On March 26, the new Hytale Update goes live, bringing a huge number of changes that make the game even deeper. This includes around 500 new building blocks, major updates to workbenches, plus new features for a better multiplayer experience, including proximity chat. Update 4 is packed, and you’ll likely notice many of the changes only as you play. We’ll walk through the biggest sections of the update so you can find them quickly and work them into your gameplay. There are also plenty of smaller tweaks and bug fixes.
500 new building blocks in Hytale Update 4: Metals, dirt, and cloth
The biggest headline is probably that there are now more than 500 new blocks to build with. And no, that’s not an exaggeration. A huge number of new variants have been added that didn’t exist before, closing many gaps that previously limited builds.
A quick note: Not all of these appear in the standard Exploration mode—many are currently only available in Creative mode. They’ll likely arrive over time, with some not coming until Worldgen 2.0. Use the Builder’s Workbench in your world to find a number of these variants right now.
These new blocks include:
- Complete block families for: Cooled Magma, Chalk, Slate, and Limestone
- Slabs, stairs, gravel, and braces for all stone types
- Slabs and stairs for nearly all dirt types
- Slabs and stairs for cloth (wool), plus more variants for roofs and tents
- Metals (iron, copper, zinc, gold, bronze) with multiple variants: roofs, fences, decorative blocks, and pipes
New gameplay features for items, blocks, and mobs in Hytale
Several existing features have been overhauled. Some are subtle and easy to miss but make a big difference—you’ll likely feel these changes in your day-to-day gameplay.
- Fish traps can now be placed near the shore in shallow water.
- Windows can be placed independently of blocks, so you can finally slot them between walls or upright slabs.
- The watering can now has 50 capacity instead of 30. You can also charge it to water a 3x3 area. It can be placed while sneaking, too.
- Workbenches now function independent of chunk loading. Furnaces and tanning racks continue to run while you’re away. They also work through the night and keep progress from skipped time.
- Wolves attack in packs and coordinate their strikes. This behavior will roll out to other animals later.
- Memories now have sound effects when picked up and turned in.
- Your backpack now shows a number indicating how many slots are filled.
- You can now craft better sickles with greater reach and higher durability.
- Fences and walls can now connect in a cross (+) configuration.
Alchemist’s Workbench in Hytale: potion rework and rare plants
One of the biggest changes lands at the Alchemist’s Workbench. Potions have been reworked, and rare plants have moved from the Farmer’s to the Alchemist’s Workbench. There are also three new tiers, so you can now upgrade the bench up to Tier 5.
A host of new potions have been added, and all recipes and effects have been revised. The Storm, Azure, and Blood plant families are now essential—and you’ll find them here, not in the Farmer’s Workbench anymore.
These plants have new mechanics, too. They now only grow on Crystalized Dirt, which requires the matching fertilizer from this tab. It’s made from crystal shards and void essence. Each plant also has its own growth conditions. Storm Saplings, for example, must be planted near a gold block, while Azure Kelp grows only near water.
Because these plant families now live here, they’ve been removed from the Farmer’s Workbench. That includes Tiers 9 and 10, which no longer exist.
Farmer’s Workbench update: new trees and wood types in Hytale
In return, the Farmer’s Workbench received a major tree upgrade. You can now cultivate saplings for almost every tree type, making all wood types renewable. Previously there were only 10—now there are 31 trees. Apple trees also have their own wood type, which can be converted into hardwood. And as mentioned, you can now upgrade the Farmer’s Workbench only up to Tier 8.
Hytale world settings: mods and automatic backups
Before you dive into a world, there are a few adjustments, especially in your world’s settings. It’s worth taking a look.
- Mods now live in a separate section, where you can see more information than before. You’ll see the version, last updated date, and the mod’s developer.
- The second new tab is for your world’s backups, which Hytale creates automatically. The system has been streamlined and made clearer, which should help prevent world corruption.
Hytale proximity chat and emotes: better multiplayer communication
Multiplayer fans should love Update 4, as it’s now built into the game to communicate with your friends. Proximity chat has been implemented, and the closer you are to another player, the better you’ll hear them. You can adjust settings under “Audio” while on a server.
Emotes have also been added, which you can open with X and select. Your character will automatically switch to third-person view while the animation plays, as long as you don’t move. It’s a great way to communicate without words and give your character some personality.
Hytale Update 4 verdict: more content and multiplayer improvements
Once again, Hytale’s Update 4 is packed with changes that expand, refine, and improve playability. You now have far more building blocks to choose from, even if many are initially Creative-only. The refinements to existing features, the Alchemist’s Workbench overhaul, and the new saplings that make every wood type renewable are all exciting. For multiplayer, proximity chat is an absolute game-changer.
Try the new features right away by renting one of our Hytale servers. The voice chat is perfect for a play session and can be customized to your liking.
