Mojang announced that Minecraft's next major update, Caves & Cliffs, will launch in summer 2021 during Minecraft Live this October. This update will not only adjust how cave systems and mountains generate for fans of the sandbox title, it will also add in a bevy of new block types, biomes, items, and mobs such as Axolotl to fill the world. Before it releases, Mojang is offering players the opportunity to test out the functionality of certain features early.
A new Snapshot for Minecraft Java edition released yesterday, adding dripstone blocks and pointed dripstone that form either stalagmites or stalactites (based on whether players build them on the floor or ceiling respectively). These new structures will be a major component in a new biome called Dripstone Caves, but they will not spawn naturally in Snapshot 20W48A. Rather, players will have to add them via Creative mode to test the functionality.
The Snapshot update notes outline a number of interactions dripstone has with other parts of the world, such as stalactites dripping water or lava if a liquid source block is set above the ceiling on which they are placed. Changes have been made to previous Caves & Cliffs additions currently in Java edition, including bundles as well as items such as crystal amethysts and candles. Bug fixes and technical changes are also outlined.
As Snapshot updates continue to give fans of Minecraft a sneak peak at what its next major content dump will facilitate, Mojang has also been working on the game's more mainstream channels. Last week, Mojang updated Minecraft's moderator tools, allowing them to ban players who are breaking community guidelines in an effort to make the game a more "welcoming environment."
New content has also been released for the general populace to keep busy amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that continues to affect some parts of the world. Minecraft released a Star Wars-themed DLC pack earlier this month, complete with content based on the Original Trilogy as well as hit Disney+ show The Mandalorian.
Minecraft's Caves & Cliffs update was not the only major announcement to come out of Minecraft Live 2020. A third DLC expansion for Mojang's ARPG spin-off Minecraft Dungeons was revealed, and earlier this week the release date for Minecraft Dungeons' Howling Peaks DLC was confirmed. Between the new Snapshot release and Howling Peaks arriving on December 9, fans of the series should have plenty to keep them busy for a while.
Minecraft is available on Mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
Source: Minecraft