Creating Hytale Packs

Packs let you add new content to Hytale without writing code. You can create custom blocks, items, mobs, particles, and more using the built-in Asset Editor.

What Are Packs?

Packs are content bundles that add new things to the game. They use JSON files and art assets (textures, models, sounds) to define new content. The game reads these files and adds your content automatically.

With packs, you can add:

• Blocks - New building materials with custom textures
• Items - Tools, weapons, food, and miscellaneous items
• Mobs - Creatures with custom models and behaviors
• Particles - Visual effects like smoke and sparks
• Sounds - Custom audio for your content
• Translations - Text in different languages

Pack Structure

Every pack follows the same folder structure:

The manifest.json File

Every pack needs a manifest file. This tells the game about your pack:

{
    "Group": "com.yourname",
    "Name": "MyAwesomePack",
    "Version": "1.0.0",
    "Description": "Adds cool new blocks and items!",
    "Authors": [
        {
            "Name": "Your Name",
            "Email": "you@example.com",
            "Url": "https://yourwebsite.com"
        }
    ],
    "Website": "https://yourwebsite.com",
    "ServerVersion": "1.0.0",
    "Dependencies": [],
    "OptionalDependencies": [],
    "DisabledByDefault": false
}

Creating Custom Blocks

Let's create a simple custom block step by step.

Step 1: Create the Texture

Make a 32x32 pixel PNG image for your block. Save it as:

YourPackName/Common/BlockTextures/my_block.png

Step 2: Define the Block

Create a JSON file for your block:

{
    "identifier": "mypack:my_block",
    "displayName": "My Custom Block",
    "texture": "my_block",
    "hardness": 1.5,
    "resistance": 3.0,
    "material": "stone",
    "sounds": {
        "break": "stone_break",
        "place": "stone_place",
        "walk": "stone_walk"
    },
    "drops": [
        {
            "item": "mypack:my_block",
            "count": 1
        }
    ]
}

Block Fields Explained

Creating Custom Items

Items work similarly to blocks. Here's a basic item:

{
    "identifier": "mypack:magic_gem",
    "displayName": "Magic Gem",
    "icon": "magic_gem",
    "maxStackSize": 64,
    "rarity": "rare",
    "category": "materials"
}

Item Types

Different item types have different properties:

Tool Example

{
    "identifier": "mypack:crystal_sword",
    "displayName": "Crystal Sword",
    "icon": "crystal_sword",
    "type": "sword",
    "damage": 8,
    "attackSpeed": 1.6,
    "durability": 500,
    "rarity": "epic"
}

Mob Behaviors (JSON Logic)

Packs can define complex mob AI and behaviors using JSON — no Java required. Hytale's behavior system uses predefined components that you combine to create intelligent creatures.

Available Behavior Components

Example: Alert Behavior

Here's how to make a mob that alerts nearby allies when it spots a player:

{
    "identifier": "mypack:guard_alert",
    "type": "behavior",
    "triggers": {
        "on_player_spotted": {
            "range": 16,
            "action": "alert_allies"
        }
    },
    "actions": {
        "alert_allies": {
            "type": "broadcast",
            "range": 32,
            "message": "player_detected",
            "animation": "alert_gesture"
        }
    },
    "components": {
        "aggression": {
            "target": "player",
            "attack_range": 2.5,
            "damage": 5
        },
        "patrol": {
            "radius": 10,
            "speed": 0.8
        }
    }
}

Attaching Behaviors to Mobs

Reference the behavior in your mob definition:

{
    "identifier": "mypack:guard",
    "displayName": "Castle Guard",
    "model": "guard",
    "health": 30,
    "behaviors": [
        "mypack:guard_alert",
        "hytale:melee_combat",
        "hytale:idle_wander"
    ],
    "drops": [
        { "item": "hytale:gold_coin", "count": [1, 3] }
    ]
}

Visual Scripting (Coming Soon)

Hytale is developing a node-based visual scripting system inspired by Unreal Blueprints. This will let you create complex behaviors by connecting nodes — no code or JSON needed.

• Link levers, doors, spawners, and triggers visually
• Create adventure maps and puzzles without code
• Custom nodes can be added via Java plugins

Creative Mode Tools

Hytale includes powerful in-game tools for content creation. All tools are accessed through Creative Mode.

Accessing Creative Tools

Available Tools

Asset Editor Features

• Create - Make new blocks, items, and mobs visually
• Edit - Change properties with sliders and inputs
• Preview - See changes instantly in the game
• Export - Save your creations to pack files

Useful Commands

Adding Translations

To show names in different languages, add translation files:

{
    "block.mypack.my_block": "My Custom Block",
    "item.mypack.magic_gem": "Magic Gem",
    "item.mypack.crystal_sword": "Crystal Sword"
}

Testing Your Pack

Publishing Your Pack

When your pack is ready, share it on CurseForge:

1. Create an account at curseforge.com
2. Go to Author Console → Create Project
3. Select Hytale and upload your pack
4. Add screenshots and a description
5. Submit for review