So you’ve been mining your way through Hytale, collecting everything from Softwood to Adamantite, and now you’re ready to hunt down some precious gemstones. Well, buckle up—Rubies and Sapphires are in a league of their own when it comes to rarity.
Unlike the standard ores you’ve been gathering, these beauties are tucked away in one of the most dangerous zones in the game, and finding them is going to take some serious preparation, a bit of luck, and a whole lot of courage.
Where to Find Rubies and Sapphires in Hytale
Here’s the deal: both Rubies and Sapphires spawn in volcanic islands, specifically inside the volcanoes themselves. These volcanic islands are located in Zone 4, which is already pretty late-game territory filled with tougher enemies and environmental hazards.
The Volcano Exploration Process
When you spot a volcano on one of these islands, you’ll want to head straight down into its mouth. Here’s what you’re looking for:
- Golden shrine structures – These ornate temples made of golden blocks are your jackpot indicators
- Gemstones on pedestals – Rubies and Sapphires often sit right on top of these golden structures, just waiting to be claimed
- Nearby chests – If luck is on your side, you might find additional gems stashed in chests around the shrine area
Pro tip: You can create a quick water elevator using a water bucket to safely descend into the volcano’s mouth. Alternatively, explore the tunnel networks around the volcano—they often lead directly to the main cave where these golden temples are located.
Combat Preparation is Essential
Zone 4 isn’t messing around. The volcanic islands are crawling with seriously tough monsters, so don’t even think about heading there unprepared. At minimum, you should have Cobalt-tier gear equipped if you plan on doing any significant fighting. Check out our guide on upgrading weapons and upgrading workbenches to make sure you’re battle-ready.
Since you’ll likely be making multiple trips (the RNG gods aren’t always generous), it’s worth setting up teleporters for fast travel to save yourself some time.
What Are Rubies and Sapphires Used For?
Alright, so you’ve braved the dangers and scored some gems. Now what?
These precious stones are primarily used for crafting magical equipment at an Arcanist’s Workbench (which requires Thorium Ingots to construct). Specifically:
- Rubies → Used to craft Fire Staves
- Sapphires → Used to craft Ice Staves
About Staves and Magical Combat
Staves are ranged magical weapons that consume Essences to fire off elemental attacks. They offer a different combat playstyle compared to traditional melee weapons, letting you attack from a distance with magic.
Fair warning though: As of the current game state, Staves are actually pretty underwhelming compared to other weapon options. The damage output isn’t great, and constantly having to gather ammunition (Essences) can feel like a chore. They’re fun to experiment with, but don’t expect them to become your main weapon unless you really love the magical playstyle.
Additional Crafting Materials You’ll Need
Beyond the gemstones, crafting a staff also requires:
- Silver – Can be found in Zone 4
- Gold – Also located in Zone 4, though both metals occasionally show up in chests in other areas
Since you’re already heading to Zone 4 for the Rubies and Sapphires, keep your eyes peeled for Silver and Gold deposits while you’re exploring. Might as well kill two birds with one stone (or mine two ores with one pickaxe?).
For more crafting guides, check out our resources on making Copper Ingots and getting Iron Ingots.
Tips for a Successful Gem Hunt
Here are some pointers to make your volcanic expedition more efficient:
- Bring a water bucket – Essential for creating safe descents into volcanoes
- Stock up on healing items – Zone 4 enemies hit hard
- Expand your inventory – Learn how to craft backpack upgrades so you can haul more loot
- Expect multiple trips – Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find gems immediately; RNG can be brutal
- Explore thoroughly – Don’t just grab the visible gems and leave; check every chest and corner
- Consider bringing friends – If you know how to play with friends, tackling Zone 4 as a group makes everything easier
For more general tips and tricks, browse our complete collection of Hytale guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find Rubies and Sapphires anywhere other than volcanic islands?
No, currently these gemstones are exclusive to the volcanic islands in Zone 4. While you might get lucky with chest loot elsewhere, your best bet is always going to be exploring volcanoes directly.
Are Rubies and Sapphires worth the effort to collect?
Honestly, it depends on your playstyle. If you enjoy magical combat and want to experiment with Staves, then absolutely go for it. However, if you’re purely focused on combat effectiveness, other weapons currently outperform Staves. The gems are rare and valuable though, so they’re worth collecting even just for completionist purposes.
How many Rubies or Sapphires do I need to craft a staff?
You’ll need at least one of the respective gemstone to craft each staff type, along with Silver and/or Gold. Since the exact recipes can vary and you might want to craft multiple staves or other magical items in the future, it’s smart to grab every Ruby and Sapphire you find.
What’s the best strategy for farming Rubies and Sapphires?
Set up a teleporter near a volcanic island cluster, then systematically explore each volcano. Mark the ones you’ve already searched (you can use the Memories system to help track this) and return periodically to check if resources have respawned. Make sure your gear is properly maintained—check our repair guide to keep your equipment in top shape during extended farming sessions.
