New Features in Minecraft’s Latest Update
In a significant update to the beloved sandbox game, Minecraft has introduced a much-anticipated feature: cushions. After 17 years since its initial launch, players can now find a comfortable place to rest their weary avatars. This addition comes as part of the latest preview build, with a full rollout expected later this year.
While Minecraft has offered players the ability to rest since the introduction of beds in 2011, the new craftable cushions cater to those who prefer a more relaxed, horizontal experience. Described as “an item that the player can place in the world and interact with to sit on,” these cushions come in 16 vibrant color variants. To craft a cushion, players will need three Wool Slabs of the same color, allowing for a personalized touch in their virtual spaces.
For those who enjoy a good night’s sleep, the update also includes straw beds. These new beds allow players to sleep through the night without setting their spawn point, although they come with a caveat: straw beds are single-use items and cannot be utilized in the Nether or The End. However, players can craft four straw beds from just three Hay Bales, making it a practical option for nighttime adventures.
Available to anyone participating in Minecraft Preview, this update—officially labeled version 26.40.30—also introduces various other enhancements. Players can explore new abandoned camps located in the Pale Garden and Flower Forest biomes, along with improvements to the Dappled Forest, all of which are set to be integrated into the main game later this year.
On a more somber note, the gaming community is facing challenges as Mojang, along with other Xbox-owned studios, has been affected by significant layoffs. This week, Microsoft announced a restructuring that resulted in over 3,200 job losses across some of the industry’s most recognizable studios, including Activision, Bethesda/ZeniMax, and Blizzard. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma described this as the “most significant” restructuring in Xbox’s history. As a result, several studios, such as Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, are transitioning to independent status, while the future of Arkane Lyon remains uncertain.
