The “Caves & Cliffs” update of Minecraft is already playable. We reveal what’s inside and how you can get started.
Hardly any patch in Minecraft is awaited as eagerly as the “Caves & Cliffs” update. No wonder, after all, it is supposed to fix some of the things that have remained virtually unchanged since the early days of Minecraft. Caves and mountains are to become more interesting, offering new rewards and dangers. Now the first snapshot is available – essentially the first test version of the upcoming update. Those who want can already take a peek.
What’s included in the update? The snapshot contains only a part of the changes that will be available in the final patch. Among the new items and blocks are:
- Bundles: These are essentially gift boxes that you can give to other players. They can hold items up to a maximum of one stack, but also multiple types mixed (so for example 64x stone, or 32x sand and 32x gravel).
- Amethyst: This new gemstone can “grow” if it has enough space and receives new shards. The shards can be used to color glass, which then does not allow light to pass through.
- Candles: Candles can be placed on blocks and serve as a weak light source – and to celebrate a birthday.
- Copper: The new ore copper can be processed into blocks, stairs, and slabs. The copper oxidizes over time, changing from brown to green. You can stop the process by treating copper blocks with honeycombs to wax them.
- Lightning Rod: Copper can be used to make lightning rods that protect against lightning strikes as long as the immediate environment of the lightning rod is fireproof.
- Spyglass: You can build a spyglass from amethyst and copper to look far into the distance and see exactly how your neighbor is currently building a TNT trap.
Additionally, there are further smaller changes. You can now fill cauldrons with lava and allow your minecarts to travel underwater. Rails can now also exist in water and will no longer be washed away. If you’ve always wanted to build a white-water ride, now is your great hour.
How can you join in? Those who want to try the snapshot 20W45A need the Java version of the game. Select the “Installations” menu item in the launcher and check the box for “Development versions”. Then you can download and try the latest update.
However, keep in mind that there can still be numerous bugs in the snapshot. Additionally, you should create a new world to play the snapshot so that your old world does not get ruined. A backup can also help here to avoid data loss.
Is there more to come? Yes. The Caves & Cliffs update will be significantly larger. For instance, there will be a new spooky enemy type that you can encounter in the depths of the caves. It is even quite strong and is likely to resemble smaller boss fights. The cute axolotls will also be joining and can soon help you. Furthermore, there should be a new system for various ores, known as veins. This will essentially guide you through the ground and allow you to see some blocks earlier where valuable resources are stored.
What do you think of the latest Minecraft patch? Have you already checked out Caves & Cliffs?
