A new Hytale update has hit the sandbox game‘s pre-release build, and despite word from studio founder Simon Collins-Laflamme that it would be a quieter week, there are plenty of additions to be excited about. Terraria 1.4.5 might have dragged me away from Hypixel Studios’ rapidly evolving Minecraft challenger, but the necromancy buffs are pulling me back in. There’s also some reassurance that your Hytale username is locked in and won’t be stolen by other players, no matter how high-profile they might be.
Hypixel recently announced that it would be changing the way it rolls out Hytale updates. Players can now look forward to regular weekly patches for the pre-release build, while updates to the live version will become less frequent. This new approach allows for more extensive experimentation and polishing, which is a win for regular players and mod creators alike. While this particular update feels a bit more restrained, there’s still a wealth of features that makes it worth checking out.
Among the most anticipated additions is the ability to place custom map markers. Now, you can enjoy adjustable colors, icons, and labels to mark important locations in-game. These markers can easily be turned on or off via both the map and compass, and they’re shareable in multiplayer, supporting collaborative exploration. Moreover, the existing in-game icons have been polished for better clarity, and the compass has been updated to accurately indicate whether a marker is above or below your current position.
The Necromancy Grimoire has also undergone some enhancements following its rocky introduction. Initially deemed “temporarily bad,” it’s received a significant upgrade, improving gameplay for those who lean towards a dark, summoning approach. The most notable change is that summons and their summoner can no longer damage each other, which allows for smoother gameplay. You can raise a wider variety of skeletal minions, including a new ranged option, and they’ll now respond aggressively when you’re attacked instead of just when you target an enemy.
This update isn’t just about new features; it also addresses various gameplay inconsistencies. Adjustments have been made to resolve damage inconsistencies and variations across certain weapon tiers, as well as correcting misconfigured stamina costs for guarding with specific items. Cosmetic customization has been expanded, featuring new items such as a tweed hat, a construction hard hat, a stylish mage shirt, and various footwear options with new color variations. Who doesn’t like looking good while adventuring?
Hypixel has also taken the time to refine some aesthetic elements. Several new cracked block textures have been added, alongside updates to the Cobalt texture and fixes for the tiling on Magma Adamantite. One standout feature is the reintroduction of the Incandescent Volcanic Rock, offering players even more building options and creative opportunities.
In addition to these aesthetic elements, there are numerous gameplay improvements. For example, doors can now be body blocked to prevent them from closing, teleporters won’t reactivate until you’ve moved a certain distance away, and minecarts can no longer move when they’re stuck. These changes enhance the fluidity of gameplay, making the world feel more interactive and intuitive.
One major concern for many players—especially those eyeing unique usernames—has been addressed as well. Collins-Laflamme has assured the community that usernames are now locked in. As long as a username doesn’t violate basic rules—like profanity or impersonation—you can rest easy knowing it won’t be snatched up by someone else, even if a more prominent YouTuber or Twitch streamer shares the name. If that popular figure desires a taken username, developers can contact the original owner, but there is no obligation to hand over the name.
In a reassuring note, Collins-Laflamme emphasized that “If a YouTuber or streamer wants a specific username that is already taken, they cannot claim it.” This understanding provides peace of mind for all players, allowing them to forge their identities within the game without the fear of losing their monikers to fleeting fame.
Finally, there have been several interface tweaks that can’t go unnoticed. Container action prompts have been rearranged for better user experience, the sort keybinds now function from inventory menus, and a new ‘take all’ option allows for efficient processing of output items at benches. The Chicken Coop construction requirement has also been significantly lowered, now just needing a tier-three Farming Bench instead of five, which should further streamline gameplay. Additionally, the radius for connected chests has been made more visible, enhancing your crafting and storage strategies.