Mojang has announced new details for the latest content update for Minecraft.
The new Caves & Cliffs update was unveiled yesterday, bringing with it an official new ore type, copper (which mods have long-since implemented), alongside a full revamping of the caves that are procedurally generated in your worlds. Players will also be able to delve into the new archeology system, build new tools, and more. The update is set to launch in summer 2021.
Here’s a brief rundown on the new update’s content:
The Caves & Cliffs Update as it is now officially named comes with improved cave generation and features things like lush caves and dripstone caves. There will also be a brand new archeology system, which adds a very cool sense of history and storytelling element to the game. You’re digging now, but soon you’re going to be excavating.
Something has to populate these caverns, so we also threw in crystals, telescopes, bundles, the sculk sensor block and a new hostile mob – the warden! Does Minecraft really need more hostile mobs? Isn’t it enough that the llamas spit at you?
The cliff in Caves & Cliffs means that the Mountain Update that you voted for last year will be included in this one. We got a first look at the mountain goat that will populate these peaks, and I like it even though I think it resembles me a little too much. I’m not saying a certain Dutch pixel artist did this on purpose, but if he did then he got his revenge. You win this round, Boerstra.
The Caves & Cliffs Update also brings you copper! What’s so cool about copper that it gets its own paragraph? Besides being old-timey slang for officers of the law (unless you are British, in which case it is now-timey), copper will add an aging element to the game. No, it does not wrinkle and since we’re on the subject, neither do I. Over time however, your copper builds will start to turn green. So if you’ve been playing Minecraft for a long time, you’re finally getting the cold, hard evidence you deserve and no longer have to rely on insisting that you’re not lying.
What else, what else? I feel like I’m forgetting something… oh yeah! This update brings a new contender for cutest mob, the axolotl! Look at it! It comes in a bucket! A BUCKET!
In related news, Nintendo recently announced Minecraft’s Steve, Zombie, Enderman, and Alex are joining Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as post-launch downloadable content fighters in a sizeable update. You can read more about that here in our previous report.
Here’s a recording of the reveal event:
It’s worth reiterating that all future content updates for Minecraft are no longer supported on legacy Minecraft versions for PlayStation 3, PS Vita, Xbox 360, and Wii U, however the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch versions still get updates as the currently-supported versions of the game.
Minecraft is available for Windows PC, Linux, Mac (all via the official website) Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, Amazon Fire, and Fire TV. The game also supports Samsung Gear VR and Oculus on certain platforms.
