The Howling Sands is Zone 2 of Orbis—a vast desert landscape filled with ancient ruins, dangerous predators, and scarce resources. This guide covers everything you need to know about surviving Hytale’s desert region.
Geography and Environment
Landscape Features
The Howling Sands is characterized by:
- Endless sand dunes — Stretching as far as the eye can see
- Rocky canyons — Natural formations offering shelter and resources
- Oasis water sources — Rare but vital for survival
- Ancient ruins — Remnants of a forgotten civilization
- Scorching temperatures — Daytime heat is a constant threat
Visual Identity
Unlike the verdant forests of Zone 1, the Howling Sands presents:
- Orange and brown color palette
- Sparse vegetation
- Clear visibility (few trees to obstruct view)
- Dramatic rock formations
- Sandstorm weather events
Wildlife of the Howling Sands
The desert is home to unique creatures adapted to harsh conditions.
Passive Creatures
| Creature | Behavior | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Antelope | Herbivore | Fast and skittish; prey for predators |
| Armadillo | Defensive | Rolls up when threatened |
| Camel | Mount | Essential for desert travel |
| Flamingo | Ambient | Found near oases; pink plumage |
| Meerkat | Social | Lives in groups; watches for danger |
Mounts
| Creature | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Camel | Moderate | Best for long-distance travel |
| Horse | Fast | Fastest ground mount available |
| Ram | Variable | Can be ridden in battle |
Dangerous Predators
| Creature | Threat Level | Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Saber-toothed Tiger | EXTREME | Pack hunters; coordinated attacks |
| Hyena | HIGH | Social predators; hunt in groups |
| Crocodile | HIGH | Ambush predator near water |
| Vulture | Medium | Scavenger; circles over carrion |
| Warthog | Medium | Territorial; aggressive when approached |
Survival Guide
Preparing for the Desert
Before leaving Zone 1, ensure you have:
- Iron armor or better — Leather won’t protect you
- Plenty of food — At least 5-7 days worth
- Water containers — Essential for desert travel
- Torches — For exploring ruins and canyons
- Weapons — Multiple options for different threats
Day 1 Priorities
- Find water immediately — Oases are your lifeline
- Seek shelter — Build or find cover from the sun
- Avoid predators — Saber-toothed tigers hunt during the day
- Scout for resources — Look for ruins and resource nodes
Managing Heat
The desert heat is a constant threat:
- Travel at dawn/dusk — Avoid midday sun
- Stay near oases — Water helps regulate temperature
- Build shaded structures — Create safe havens
- Carry water — Always have a backup supply
Combat Strategies
Against Saber-toothed Tigers:
- Never engage alone
- Use high ground when possible
- Ranged weapons are safest
- Watch for pack members
Against Hyenas:
- They attack in groups
- Fire can deter them
- Don’t get surrounded
In Ruins:
- Watch for crocodiles near water
- Check corners for ambush predators
- Bring light sources
Ancient Ruins
The Howling Sands contains numerous ancient structures:
Types of Ruins
- Burial tombs — Undead encounters, valuable loot
- Temple complexes — Puzzles and rewards
- Collapsed settlements — Building materials
- Underground catacombs — Connect to cave systems
What to Find
- Rare minerals — Not found in Zone 1
- Ancient treasures — Valuable trading items
- Sandstone blocks — Unique building material
- Lore tablets — Story fragments about Orbis’s past
Resources and Materials
Harvestable Resources
| Resource | Use | Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| Sand | Glass, crafting | Common |
| Sandstone | Building | Common |
| Rare minerals | Crafting | Uncommon |
| Ancient tech | ??? | Rare |
Building Opportunities
The desert offers unique building potential:
- Sandstone structures blend naturally
- Flat terrain for large builds
- Clear visibility for defensive structures
- Underground building beneath the sand
Lore and Story
Connection to Orbis History
The Howling Sands wasn’t always a desert. Lore fragments suggest:
- Once a verdant region
- Ancient civilization thrived here
- Some catastrophe transformed the land
- The ruins are remnants of that era
The Trorks
While Trorks are most associated with Zone 1, they have a presence in the desert:
- Scavenging parties explore ruins
- Some Trorks have adapted to desert life
- They may be searching for something specific
Progression Path
Zone 2 represents a significant difficulty increase:
What You Should Have Before Entering
- Iron equipment minimum
- Established food source
- Basic shelter building skills
- Combat experience against multiple enemies
What You’ll Gain
- Access to rare materials
- New building options
- Advanced combat experience
- Story progression
Returning to Zone 1
The journey back can be easier:
- You know the route
- Better equipment makes travel safer
- You can establish waypoints
- Desert resources are valuable in Zone 1
The Bottom Line
The Howling Sands is Hytale’s first true test. Everything you learned in Zone 1 is put to the test here:
- Scarcity of resources forces planning
- Dangerous predators require strategy
- Harsh environment demands preparation
- Ancient ruins reward exploration
Survive the desert, and you’ll be ready for whatever Orbis throws at you next.
Sources:
- Official Hytale Website
- Zone 2 Blog Posts
- Community documentation and gameplay footage