Minecraft HostingHytale is being built with modding at its core. Unlike most games where modding is an afterthought, Hypixel Studios used the same tools they're giving to players to build the game itself. This guide explains how Hytale modding works, what you can create, and what tools are available when the game launches on January 13, 2026.
Modding Philosophy: Server-Side First
Hytale takes a unique approach to modding. All modifications run server-side, which means you can join any modded server without downloading external mods or managing client-side installations.
This solves a major problem in games like Minecraft where every server requires different mod packs and launcher configurations. With Hytale, you keep one clean client, and servers provide all the customization.
Even in singleplayer, you're technically running a local server. When you create a singleplayer save, you select which mods to use for that save, and your local server loads them automatically.
Four Types of Hytale Content
Hytale modding falls into four major categories:
1. Server Plugins (Java .jar files)
Server plugins are the most powerful form of modding. Written in Java, plugins let you:
- Build custom minigames and game modes
- Create economy systems and player shops
- Add custom commands and admin tools
- Modify core gameplay mechanics
- Implement new asset types
Plugins require programming knowledge, but they give you deep control over the server. If you've written Bukkit or Spigot plugins for Minecraft, you'll feel right at home with Hytale plugins.
2. Data Assets (JSON files)
Data assets define the core content of the game through JSON configuration files. You can modify:
- Blocks and items
- NPCs and mob behavior
- World generation rules
- Loot tables and drop rates
- Crafting recipes
Data assets don't require programming. You edit JSON files to change how game elements behave. For example, you could make zombies drop diamonds, or create a new biome with custom terrain generation.
3. Art Assets (Models, Textures, Sounds)
Art assets provide the visual and audio representation of game elements. Hytale supports Blockbench for creating models, textures, and animations.
If you've made resource packs for Minecraft, creating Hytale art assets will feel familiar. The difference is that Hytale's modding tools let you add entirely new content, not just retexture existing items.
4. Save Files (Worlds and Prefabs)
You can share entire worlds or specific builds called "prefabs." Prefabs are prebuilt structures like trees, houses, or landmarks that can be used in creative tools and world generation.
This makes it easy to share adventure maps, custom minigame arenas, or impressive builds with the community.
Available Modding Tools
Hypixel Studios provides several tools for creating Hytale content:
Hytale Asset Editor
The official editor for data assets. It supports most asset types, though some features (like NPCs and world generation) have limitations at launch. The editor will expand over time based on community feedback.
Blockbench Plugin
A plugin for the popular Blockbench software that lets you create Hytale-compatible models, textures, and animations. This replaces Hypixel's internal modeling tools and integrates with established creative workflows.
Asset Graph Editor
An internal tool Hypixel used for world generation, creative brushes, and NPC behavior. It's not polished yet, but it's functional enough that Hypixel decided to release it rather than hide it. Expect rough edges, but also expect it to improve based on user feedback.
Creative Tools
An interactive suite of in-game tools for modifying the world. Think of it as a powerful creative mode that goes beyond placing blocks. Hypixel plans dedicated content showing these tools in action.
Machinima Tools
The same tools Hypixel used to create the original 2018 Hytale trailer. These tools have some technical issues but are functional for creating cinematic content.
No Text-Based Scripting (Lua, Python, etc.)
Hypixel Studios made a deliberate choice: Hytale will not support text-based scripting languages like Lua or Python.
Here's why: text-based scripting is usually added to "help non-programmers," but in practice, scripting languages are still programming languages. This creates problems:
- Programmers have to juggle two languages, one of which feels limited
- Designers still need to learn programming concepts
- Logic gets fragmented across multiple systems
Visual Scripting Instead
Instead of text scripting, Hytale will add visual scripting similar to Unreal Engine Blueprints. This approach:
- Empowers designers who think visually about game logic
- Lets programmers stay in Java and expose high-level nodes
- Provides a sandboxed, safe environment for sharing logic
- Offers great learnability for modders of all skill levels
Visual scripting isn't available at launch but is a core part of Hypixel's long-term roadmap. Eventually, you'll be able to link levers, doors, spawners, and triggers directly in the 3D world to build adventure maps without code.
Server Source Code Release
Hypixel Studios plans to release the Hytale server source code within 1-2 months after launch. This is a huge deal for modders because:
- You can inspect how systems work under the hood
- Documentation gaps become less painful
- You can contribute bug fixes and improvements back to Hypixel
- Advanced modders can understand exactly what's happening
Until then, the server is not obfuscated, so you can decompile it if needed.
Mod Distribution and Sharing
At launch, mod distribution will be rough around the edges. Hypixel didn't have time to build a polished distribution system before Early Access, so expect friction when:
- Bundling creations into clean packages
- Managing dependencies between plugins and asset packs
- Sharing worlds with custom content
This is one of Hypixel's top priorities post-launch. They'll iterate quickly based on how the community actually ships and shares content.
Custom UIs
Hytale's UI system is currently in transition. Hypixel is consolidating three different UI frameworks into one: NoesisGUI. This means:
- Asset-driven UIs are available but limited
- You can start experimenting now
- Tell Hypixel what you're trying to build, and they'll prioritize unblocking you
Custom UIs will improve rapidly during Early Access as Hypixel refines the system.
Stability Warning
Hypixel is transparent about this: there will be crashes, some of which can cause data loss. The game is in true early access, and data integrity cannot be guaranteed yet.
Take frequent backups of your savegames and creations. Treat this phase as valuable but not yet safe for irreplaceable work. Hypixel is treating stability as a top priority and will fix crashes as they're reported.
Community and Support
You don't have to figure out Hytale modding alone. Join these communities:
- Discord: Official Hytale Discord server with direct access to developers
- CurseForge: Community Discord focused on user-generated content
- Reddit: Hytale subreddit for discussions and questions
- GitBook Documentation: Official creator docs (in progress)
Hypixel Studios monitors these communities actively and uses feedback to guide development priorities.
Long-Term Roadmap
Hypixel's long-term vision includes:
- Node editors: Visual editors for NPCs, interactions, and world generation
- Visual scripting: In-game logic building without code
- Development bounties: Paid opportunities for contributing to the ecosystem
- Unified creator suite: All tools integrated into one editor
The goal is to blur the line between playing games and creating games, making Hytale accessible to new modders while giving experienced creators the depth they need.
Hypixel's Own Server Network
Hypixel Studios plans to launch a first-party server network featuring classic Hypixel minigames rebuilt for Hytale. This isn't meant to compete with community servers. Instead, it:
- Validates that the modding tools actually work at scale
- Gathers real-world server performance data
- Provides a reliable network during Hytale's early days
- Shares code and assets so you can learn from their implementations
Hypixel's incentive is to grow a broad ecosystem with many successful servers, not dominate the landscape themselves.
Getting Started with Hytale Modding
When Hytale launches on January 13, 2026, you can start modding immediately. Here's what to expect:
- Download and install the Hytale Asset Editor
- Install the Blockbench plugin for creating models
- Experiment with data assets (JSON files) to modify game content
- Join the Discord community to ask questions
- Take frequent backups of your work
If you're a programmer, you can start writing Java plugins right away. If you're a designer or artist, focus on data assets and art assets while visual scripting is being developed.
Hosting a Modded Hytale Server
Want to run a custom Hytale server with your own mods and plugins? You'll need reliable hosting with enough resources to handle the server simulation, especially if you're running complex plugins or high view distances.
Check out our Hytale server hosting plans with unlimited RAM, instant setup, and full plugin support. Perfect for running modded servers from day one.
The Bottom Line
Hytale modding is in early access alongside the game. The tools are uneven, documentation is incomplete, and there will be crashes. But these are the same tools Hypixel used to build the game, and they're committed to improving the modding experience based on your feedback.
If you're willing to join during this rough phase, you won't just be modding Hytale - you'll be shaping what Hytale modding becomes.