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Hytale: New Worlds - A Deep Dive into the Contest Categories

Ready to build the future of Hytale modding? Dive into our comprehensive breakdown of the Hytale: New Worlds contest categories to find the perfect home for your NPCs, worldgen, or gameplay mods.

Hytale: New Worlds - A Deep Dive into the Contest Categories

The Hytale: New Worlds Modding Contest is officially underway! We’ve partnered with Hypixel to host this modding contest, celebrating the boundless creativity of the Hytale community. With $100,000 in total prizes on the line, this is your moment to push the engine to its limits, experiment with bold new mechanics, and help define the next generation of Hytale modding.

The Contest Categories

To help you find your niche, the contest is split into three distinct paths. Here is everything you need to know about where your project fits:

1. NPCs

This category is all about breathing life into Hytale. We want to see creatures, enemies, and boss encounters that players won't forget.

  • The Goal: Push the asset configuration system to its limits. Create behaviors that feel intelligent - for example, use the Combat Action Evaluator to build an NPC party (Healer, DPS, Tank) that exhibits real teamwork.
  • Technical Guidelines: Prioritize the asset-driven NPC system; use Java only to extend what data alone cannot achieve.
    • Stick to walking and flying motion controllers for now (swimming transitions are not yet fully supported).
    • Focus on clarity and feel: readable "tells" for attacks, fair hitboxes, and clean pacing.
  • The Toolkit: Download the NPC Visual Editor here (Windows only).
    • Note: You’ll need an NPC descriptors file. Generate it by typing /npc in the Pre-release or via the NPCModule.json method in the standard Release.

2. WorldGen V2

Unleash your inner architect using Hytale’s WorldGen V2 tech. This is for creators who want to build the "New Worlds" the contest is named after.

  • The Goal: Build a biome, region, or zone with a cohesive theme and strong landmarks. It should be as fun to explore on foot as it is to look at from a distance.
  • Visual Node Editing: No coding is required! You can modify world generation directly within the visual node editor.
  • Category Guidelines:
    • Ensure the terrain is playable: prioritize fun traversal and navigable underground areas.
    • Optimization matters: chunks should load at a reasonable speed.
    • Submissions should include a short gameplay video (exploration or cinematic) to show the world in motion.

3. Gameplay Experiences

This is the "big picture" category. We’re looking for entirely new ways to play Hytale, from standalone maps to fundamental system overhauls.

  • The Goal: Create adventure maps, minigames, hard modes, or deep systems like skill trees and progression reworks.
  • Category Guidelines:
    • Immediate Playability: Include clear goals and basic onboarding so anyone can jump in fast.
    • Polish is King: High-quality UI, sound design, and visual feedback will set winners apart.
    • Integration: While not required, combining custom NPCs and unique worldgen into your experience is a huge plus.
    • Submission: You must include a short gameplay video and simple instructions for installation/play.

Ready to Claim Your Share of $100,000?

Entering the contest is simple. Follow these steps to get your project in front of the judges:

  1. Create your account: If you haven’t already, sign up as a Mod Author.
  2. Upload your project: Submit your mod through the CurseForge Project Creator.
  3. Official Entry: Once uploaded, you must fill out the Official Submission Form to be eligible for prizes.

Got more than one great idea? You’re welcome to submit multiple projects! For rules, FAQs, and to find team members or share your work, visit the Hytale: New Worlds Landing Page and join our Author Discord.