New Minecraft: Java Edition snapshot tests new Caves and Cliffs Update features
The snow is just a little bit more… cold.
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What you need to know
Minecraftplayers are quickly building up more and more excitement for Minecraft’s next massive release, theCaves and Cliffs Update, releasing sometime inSummer 2021. Tests have already begun for some Caves and Cliffs features for Minecraft’s various editions, andSnapshot 20w46ais available now for Minecraft: Java Edition, building on top of thefirst snapshot that tested Caves and Cliffs Update features. The new update doesn’t include a ton of changes, but it does incorporate powder snow and its unique features for players to try out.
Powder snow is a new trap-like block in Minecraft, that slows down and halts any entity unlikely enough to sink into it. Entities that become trapped in powder snow will become frozen over time, and take freeze damage if they’re not able to escape. Players will be able to don leather armor to prevent becoming trapped, and lessen or negate freezing damage entirely. This is certainly a unique block, and it’s exciting to be able to try it out in person.
If you’re interested, you can find outhow to enroll in Minecraft: Java Edition snapshots. And, of course, Minecraft continues to be one of the best games for kids on Xbox, or whatever other platform you’re playing on.
The full changelog for Minecraft: Java Edition Snapshot 20w46a includes:
New features
Powder snow
Freezing
Changes
Textures
Changed a number of the textures for blocks and items introduced in the previous snapshot:
Technical changes
Item modifiers
Commands
Loot tables
Data packs
Resources packs
Bug fixes
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.
