Hytale Chapter 1: Release date, Gobliterator & more
Hytale’s $15,000 boss challenge & more
Hytale Chapter 1 releases on October 12, 2026, bringing the first major Chapter to Early Access.
Chapter 1 adds Hytale's first handcrafted dungeon and multi-phase boss fight alongside Goblin Breaches, Rune Abilities, new Goblin enemies, gadgets, cosmetics, and Chapter progression.
Parts of the update are already playable through Hytale's pre-release branch, but the dungeon and boss are being saved for launch.
Here's everything you need to know about Hytale Chapter 1.
When is Hytale Chapter 1 coming out?
Hytale Chapter 1 releases on October 12, 2026.
Chapter 1 content is already arriving through pre-release testing, with the second wave released on September 24.
Can you play Hytale Chapter 1 now?
You can play parts of Chapter 1, but not the complete update.
Enable the pre-release version through:
Launcher → Settings → Pre-Release
The current build lets you start engaging with Chapter 1 by visiting the Forgotten Temple.
However, the dungeon and boss are deliberately being kept away from public testing, meaning players won't be able to fully practice the Gobliterator encounter before October 12.
Forgotten Temple and Chapter 1 progression
Your Chapter 1 journey begins at the Forgotten Temple.
After answering the Chapter's opening call and setting things in motion, you'll begin gaining access to the new Goblin content.
The Temple is also intended to remain relevant beyond Chapter 1, serving as a hub for progression throughout Hytale's Early Access Chapters.
Hytale Chapter 1 dungeon and Gobliterator
Chapter 1 introduces Hytale's first handcrafted dungeon and first multi-phase boss fight.
Behind the encounter is the Encounter Manager, which controls boss phases, enemy waves, arena changes, and other encounter mechanics.
The boss being promoted ahead of Chapter 1 is the Gobliterator, a huge Goblin that we've already seen charging, smashing the ground, and fighting inside the new underground environment.
More importantly, you won't be able to practice the complete dungeon or boss through pre-release. They're being saved for the full Chapter 1 launch.
The $15,000 Gobliterator Challenge
There's also $15,000 on the line for beating the Gobliterator.
Hytale founder Simon Collins-Laflamme is offering the money to the first qualifying streamer to defeat the Gobliterator after Chapter 1 launches.
The current rules require you to:
- Play on Hard difficulty
- Play in Hardcore Mode
- Complete the run solo
- Wear no armor
- Use no potions
- Use no glitches
- Only use permitted iron weapons from Exploration Mode
- Complete a legitimate run without using Creative Mode to skip progression
- Stream the attempt with a VOD available for verification
The full terms will be provided before Chapter 1 launches.
Because the dungeon and Gobliterator are being kept out of pre-release testing, everyone chasing the $15,000 effectively starts learning the encounter after Chapter 1 goes live.
What are Goblin Breaches in Hytale?
Goblin Breaches are repeatable Chapter 1 world events.
After progressing through the opening Chapter content, temporary portals can appear in your world.
Entering one takes you into an unstable fragment of Orbis containing Goblin-controlled biomes and an expanding Void presence.
The world regenerates each time you enter, so subsequent Breaches can contain different content.
Your goal is to explore, fight, collect valuable loot, and survive the Void for as long as possible before it forces you back into your world.
Breaches can also contain treasure encounters, enemy waves, predators to track and trap, Void assassins, and puzzles protecting certain areas.
All Hytale Chapter 1 Goblins
Chapter 1 expands Goblins into a larger faction with different combat roles.
Not every Goblin is hostile either. Hytale has confirmed that some are friendly, including a Goblin who runs a shop.
All Hytale Chapter 1 Rune Abilities
Chapter 1 introduces Rune Abilities, giving you active combat abilities that can be equipped through the Runebinder system.
The first five arrived with the initial Chapter 1 pre-release content, while Chain Hook and Charged Shot were added with the second wave.
What are Modifier Runestones?
Modifier Runestones change how your Rune Abilities work.
Modifiers can alter properties such as an ability's area, duration, projectile behavior, or other effects.
For example, Hytale has shown how a Fireball could be modified to split into several projectiles rather than simply firing one.
Chapter 1 is only the introduction to Runes. The more complete Runeforging system is planned for later, so don't expect every part of Rune progression on October 12.
All Hytale Chapter 1 gadgets
Goblins also bring several new gadgets:
Gliding has also been reworked, allowing you to dive and ascend while maintaining momentum.
These additions make Chapter 1 as much about traversal and exploration as combat.
Hytale Chapter 1 rewards
Chapter 1 introduces its own progression and rewards.
You'll complete objectives as you work through the Chapter, with the Chapter interface acting as a roadmap for your Early Access progress.
Rewards include Goblin-themed cosmetics earned by completing Chapter content.
What isn't coming with Hytale Chapter 1?
Not everything Hytale has previewed recently will arrive with Chapter 1.
The redesigned Memories UI and player profile cards are planned for later, while full Runeforging will expand the Rune system after Chapter 1.
Hytale has also confirmed that enchantments aren't planned for Chapter 1.
For October 12, the main additions are the Forgotten Temple progression, handcrafted dungeon, Gobliterator, Goblin Breaches, Goblin faction, Rune Abilities, gadgets, cosmetics, and Chapter progression.
What to expect from Hytale Chapter 1
Hytale Chapter 1 launches in Early Access on October 12, 2026.
Parts of the update are already available through pre-release, including Runes, Goblins, gadgets, and Forgotten Temple content. The biggest pieces—the handcrafted dungeon and its boss—are being held back until launch.
That also means the $15,000 Gobliterator Challenge starts with players seeing the complete boss encounter for the first time.
If you're not interested in racing for the bounty, there's still plenty to dig into: repeatable Goblin Breaches, new combat abilities, traversal gadgets, Chapter progression, cosmetics, and the first proper dungeon of Hytale Early Access.