HYTOPIA, the voxel-based platform from the team behind NFT Worlds, has opened its closed beta to NFT holders. The first game client build is now downloadable for players who own eligible NFTs, marking the platform's initial public testing phase.
Co-founder "Temptranquil" shared that the team has been working "extremely hard" on polishing the game client, fixing bugs across gameplay, graphics, and performance systems.
The current build still has rough edges, but the team plans rapid iteration with frequent updates. The beta's main goal is testing hardware compatibility to ensure the platform runs smoothly across different systems before wider release.
HYTOPIA Cover Art and Characters
From NFT Worlds to HYTOPIA
HYTOPIA started as a collection of 10,000 customizable virtual worlds. The project has since expanded to include its own blockchain HYCHAIN and native token $TOPIA. Originally built on Minecraft as NFT Worlds, the project underwent a complete rebuild and rebrand after securing $3 million in funding backed by Delphi Digital and Delphi Ventures.
The platform positions itself as the "next generation of social play and games made by creators in a familiar voxel-like setting," running on a custom-built engine. The team aims to combine modern social features for players with a flexible, monetizable creation toolkit for developers, all within a Minecraft-inspired framework.
HYCHAIN infrastructure and $TOPIA
HYTOPIA takes clear inspiration from Minecraft but layers in web3 tools for world creators. World owners can optionally integrate the $TOPIA token, add play-and-earn mechanics, and gate access using NFT ownership requirements.
Guardian Nodes power the distributed server infrastructure for HYCHAIN, HYTOPIA's dedicated gaming blockchain. Following the approach of projects like Ronin, Immutable X, and Gala Games, HYTOPIA built its own chain to eliminate gas fees and simplify player onboarding.
HYCHAIN
How to access the closed beta
HYTOPIA opened beta access to holders of Worlds, Gray Boys, and Avatars NFTs. These early testers can now try an early version of what will become a free-to-play platform for creating and playing diverse voxel-based games.
To join, NFT holders need to connect to the HYTOPIA Testers Discord server and verify ownership through collab.land. Beta participants also need a Minecraft account for the current testing phase.
The HYTOPIA client currently uses Minecraft servers for testing, requiring players to whitelist their Minecraft accounts via a Discord bot. HYTOPIA plans to launch its own dedicated servers later, removing the Minecraft account requirement. The platform will maintain backward compatibility so existing Minecraft servers can migrate to HYTOPIA.
HYTOPIA Gameplay Screenshot
Available game modes
The closed beta includes two playable servers: Avatars Battle Arena and Gray Boys Factions.
- Avatars Battle Arena: A 20 vs. 20 battle royale mode where players compete in a free-for-all scavenger-style shooter arena with a shrinking play zone.
- Gray Boys Factions: A faction-based PvP mode where players form teams of up to 20 members to raid opponents and compete for server control.
HYTOPIA Gameplay Screenshot
What comes next
The team plans weekly client updates with detailed release notes. Features like sound effects, player animations, and NPC behaviors are incomplete in the current build but scheduled for upcoming patches. The immediate priority is fixing crashes and ensuring the client runs on a wide range of hardware.
HYTOPIA's closed beta represents a major milestone toward the platform's full launch. Players can expect steady improvements to the gaming experience as new features and refined mechanics roll out. For updates and beta access information, check the HYTOPIA X account.
