As we move closer to Chapter 1, Hytale Update 6 brings a range of important enhancements, including improved quality-of-life features, upgraded trigger volume tools, the new Mod browser and significant network optimizations. This update focuses on introducing Aetherion's newly redesigned user interface while delivering numerous improvements to our custom plugins, resulting in greater stability, performance, and an overall smoother gameplay experience.

NEW UI INTERFACE

All of our internal user interfaces have undergone a major redesign, including the Player Progression interface. We felt that our previous UI no longer aligned with the gameplay experience and long-term vision we have for Aetherion, so we partnered closely with a professional UI specialist to create a more intuitive, immersive, and visually cohesive experience that better supports our players' journey through the world.

CENTRAL NEXUS UPDATE

A major update that we have been working on for quite some time is the complete redesign of the Central Nexus.

The new Nexus offers a significantly larger and more immersive environment, featuring several new additions, including the Nexus Pylons, the Central Main Pylon located at the heart of the Nexus, and the updated Pantheon.

The Pantheon is divided into three distinct levels. The first level serves as the Grand Hall, the second houses the Great Library, and the uppermost level is home to the Elder Gods' Council Hall. Each area has been carefully designed to complement Aetherion's narrative and overarching storyline, providing a richer and more immersive world for players to explore.

As development of the main RPG continues, these locations will evolve further, with additional lore, content, and features planned for future updates.

DUNGEON: Below every heaven

Below Every Heaven is a unique instanced adventure that immerses players in a dark and unforgiving world. Descend through seven distinct dimensions, each ruled by a powerful and deadly creature, and guarded by horrors that defy comprehension. Every level presents new challenges, dangers, and secrets waiting to be uncovered. Enter if you dare.

RuneSWORDS

We are pleased to announce the addition of RuneSwords to our growing collection of third-party plugins.

RuneSwords introduces a unique weapon system that allows players to integrate custom runes into their swords, granting a variety of special abilities and effects. Currently, the plugin features Fire, Poison, and Ice Runes, each offering distinct enhancements and combat advantages.

We have been following Pilipchen's work for some time and have been consistently impressed by its quality and creativity. We believe RuneSwords aligns exceptionally well with the lore, atmosphere, and gameplay experience of Aetherion, making it a valuable addition to the server.

Bug Fixes and Updates

The following is a list of all features and bug fixes deployed as part of this update: 

• Full code cleanup exercise on all internal plugins, and also changed a number of routines which could have put some strain on the server.
• Upgraded all internal Aetherion plugins to the Update 6 framework.
• Fixed an issue with the Ethereal portals, following the Update 6 changes to how Hytale manages Chunks, where portals were not activating when linked. 
• Shifted the actions for banking, auctions and merchants to the new ExecutionSupport action framework.
• Shifted the actions for citizens to the new ExecutionSupport action framework.
• Updated the Lobby to the new v3 lobby, which includes a new Skybox, the new Primary nexus pylon and Secondary pylons, the Pantheon is now complete and a new island dedicated to introducing the Goblins and their lore to Aetherion.
• Fixed an issue with the Lobby which could result in the fps going down to 24 due to invalid entities created in the early hytale days.
• Fixed the weather for the Nexus, lowered the volume for the music in the Nexus and also changes the weather for the Shattered Vein world.
• Fixed a broken sound FX with plushie entities.
• Removed an invalid sound generator from a number of custom particle spawners.
• Fixed an issue with the targeting UI framework as a result of changes to chunk index logic in Update 6. Also fixed the target UI to use the new v2.0 UI elements.
• Redid the Patrol logic for custom Citizens to use Hytale pathing instead. The old logic relied on redundant targetting mechanics which no longer work as intended following Update 6. Turns out the existing Hytale pathing is better, since Citizens now stop and look at you if you get in the way - ie its more realistic.
• Fixed the UI for the Adventure Guide and updated it to the new Aetherion UI v2.0. 
• Increased the size of the home section of the guide.
• Moved the shortcut menu display further to the bottom.
• Added the new Trial framework accessible via the /trials command or through the new player menu.

Statistics and Progression

• Player portrait is been updated to use the new UI element PlayerPortrait.
• Switched to the new Aetherion UI v2.0.
• Fixed the layout of all sections to fit the bigger UI frame.
• Fixed the Health Stat icon in the Survival Stat section as it was incorrectly styled.
• Fixed an issue with the Statistics section which was randomly creating a rather big space between the different categories.
• Made alternating lines in the stats a different background shade to better identify the correct value matching the stat name.
• Update the Help section and fixed the text so it wraps correctly and also fixed an issue where certain text was partially hidden.

Hytale Server Browser AND FINAL NOTE

When browsing the server list, we kindly ask for your support by leaving a like on our server. Your feedback helps improve our visibility and overall rating, allowing us to grow and enhance the experience for all players.

Lastely... 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! 🌿✨