Hytale Update 3: Taming, Anchor UI, and 2026 Innovations

Four weeks after the early access launch, Hypixel Studios released the third major update for Hytale on February 17, 2026. Update 3 not only adds a taming system: it lays the groundwork for server modding with the Anchor UI, introduces sickles, revamps climbing, and officially unveils the Cursebreaker narrative arc that will guide the game until its full release. Here's an overview of what this update changes for players and server owners.

Animal Taming: The Basics Are Set

The most anticipated feature of this Update 3 is the taming system. Some friendly creatures in Orbis can now be tamed by offering them their favorite food. Once tamed, animals no longer flee from players (unless hit), can be petted with an empty hand, and occasionally greet their owner.

The system goes beyond mere companionship. Depending on the species, a tamed animal can be milked, sheared for resources, or ridden as a mount to speed up exploration of Zone 1. Breeding is not yet available: each animal must be individually tamed in the wild.

For multiplayer servers, taming creates an additional layer of progression. Players build stables, organize collective farms, and share animal resources. If you're looking to enjoy these new features with friends, a stable Hytale server hosting ensures that your tamed animals remain loaded and active even when you're offline.

Sickles and Farming Improvements

Update 3 adds a new tool: the sickle. Craftable at the farmer's workbench, it allows harvesting multiple crops in one go. For large farms, this addition eliminates the chore of clicking plant by plant.

Several crafting adjustments accompany the sickle. Early-game tools, weapons, and ammunition now craft instantly, and crafting times at the workbench have been reduced. The chicken coop moves from Tier 5 to Tier 3, making it accessible much earlier in progression. Another subtle but welcome change: grass now spreads automatically thanks to random block ticking. No more manual placement needed.

Revamped Climbing and Movement

The climbing system has been overhauled. Players can now move laterally on ropes, descend in a controlled manner without falling into the void, and pivot around anchor points. These adjustments make vertical exploration (caves, towers, high constructions) significantly smoother.

In combat, spears now stack in groups of 5 and are consistently throwable. The ballistics of ranged weapons have been refined for greater accuracy. Short bows and crossbows can use ammunition directly from the backpack. The Necromancy Grimoire has also been improved: summons are faster, more aggressive, and no longer harm their summoner.

The Goblin flamethrower makes its appearance in Creative mode. It uses a new fire propagation system that simulates fluid behavior. Currently reserved for Creative mode, it hints at interesting PvE mechanics for future zones.

Anchor UI: Server Modding Takes a Leap

For server owners and modders, the Anchor UI is probably the most significant addition of this Update 3. This system allows server plugins to inject interface elements directly into client pages, such as the world map.

In practice, a modder can now add buttons, menus, or custom widgets to predefined points in the game interface. It's a major step towards the promise of unlimited modding on which Hytale is built. As Hypixel Studios adds new anchor points, possibilities will expand.

Update 3 also brings custom map markers, with names, icons, and colors of choice. In multiplayer, these markers can be shared among players, facilitating coordination to mark dungeons, bases, or points of interest.

If you manage a Hytale server, consider making a full backup before updating: Update 3 deeply modifies entity and world generation systems. To install mods compatible with this version, OuiPanel's Mods Manager simplifies the procedure.

Cursebreaker Arc and Update Schedule

Hypixel Studios has formalized the narrative structure of early access. Major updates will arrive in the form of chapters that will progressively unfold the Cursebreaker arc in Exploration mode. Choices with lasting consequences are announced from the first chapter. The final chapter will mark the full release of the game and provide access to Orbis in its entirety.

The publication schedule is also evolving. Weekly pre-releases serve as a testing ground, then are grouped into stable updates every 2 to 6 weeks. Simon, the development director, has already confirmed that a pre-release of Update 4 will arrive in the coming weeks.

Customization and Localization

Six new hairstyles, four beard styles, and several thematic clothing items (mage shirts, sneakers) enrich the avatar creator. The Avatar Presets system now allows saving up to 5 configurations and switching between them at will.

On the language side, Brazilian Portuguese and Russian are the first new localization options integrated into the game, with more languages to come in the coming weeks. The team thanked the community translators who contributed to this launch.

Key Takeaways

Update 3 is not just a simple patch. It simultaneously strengthens farming, combat, exploration, modding, and customization. For solo players, taming and sickles make survival more engaging. For multiplayer communities, the Anchor UI and shared markers open the door to much richer server experiences.

Hytale has been available in early access on Steam since January 13, 2026. If you want to launch your own server to enjoy Update 3 with your community, our guide Hytale operation and deployment details the technical prerequisites, and the tutorial how to join a Hytale server helps you connect your players in minutes.