Yesterday, Minecraft Live took place, and we learned a lot about the upcoming update. If you missed the stream or want to revisit the highlights, this summary is perfect for you.
Note: This post focuses only on changes related to Minecraft: Java Edition and does not cover Minecraft Dungeons or Minecraft Earth.
Caves & Cliffs Update
The theme of the new update is CAVES AND CLIFFS, the long-awaited Cave Update has finally arrived!
New Cave Biome: Lush Cave
One of the key features is the addition of a new biome called the Lush Cave. This biome is filled with various plants like Glow Berries, which provide light and can be eaten, as well as Azaleas and Spore Blossoms, which may be decorative or release particles. A new plant called the Dripleaf Plant will also be available, which players can jump on, but it will bend, causing the player to fall after a short time—this could be a fun mechanic for parkour enthusiasts.
New Cave Generation
The cave generation system has also been reworked. While the changes are not too drastic, it now includes localized water levels, meaning that you can jump into water at one height in a cave and come out at a different height in another cave. There are also several new cave biomes independent of the surface biome, making cave exploration even more varied. One of the most significant additions is the stalactites and stalagmites, which will now form in caves and add to the atmosphere.
X post showcasing the new caves.
Sculk Growths and Redstone
A new plant called Sculk Growths has been introduced, which reacts to vibrations. These vibrations, caused by actions like walking, shooting arrows, or even dropping an item, are detected by a new block called the Sculk Sensor. The Sculk Sensor can trigger redstone signals, creating a form of wireless redstone, which could open up some new creative possibilities for players who love to tinker with redstone.
X post showcasing the sculk features.
New Mob: The Warden
Also introduced is a new mob called the Warden. This mob is blind and deaf, detecting players only through vibrations. It’s a formidable foe, dealing over half the health of a player wearing full Netherite armor. It’s designed to live in the darkest parts of caves, and if you want to avoid a confrontation, stealth is key.
New Mountain Features
Moving outside the caves and into the mountains, new features like goats have been added. Goats are capable of knocking players off cliffs, and they jump very well. A new block called Snow Powder has also been introduced, which behaves like snow but causes players and mobs to sink into it. Additionally, the generation of mountains has been improved, making them more visually diverse and interesting.
X post showcasing the Minecraft Goats.
Shiny crystals
Another significant addition is the introduction of amethyst crystals, which are rare and have a beautiful sound when they’re in proximity. These crystals can be used to craft a spyglass, and they will grow back once destroyed.
New ore type
Along with this, copper has been added as a new ore, and copper blocks will oxidize over time, changing to a green color just like in the real world. The lightning rod is a new tool made from copper that can protect structures from lightning strikes.
X post showcasing the process of copper oxidization in Minecraft.
Bundles: Backpack-like Feature
For players looking for more inventory space, the new Bundle system will act like a backpack, allowing players to store up to 64 items. This is particularly useful for organizing and carrying around smaller items.
X post showcasing Minecraft Bundles.
Archaeology System
In a very exciting addition, Mojang has introduced an archaeology system. Players will be able to use a new tool called the Brush to uncover hidden artifacts within blocks like sand, gravel, or dirt. These artifacts will be found in new archaeological sites, and players can use them to craft things like pottery.
New Mob: Axolotl
Finally, a new mob, the Axolotl, will be joining the game. This cute predator can be found in underground water sources and can be captured in a bucket. Once captured, Axolotls can become your pets and fight alongside you underwater.
Mob Vote Results
One of the highlights of the stream was the mob vote. The winning mob was the Glow Squid, which will soon join the game as a new addition.
These are all the new features and updates Mojang shared during Minecraft Live 2020, and we can’t wait for them to be implemented in the game.
Sources
Video on the Minecraft YouTube channel
Minecraft’s twitter account
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