Hytale: What’s New in Patch 2?

Patch 2 for Hytale, currently available in pre-release, is a major update that changes several core systems in the game. Its main goal is to deepen gameplay while laying the groundwork for more frequent updates during early access. Rather than focusing purely on new content, the update mostly restructures progression and core mechanics to support future additions.

The most visible addition is a new form of magic based on necromancy. The Necromancy Grimoire allows players to summon temporary skeletal minions from bone piles, introducing a new combat approach centered around summoning and managing AI-controlled allies. This mechanic changes how certain encounters can be approached, especially in solo play, as part of the combat pressure can now be delegated to summoned units.

The mining system has also been heavily reworked. Progression now depends much more on tool tiers, making early mining slower but upgrades significantly more meaningful. Higher-quality pickaxes mine faster and are required for advanced ores, reinforcing a clearer sense of progression and preventing players from accessing late-game resources too early. At the same time, world generation has been adjusted through WorldGen V2, with ore distribution redesigned to encourage exploration and improve long-term resource balance.

The patch also introduces several quality-of-life improvements. Players can now hide certain armor pieces visually while keeping their stats, allowing more freedom in character customization. Additional cosmetic options, animation tweaks, and avatar customization elements have been added, expanding visual variety without affecting gameplay balance.

Another important focus is the more “cozy” side of gameplay. Farming has been adjusted so crops are no longer destroyed by accidental weapon hits, and tilled soil remains active longer. These changes make slower-paced activities less punishing and support players who focus on building, farming, or exploration rather than constant combat.

As expected for a pre-release update, a large portion of Patch 2 is dedicated to balance changes, fixes, and overall stability improvements. The update primarily serves as a technical foundation for upcoming features, with developers confirming a faster experimental update cycle intended to test new ideas more quickly with the community.

Overall, Patch 2 is less about adding isolated features and more about reshaping core systems. It prepares Hytale for future expansions by improving progression, exploration, and customization while introducing early experimental mechanics that hint at the game’s long-term direction.