When is the next Minecraft update?

If you’re reading this article, then you’re most likely looking for an exact date for the next Minecraft update.In the interest of transparency, I’m just going to tell you straight up that, at the moment, there isn’t one.

The good news is that it hasn’t been long since the last big update – the 1.16 Nether Update was released on June 23rd, 2020.

However, we don’t always have a set date for updates, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t know what’s coming next or how to get involved in future Minecraft betas.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about what to expect from future Minecraft updates, when to generally expect them, how to keep track, and how you can get involved in early beta testing.

What’s next for Minecraft?

The next big thing for Minecraft should be a revamp of the game’s mountains.

At the moment, the date for this next update is unknown. Once we get one, though, we’ll be sure to update this article with what you can expect next.

As mentioned above, the 1.16 Nether Update was released on June 23rd, 2020. For more information on what the Nether update contains, you can visit the link here.

Is there anything else on the way for Minecraft?

The Java Edition of Minecraft should see its combat system revamped in a future update. This update plans to keep the combat cooldown but only allow the player to attack when fully charged.

We don’t know an exact release date for this new combat update, as each new feature is just released into the game when it’s “good enough.” Think of it as a scattered update – instead of receiving all the content at once, you’re getting little bits with each game update.

As for Bedrock Minecraft, Mojang has announced multiple planned features, including:

• RenderDragon – a new graphics engine. Minecraft Earth and Bedrock on PS4 and Xbox One currently use RenderDragon.
• Frogs.
• ‘Flattening’ – changing IDs and removing numerical IDs.
• Combat changes (as mentioned above for Java Edition).

There are currently no set dates for these features.

I heard something about a 4K Update for Minecraft?

Yes. The 4K Update, also known as the Super Duper Graphics Pack, has been delayed indefinitely due to performance issues.

It’s highly unlikely that the 4K Update will be coming out any time soon.

When will each Minecraft update be out?

To quote the official Mojang page for Minecraft updates, “game updates usually happen when the developers feel that they’re playable, fun and ready for release.”

This means that most of the time, Minecraft updates just suddenly launch with no prior warning. Certain updates will receive a rough time period or, in some rare cases, an exact launch date, but most of the time, updates are a pleasant surprise.

How can I keep track of when Minecraft might update?

For the Java Edition of Minecraft, along with Minecraft for Xbox One, Windows 10, and other platforms (Apple, Amazon, Android, GearVR, and Oculus) you can just keep one eye on the Minecraft website.

MSPoweruser will also post whenever Minecraft updates, so you can also just keep your other eye on the gaming section. Hint. Wink.

For the legacy console editions (that’s Minecraft for Xbox 360, PS3, PS4, PSVita, Nintendo Wii U, 3DS, and Switch), you can follow 4J Studios on Twitter to stay in the know.

How can I get involved with Minecraft beta testing?

Easily! We’ve laid out the steps below but, before you rush off and sign up for testing, just be aware that the betas aren’t finalised builds and, as such, may crash or corrupt your builds.

For more information, including FAQs, please consult the official Minecraft webpage for signing up for betas by following the link here. All instructions below are taken from the official webpage.

Signing up for Java Edition betas:

Java Edition betas are known as ‘Snapshots’ and are probably the easiest to sign up for. Just follow the steps below.

1. While in-game, go to the Launch Options tab.
2. Enable ‘Snapshots’
3. Select the latest snapshot by clicking the arrow next to the Play button on the main tab.

Signing up for Xbox One or Windows 10 PC betas:

You’ll need to own the digital version of the game to take part in the betas. Physical disc owners are, sadly, excluded from beta testing.

1. Go to the Store app on your Xbox One console or Windows 10 PC.
2. Search for the Xbox Insider Hub app.
3. Download, install, and launch the Xbox Insider Hub.
4. Head to Insider content > Minecraft Beta.
5. Join the beta.

If you want to join specific betas, such as the RTX beta, you can do that by simply choosing which beta build you want to test out while in the Xbox Insider Hub.

Signing up for Android betas:

In order to take part in Minecraft on Android betas, you’ll need a device with the Google Play Store and you’ll need a copy of Minecraft that was legally purchased through the Google Play Store.

Beta testing is unavailable for Android devices without the Google Play Store, iOS devices, or Windows 10 devices (excluding Windows 10 PCs).

As per the official Minecraft Pocket Edition beta page, being accepted into the beta may take some time. Make sure you’re logged into the same account that owns your copy of Minecraft before clicking the ‘join’ link.

Mojang also heartily recommends backing up your worlds before beta testing.

1. Click the ‘Join’ link that’s hyperlinked here.
2. Click the “Become a Tester” button.
3. Wait for an update in the Google Play Store.

If you want to leave the Minecraft on Android beta testing scheme, simply follow the steps below.

1. Click the ‘Leave’ link that’s hyperlinked here.
2. Uninstall your copy of Minecraft.
3. Wait for the Google Play Store to update with the old, non-beta version of Minecraft.
4. Reinstall the game.

I have a question that wasn’t asked or answered here!

Leave it in the comments and we’ll get back to you ASAP. While we’ll try to reply to each of you individually, we’ll also compile a small FAQ at the end of this article addressing your concerns if we receive enough questions.

This article is a perpetual work in progress and will be updated with each new Minecraft update. Check back in regularly to see what’s new or what’s changed. Happy gaming!