more multiplayer options.
The new dungeons are handcrafted by the development team, featuring bosses with multiple attack patterns and unique battle arenas. After unlocking related content in the "Forgotten Temple," a frequent destination in exploration mode, portals to the Goblin Lair will appear in the world.
Goblin-crafted items provide more ways to move and explore: drills can destroy multiple blocks at once, gliders enable aerial movement, rocket boots allow double jumps, grappling hooks facilitate vertical traversal using structures, and telescopes let you observe distant areas. The newly added Rune Stone ability system includes seven main ability runes and eight modifier runes that grant additional effects. Players can equip up to two main abilities, combining them with different attack styles.
Multiplayer minigames can be accessed from the main menu, allowing players to participate solo or in teams. Currently, two modes are available: one where hiders transform into blocks to blend into the environment while hunters search for them, and another that randomly selects from twelve existing minigames, rewarding players with stars based on their performance at the end.
The update also introduces new cosmetic and makeup options. Some cosmetics, including monster-themed outfits, require progress in Chapter 1 to unlock.