At the moment, Hytale does not feature a full animal taming or pet system. Mechanics such as taming, issuing commands, keeping pets, or breeding animals are not yet implemented in the game. The developers have confirmed that these features are planned for future updates, but for now, animal interactions are limited. Under certain conditions, animals can become tolerant of the player’s presence, which is the closest thing to taming currently available. Right now, players mainly interact with animals to collect eggs, shear wool, use them as decorations, or briefly ride horses.
How to Capture Animals in Hytale
Use Capture Crate to Catch Animals
The Capture Crate is the safest and most effective tool for capturing and relocating small animals. It can be crafted at the Farmer’s Workbench using 4x Any Wood and 50x Essence of Life. After crafting, equip the Capture Crate in your quick slot and left-click on a small or baby animal to capture it.
Animals that can be captured using a Capture Crate include:
- Rabbits (all sizes)
- Calves
- Lambs
- Foals
- Baby pigs
- Frogs
- Mice
Larger, fully grown animals—such as adult horses—cannot be captured with this tool. Once captured, animals can be carried and released by left-clicking inside a fenced area.
To prevent animals from escaping, place them inside a properly built enclosure. Fences can be crafted using any type of Log at the Builder’s Workbench. Ensure the enclosure is one block high and includes a gate for easy access.
Tame Captured Animals With a Feed Bag
Although true taming is not available, animals can become calm and friendly when exposed to a Feed Bag. This item can be crafted at the Farmer’s Workbench using 10x Wheat, 5x Vegetables, 5x Fruit, and 10x Essence of Life. Place the Feed Bag inside the enclosure with the captured animals and leave them alone for one in-game day.
After some time, heart icons will appear above the animals, indicating that they have become accustomed to your presence. However, if you capture the animal again, it may revert to its wild state. Tamed animals do not follow the player and cannot breed. Sheep can still be sheared using Shears, and chickens will lay eggs when placed near a Chicken Coop inside their enclosure.
How to Ride Horses in Hytale
Where to Find Horses
Horses spawn in small groups and are commonly found in the Emerald Grove and Savannah regions of the Howling Sands. At present, horses are the only animals that players can ride in Hytale.
How to Mount a Horse
To mount a horse, crouch and approach it slowly, then press F when close enough. Once mounted, you can control the horse using the WASD keys. There is no saddle, no ownership system, and no taming process involved. Horses are temporary mounts, and they usually run away after you dismount. Placing a Feed Bag nearby can make mounting much easier by keeping the horse calm. Note that building is not possible while riding a horse.
Can You Breed Animals in Hytale?
No, animal breeding is not currently available in Hytale’s Early Access version. This applies to all animals, including horses, cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens. Even structures designed for animals, such as chicken coops, do not yet function as intended. Breeding mechanics are expected to be added in future updates.
