Updated the server to Hytales Update 5, and added a couple of new features.
Update 5 is now live, and our team has been working diligently to ensure a smooth transition. Significant effort has gone into upgrading our interfaces and underlying systems to align with this latest release.
While this update introduces major additions - such as the new Friends system and Server Listing, it also includes a wide range of behind-the-scenes improvements. We have been working around the clock to ensure that all existing features have been fully updated, refined, and prepared for a stable launch alongside these changes.
As we mentioned above, server listings are now going to be available ingame. Aetherion has been accepted as an official Hytale server, and will be available in the public server list once Update 5 is released.
We are pleased to introduce six new NPCs to the world of Aetherion, all of which can be encountered within the wild. The Zul’kar Tiger and the Panda are two new mobs that inhabit the densest jungle regions. The Zul’kar Tiger is a formidable and highly dangerous predator, with a chance to drop the Zul’kar Ravager mount. In contrast, the Panda is generally neutral in behavior, though it will defend itself if threatened. The slow-moving yet resilient Giant Tortoise can typically be found inhabiting plateau regions, where its durability makes it a formidable presence. Meanwhile, the long-necked Tallhorn roams freely across the savannah zones, adding a distinctive and graceful element to these open landscapes.Additionally, two new critter NPCs have been introduced: the Toucan and the Hornbill. The Hornbill can be found in the Savannah biome, whilst the Toucan can be found in the Jungle biomes, further enriching the ecosystem and bringing greater life and diversity to these regions.
We are currently expanding the pet system by introducing new functionalities aimed at enhancing their overall utility. As part of this update, ground-based pets have been given an additional feature: they are now capable of collecting specific items from the environment - such as bones, leather scraps, and gold - and delivering them directly to the player.
We have also begun expanding our selection of mounts, incorporating new additions to enhance variety and gameplay depth. As part of this effort, we decided to integrate the mounts from the Traveling Mounts mod by Cali19. These mounts feature high-quality designs, including detailed visual elements such as armor and decorative gear. Additionally, several of these mounts align well with the racial mount system we are developing as part of the broader RPG framework.
One of the most significant additions to the mount system is the introduction of flying mounts. Our goal is to deliver a flight experience inspired by dynamic systems such as Dragonflight in World of Warcraft, where aerial movement is governed by stamina. While in flight, stamina is gradually depleted and must be replenished before taking to the skies again, encouraging strategic navigation rather than unrestricted flight. We intend for flight to serve as an endgame feature, providing a meaningful sense of progression. During the early and mid-game experience, players will rely on traditional ground mounts to explore the world of Aetherion, gradually unlocking the ability to take flight as they advance.
In Aetherion, not all creatures are bound solely to flesh and instinct - many are touched by the Ethereal currents that weave through the world. These beings possess a latent awareness, a fragment of will that transcends simple survival. When such a creature is defeated in honorable combat, its spirit does not always fade. Instead, something rare may occur. If the creature deems its opponent worthy - through strength, resilience, or mastery of the elements - it may choose to offer its essence rather than lose it. In that moment, its spirit condenses into a relic of arcane design known as a Binding Sigil.This sigil is not a trophy. It is a pact. Through this sigil, the creature is not enslaved - it is summoned from the Ethereal Plane, answering your call as a mount.
The mounts listed above represent only a selection of those currently available to adventurers across Aetherion. Each mount can be obtained through specific encounters in the world. Grimfur has a chance to drop from Grizzly Bears, Frostfang from Sabertooth Tigers, and Zul’kar Ravager from the newly introduced Zul’kar Tiger. Additionally, Ripclaw may be acquired from Cave Raptors found within Zone 4.
We’ve heard your feedback, and the Corgi is now available as a companion to join you on your adventures. Accompanied by its charming bandana, this delightful pet adds both personality and warmth as it follows at your side. Like the Dog and Cat, the Corgi Egg can be purchased from Scruff in the Central Nexus.
At the moment, we are working hard on the new Citizens update, which will introduce Neutral NPC factions, quest givers, and much more to the world of Aetherion. One we have a solid foundation in place, we hope to release our first ever Roadmap around the end of June.
The following are further bug fixes deployed as part of this update:
As a final note, please keep in mind that all of these new systems and updates are still undergoing active refinement. As Hytale continues to evolve, we will likewise update and improve our plugins, logic, and internal frameworks to stay aligned with the game’s development.
This means that certain gear stats, item information, recipes, and crafting mechanics may continue to change over time. While the current implementation is stable, nothing is fully final - your feedback will help shape the polished versions of these systems as they mature.
As always, if you have suggestions, ideas, or comments, please share them with us on our official Discord server. Your input helps shape the future of Aetherion.
Happy exploring! 🌿✨
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