Orbis is a planet of incredible diversity. From the gentle forests where your adventure begins to the frozen wastelands of the north, each region offers unique environments, creatures, and challenges. This guide covers every confirmed biome in Hytale.
Understanding Biomes vs. Regions
Since the Spring 2025 update, Hytale uses a Region-based system:
- Regions contain 3-5 biomes each
- Biomes within a Region share a cohesive theme
- Biomes transition naturally within their Region
- Each Region has a distinct identity
This is different from the old Zone system where very different biomes might be adjacent for no clear reason.
Central Grasslands Region
The starting Region for many adventurers.
Prairie
Characteristics:
- Open grasslands stretching to the horizon
- Sparse tree coverage
- Gentle rolling terrain
- Rich in resources
Wildlife:
- Deer and antelope grazing
- Predators stalking the open areas
- Birds flying overhead
Resources:
- Abundant wood from scattered trees
- Grass and plant materials
- Exposed minerals in hills
Sparse Forest
Characteristics:
- Thicker tree coverage than prairie
- More elevation variation
- Rocky outcrops breaking the terrain
- Undergrowth between trees
Wildlife:
- More concentrated wildlife
- Predators use trees for ambush
- Birds nest in the canopy
Resources:
- More wood harvesting options
- Hidden resources in rocky areas
- Forest plants and herbs
Rocky Outcrops
Characteristics:
- Elevated stone formations
- Caves and crevices
- Mineral deposits visible
- Difficult terrain navigation
Wildlife:
- Creatures that prefer high ground
- Predators that use elevation
- Mountain-adapted species
Resources:
- Stone and minerals
- Rare ores in deeper areas
- Cave resources
Boreal Frontier Region
The cold northern Region.
Snowy Tundra
Characteristics:
- Endless snow-covered plains
- Frozen lakes and rivers
- Sparse vegetation
- Harsh weather conditions
Wildlife:
- Polar bears hunting seals
- Cold-adapted birds
- Arctic foxes and hares
Resources:
- Ice blocks
- Cold-resistant materials
- Fish from frozen waters
Pine Forest
Characteristics:
- Dense evergreen coverage
- Snow-covered branches
- Reduced visibility
- Natural paths through trees
Wildlife:
- Wolves in packs
- Deer adapted to cold
- Owls and other birds of prey
Resources:
- Pine wood (distinctive)
- Winter berries
- Forest floor materials
Frozen Peaks
Characteristics:
- Mountainous terrain
- Permanent snow caps
- Treacherous paths
- Glaciers and ice formations
Wildlife:
- Mountain goats and sheep
- High-altitude birds
- Fewer creatures overall
Resources:
- Rare mountain minerals
- Ice varieties
- High-altitude plants
Glacial Coastal
Characteristics:
- Frozen shorelines
- Ice floes in water
- Coastal mountains
- Northern lights visible
Wildlife:
- Penguins and seals
- Coastal birds
- Ocean predators near shore
Resources:
- Coastal ice blocks
- Ocean resources
- Shoreline materials
Wild Savannah Region
Drawing from elements of old Zones 1, 2, and 3.
Sandy Plains
Characteristics:
- Endless sand dunes
- Extreme heat
- Limited water sources
- Occasional rock formations
Wildlife:
- Antelope herds
- Saber-toothed tigers hunting
- Vultures circling overhead
Resources:
- Sand blocks
- Oasis water
- Rare desert minerals
Rocky Canyon
Characteristics:
- Steep canyon walls
- Shade from sun
- Hidden water sources
- Ancient ruins
Wildlife:
- Rock-dwelling creatures
- Predators using ambush points
- Bats in canyon caves
Resources:
- Sandstone
- Canyon minerals
- Ruin treasures
Oasis
Characteristics:
- Water sources in desert
- Lush vegetation around water
- Wildlife congregates here
- Critical for survival
Wildlife:
- Flamingos and water birds
- Drinking animals
- Predator ambush sites
Resources:
- Water (vital)
- Oasis-specific plants
- Fish and aquatic life
Earthglade Region
Deep forests where ancient threats lurk.
Dense Ancient Forest
Characteristics:
- Massive old-growth trees
- Limited ground visibility
- Bioluminescent plants
- Mysterious atmosphere
Wildlife:
- Forest-dwelling creatures
- Predators using cover
- Unique forest species
Resources:
- Ancient wood types
- Rare forest plants
- Magical materials
Razorleaf Territory
Characteristics:
- Defended by mature Kweebecs
- Dangerous to intruders
- Ancient forest magic
- Deep forest areas
Wildlife:
- Creatures tolerated by Kweebecs
- Forest predators
- Magical beings
Resources:
- Unique forest materials
- Kweebec-crafted items
- Ancient forest resources
Devastated Lands Region
Prehistoric jungle with unique dangers.
Tropical Jungle
Characteristics:
- Dense vegetation
- High humidity
- Difficult navigation
- Abundant life
Wildlife:
- Prehistoric creatures
- Cave Rex stalking
- Raptors hunting in packs
- Triceratops grazing
Resources:
- Jungle wood
- Prehistoric materials
- Ancient technology
Underground Ruins
Characteristics:
- Buried beneath jungle
- Connected by tunnels
- Ancient structures
- Traps and defenses
Wildlife:
- Underground predators
- Cave-dwelling prehistoric life
- Constructed defenses
Resources:
- Ancient artifacts
- Prehistoric tech
- Rare materials
Ocean Biomes
Often considered a Region in themselves.
Coastal Waters
Characteristics:
- Shallow water near land
- Varied terrain
- Abundant life
- Transition to deep ocean
Wildlife:
- Small fish
- Crabs and crustaceans
- Seabirds
- Young sharks
Resources:
- Coastal materials
- Fish and seafood
- Beach resources
Open Ocean
Characteristics:
- Deep water
- Endless horizon
- Ocean currents
- Storms and weather
Wildlife:
- Sharks and predators
- Large fish schools
- Whales and dolphins
- Sea monsters?
Resources:
- Deep ocean materials
- Large fish
- Rare ocean finds
Coral Reefs
Characteristics:
- Shallow, clear water
- Colorful coral
- High biodiversity
- Underwater formations
Wildlife:
- Clownfish and tropical fish
- Crustaceans
- Reef predators
- Sponges and corals
Resources:
- Coral blocks
- Tropical ocean items
- Rare ocean finds
Unique Biomes
These biomes don’t fit neatly into Regions.
Deep Ocean
Beyond all coastal waters:
- Ocean shelf drop-off
- Unique ocean biomes
- Underwater ruins
- Powerful sea creatures
Infinite Lands
Procedurally generated territory beyond:
- Endless exploration
- Procedural content
- Outside main story
- Always something new
Biome-Specific Features
Weather Effects
Each Region has distinct weather:
- Grasslands — Rain and storms
- Boreal — Snow and blizzards
- Savannah — Sandstorms and heat
- Jungle — Monsoons and humidity
Day/Night Variation
Biomes change dramatically:
- Lighting differences — Affect visibility
- Creature activity — Some nocturnal
- Temperature changes — Impact survival
- Aesthetic shifts — Different atmosphere
Seasonal Changes
Some biomes may have seasons:
- Grasslands — Green to brown cycles
- Forests — Leaf color changes
- Cold regions — Winter intensifies
Exploration Tips
Preparation
Before entering a new biome:
- Research the biome — Know what to expect
- Pack appropriately — Right gear matters
- Plan your route — Don’t get lost
- Prepare for dangers — Know the threats
Survival
General tips:
- Use terrain — Know your surroundings
- Understand creatures — Know what lives there
- Find resources — Know what’s available
- Respect the environment — Nature can kill you
The Bottom Line
Hytale’s biomes are designed to feel:
- Distinct — Each has clear identity
- Cohesive — Biomes in a Region make sense together
- Worth exploring — Secrets and rewards everywhere
- Alive — Dynamic and changing
Your journey through Orbis will take you through incredible diversity. Each biome offers new challenges, new discoveries, and new reasons to keep exploring.
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