HYTOPIA has launched a public browser alpha of WORLDS, a game that returns the project to its original NFT Worlds concept.
WORLDS uses technology developed by the team rather than depending on Minecraft. Players can access the alpha at worldsalpha.com.
“In 2021 we started as NFT Worlds. Then we became HYTOPIA,” the team wrote. “It’s time we go back to our roots.”
The release follows HYTOPIA’s attempt to build an entire platform for games created by other developers. In September, technical cofounder ArkDev acknowledged that approach had failed and proposed another attempt centered on the team’s own game. WORLDS now gives players an opportunity to try that direction.
The alpha’s release notes describe an exploration and crafting RPG with permanent home worlds, resource gathering, equipment progression and multiplayer expeditions.
Players have a home where they can build, store their discoveries and operate crafting stations. A guide and caravan provide access to expeditions, with different danger levels offering opportunities to find resources, equipment and other loot. Returning to the caravan and speaking to the guide brings players home with their finds.
Expeditions carry a risk of losing newly collected items. Updates clarify the consequences of leaving trips early and improve how the game handles disconnections, party departures and returns home.
The environments described in the patch notes extend beyond basic block building. They include caves, underwater grottos, floating islands, volcanic landscapes, buried labyrinths, ruined aqueducts and fortresses. Some locations contain locked treasure that becomes available after players defeat enemies or complete combat challenges.
Equipment and character progression also feature prominently. Mining, woodcutting, crafting, cooking, alchemy, climbing and exploration have associated skills and unlocks. Crafting stations include furnaces, hearths, blacksmithing and enchanting tables, with equipment repairs, upgrades and salvaging providing further uses for gathered materials.
Traversal equipment includes gliders, boats, diving gear and hookshots. Combat involves swords, bows, armor, enchanted equipment and consumable tonics, alongside encounters with creatures, skeletons, golems and bosses.
Another system lets travelers encountered during expeditions offer requests. Completing these can lead to travelers becoming residents at the player’s home. Residents provide daily resources or services: a surveyor can mark treasure chests, while a trader operates a stall with changing stock.
Multiplayer features include friends, chat, visits to other players’ homes and shared expeditions. The current notes specify a maximum of four players for open trips.
WORLDS remains an early release. Its notes warn that progress will eventually be wiped, including when the game enters open beta and public release. The launch announcement also says early testers could qualify for a whitelist if the team proceeds with a future free mint.