Minecraft-like RPG launches first major update with huge $15,000 cash prize for serious gamers

This year, games are set to empty your wallet entirely - especially in this lead-up to the end of 2026, when GOTY-contending AAA titles are landing almost every week.

It's truly a costly time to have a hobby like this.

But what if we told you that one game is actually dishing up a huge $15k prize to any of its players who can reach the end of its new, free DLC?

That's where Hytale could save - and earn - you a small fortune, as the creator of the Minecraft-like sandbox RPG has issued a challenge to the elite gamers out there, as the first expansion pack of this quickly developing game has set a release date.

Hytale announces Chapter 1 expansion for October

Hytale is a game that has endured a very turbulent development cycle, having once started out as an indie game, only to be acquired by League of Legends creator Riot Games. Yet Riot struggled to push Hytale over the line, and their ideas were subsequently scrapped, with the IP being returned to its original owner.

Since then, it has grown as a sandbox RPG with many players enjoying the mod tools to create wild recreations of Pokemon and other games, in a similar vein to the Fortnite UEFN editor.

Now, the base game is being given its largest DLC drop yet, as 'Chapter 1' prepares for launch on October 12.

The update will add a wealth of new biomes, enemies, building materials, and a boss to defeat, similar to Minecraft's Elder Dragon.

The latter feature has now become subject to a very lucrative challenge too.

Hytale creator challenges elite gamers with $15K prize

Hytale creator and director Simon Collins-Laflamme is incentivising all Hytale players to go on the ultimate run to defeat the 'Gobliterator', taking inspiration from long-standing efforts of 'no-hit' speedrunners.

"I’ll donate $15,000 to the first streamer who kills the Gobliterator boss in hard mode, no armour, no potion, no glitch, in hardcore mode (you can use iron weapons available in Exploration Mode)," he said on X.

"It must be streamed so we can watch the VOD; don’t cheat, bro. It must be a full legit run in solo; you can’t just creative-mode your way in there! It will be interesting to see strategies: risk time in practice, or just go straight for the kill? hmm."

This isn't the first time that Hytale has offered up gifts to its players, either, as it seems to be a regular occurrence. Previously, the studio promised $25,000 to players who could spot game-breaking bugs in the game, as they continue to strive for a polished and perfect product before it leaves Early Access. Talk about rewarding loyalty, eh?

With all this spare cash lying around, it could make your 2026 gaming much more affordable, and you could even enjoy the fruits of the GTA VI Collector's Box without making a dent in your budget.