Minecraft enthusiasts around the world rejoiced with the introduction of the long-awaited Minecraft 1.20 update, which brought an array of exciting changes to the blocky universe. From the introduction of new mobs like Sniffer and camels to the ability to personalize armor with armor trims and the inclusion of an archeology system, Minecraft 1.20 truly delivered on its promises, making it an incredible update. However, as the initial hype subsides, the community’s attention now shifts to what the future holds. In this article, we delve into the much-anticipated Minecraft 1.21 update, shedding light on the possible release date and new features, including mobs and biomes.
Minecraft 1.21 Release Date:
Before we delve into Minecraft 1.21, it’s essential to understand the previous update pattern. Minecraft 1.17 was initially planned as a massive Caves & Cliffs update, but due to delays, it was split into two parts: Minecraft 1.17 Caves & Cliffs Part 1 and Minecraft 1.18 Caves & Cliffs Part 2. The respective release dates for these updates were June 8, 2021, and November 30, 2021.
The subsequent major update, Minecraft 1.19 Wild Update, came on June 7, 2022, maintaining a bi-annual update cadence. However, the update cycle shifted with the launch of the Minecraft 1.20 Trails and Tales update, making its debut on June 7, 2022, one year after the Wild Update.
The reason for this delay was community disappointment caused by the cancellation or postponement of several promised features in previous updates. To avoid overpromising and underdelivering, the developers exercised caution with the Minecraft 1.20 update. Consequently, we can expect a similar approach with the forthcoming Minecraft 1.21 update, likely set for release sometime in June 2024. To summarize the recent update cycle:
– Minecraft 1.17 Caves & Cliffs Part 1: June 8, 2021
– Minecraft 1.18 Caves & Cliffs Part 2: November 30, 2021
– Minecraft 1.19 The Wild: June 7, 2022
– Minecraft 1.20 Trails and Tales: June 7, 2023
– Minecraft 1.21 Update: Possibly June 2024
Minecraft 1.21 Update Name ?
Unlike previous updates, Minecraft 1.20 initially lacked an official name when announced in October 2022, and it received its official name several months later. The delay in naming could be attributed to community discontent. As a consequence, Mojang might take additional time to name the Minecraft 121 update, prioritizing the development of its features first. Nonetheless, fans can still speculate on the update’s theme.
The End Update?
One of the most requested updates in Minecraft history is an overhaul of the End dimension. The End has been somewhat neglected, remaining a relatively plain and empty dimension with a few mobs, a structure housing OP loot, and the game’s ultimate boss. Many players believe it deserves more attention and love. The Minecraft 1.21 update presents an opportunity for developers to revamp the entire End dimension, bringing it to life with new content and features.
The Biomes Update?
The official Minecraft YouTube channel’s “The Great Wild” series might hold hints about the Minecraft 1.21 update. Mojang has been showcasing different biomes through these videos, potentially teasing new features. Speculations arise about whether Minecraft 1.21 will be a Biomes Update, enhancing various biomes, such as the desert, savanna, and badlands biomes.
The Inventory Update?
Another recurring issue in Minecraft is inventory space, as players often find themselves short on space despite having shulker boxes to assist with item management. Fans speculate whether Minecraft 1.21 will address this issue with an Inventory Update, offering more inventory space and organizational options.
Minecraft 1.21 Version: New Biomes & Mobs (Rumors)
The introduction of new biomes and mobs depends on the update’s theme. Speculations abound on what Minecraft 1.21 might bring, and here are a couple of possibilities:
Meerkats, Ostriches & Vultures:
Minecraft includes several features that have been partially developed or temporarily forgotten, such as meerkats, ostriches, and vultures. Fans envision these creatures as passive or neutral mobs in the desert, savanna, and badlands biomes, respectively. Meerkats could be friendly creatures helping players in various ways, akin to dolphins. Ostriches might feature a comical head-burying animation and the potential for saddling. Vultures could swoop down to steal items left on the ground and exchange them for something valuable.
The End Biome Revamp:
The Nether dimension received a significant upgrade with the Minecraft 1.16 update, introducing new biomes, mobs, and ambient music. Similarly, Minecraft 1.21 could undertake a similar revamp of the End dimension, introducing various new End biomes, exotic End plants, and dangerous mobs, like the red dragon mentioned in Notch’s tweet.
New Features We Can Expect in Minecraft 1.21 :
While the above speculations capture the community’s imagination, there are also specific features that players eagerly anticipate in Minecraft 1.21:
1. Long-Awaited Blocks:
Minecraft art director Jappa recently inquired about what building or decorative blocks or block sets the community would like to see in the Minecraft 1.21 update. One set of blocks, in particular, has garnered significant interest: the slab, stair, and wall variants of terracotta and concrete blocks. Although added in previous updates (Minecraft 1.6 and 1.12), these blocks lack variants found in other blocks. Their inclusion would offer builders greater creative control and more building options.
What building/decorative blocks or block sets do you think Minecraft really need?
— JAPPA (@JasperBoerstra) June 11, 2023
2. More Wood Types:
Minecraft 1.20 introduced cherry wood and bamboo wood, and players are eager for fresh default trees like palm trees in deserts or baobab trees in savannas, teased in the Biome Vote 2018. Similar to the Nether Update, which introduced giant mushroom variants, Minecraft 1.21 might include new tree variants, allowing players to construct with alien-like blocks.
3. Secret New Dimension:
The Minecraft 1.19 update added the warden and ancient cities, raising questions about a potential new dimension. Each ancient city features a giant portal-like structure reminiscent of the unmovable reinforced deepslate block “portal.” Speculations about this mysterious build might find answers in Minecraft 1.21, though Mojang has stated they will not add new dimensions until they’re satisfied with existing ones. As a result, the End Update seems more plausible.
4. New Precious Material:
Observant users noticed a curious detail in the official Minecraft 1.20 background image: a white helmet and boots in item frames, resembling netherite armor texture rather than iron armor. Speculations arise about whether the Minecraft 1.21 update will introduce a new precious ore in the End dimension, even stronger and rarer than Nether’s ancient debris. Alternatively, it could be dyed netherite armor, but official confirmation remains pending.
5. More Ambient Features:
Improving ambience
is a common request from players, as it enhances immersion and liveliness in the game. While Minecraft includes ambient music in certain locations like the Nether or underwater, the game could benefit from additional ambient features unique to each biome. Mojang has teased ambience improvements through their “Soothing Scenes” series on their official YouTube channel, potentially leading to improvements in Minecraft 1.21.
Minecraft 1.21: Java & Bedrock Parity
Minecraft has two versions – Java and Bedrock Edition – with efforts to bring feature parity between the two. While much progress has been made, some distinct features remain, potentially addressed in the Minecraft 1.21 update.
Shaders:
Java players often use shaders to transform the game’s appearance, while Bedrock players enjoy Minecraft with RTX, boasting impressive visuals with real-time ray tracing. An official RTX-like DLC for Minecraft Java Edition could align the two versions more closely.
Hardcore Mode:
Minecraft 1.20 introduced Spectator Mode for Bedrock players, a welcome addition for creatives. However, Bedrock Edition still lacks Hardcore Mode, a highly requested variant of Survival Mode that brings additional challenges, as players lose their entire world upon death. Implementing Hardcore Mode in Minecraft 1.21 could bridge this gap.
In conclusion, while the release date and features of Minecraft 1.21 remain speculative, the Minecraft community eagerly awaits official announcements from Mojang in the coming months. Until then, players continue to express their desires and expectations for the next exciting update. What features do you hope to see in Minecraft 1.21?