Final Minecraft: Java Edition snapshot of the year adds axolotl from ‘Caves and Cliffs Update’
A deadly pink army.
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What you need to know
2020 is (finally) wrapping up in an eventful holiday season, and companies are starting to cease work temporarily to return home. Mojang Studios wanted one last “hoorah” before dispersing for the holidays, and have released the lastMinecraft: Java Editionsnapshotfor the year withSnapshot 20w51a. This snapshot doesn’t have a huge list of new changes and features, but it does add one exciting new feature expected to be a part of the upcomingCaves and Cliffs Updatethat’s scheduled to release sometime inSummer 2021.
For the first time, players can play with the axolotl, a new neutral mob that looks adorable, is filled with unique abilities, and can actually be extremely helpful in underwater battles if you train them properly. Axolotl aren’t appearing naturally in the world yet, but players can find ways to spawn them inside the Creative crafting menu.
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The full changelog for Snapshot 20w51a includes:
New features
Axolotl
Changes
Sculk sensors
Technical changes
Added gamerule
(100 by default), which sets what percentage of players must sleep to skip the night. Setting to 0 will mean 1 player is always enough to skip the night. Setting above 100 will prevent skipping the night
Fixed bugs
Available everywhere you play.
Minecraft is an inarguable and complete success. It has sold copies in the hundreds of millions, has a huge following of dedicated players, and lets you unlock your every creative desire. It’s also available on every platform imaginable, including Xbox One, Windows 10, Playstation 4, and Nintendo Switch. Play with anyone, and play anywhere.
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Zachary Boddy (They / Them) is a Staff Writer for Windows Central, primarily focused on covering the latest news in tech and gaming, the best Xbox and PC games, and the most interesting Windows and Xbox hardware. They have been gaming and writing for most of their life starting with the original Xbox, and started out as a freelancer for Windows Central and its sister sites in 2019. Now a full-fledged Staff Writer, Zachary has expanded from only writing about all things Minecraft to covering practically everything on which Windows Central is an expert, especially when it comes to Microsoft. You can find Zachary on Twitter@BoddyZachary.
