Copper golems and an array of new copper equipment are set to debut in the forthcoming Minecraft update, currently available for testing in Minecraft Bedrock and soon to be released as a Snapshot for the Java edition. These golems, which were initially introduced during the 2021 Mob Vote, faced an unfortunate fate when players opted for the musical Allay instead. This decision, often viewed as a classic case of robophobia, raises the question: what can a fairy jukebox enthusiast do that a golem cannot? Fortunately for skeptics, Mojang has decided to incorporate these oxidisable automatons into the game, reinforcing the notion that Mob Vote results serve more as developmental guidance than strict mandates.
Crafting Your Copper Golem
Upon gaining access to the update, players will be able to create golems by placing a jack-o-lantern or carved pumpkin atop a block of copper. This process humorously parallels the biblical creation of Adam, albeit with the added twist that this new creation will immediately begin rummaging through treasure chests within a designated range, organizing items with remarkable efficiency.
In essence, a copper golem acts as a diligent housekeeper, ensuring that every crafted item finds its rightful place. One can only imagine the complaints from players who, after a long session, discover their prized diamond equipment has been relocated to a random cellar by their industrious new assistant. The prospect of these worlds evolving into bustling hubs of Mary Poppinbots is equally intriguing. As with other copper items in Mojang’s survival builder, these golems will develop a charming green patina over time, although this aesthetic change will not impact their functionality.
Enhanced Copper Utility
The upcoming update will also enhance the utility of copper, establishing it as a legitimate equipment tier. According to the official Minecraft website, its durability is positioned between stone and iron. A copper pickaxe, for instance, will enable players to mine slightly faster and for a longer duration than a stone pickaxe, though it will not unlock the ability to mine additional materials—players will still need to upgrade to iron for that. Given its abundance in Minecraft’s generated worlds, copper is poised to become the ideal early-game material.
For those who may have been living under a Creeper rock for the past decade, it’s worth noting that Mojang and Minecraft are currently under the Microsoft umbrella. In a twist of irony, Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier has reported that Microsoft is preparing for another round of mass layoffs. Should this come to fruition, the juxtaposition of introducing a new robotic workforce in Minecraft alongside such corporate restructuring would be strikingly poignant, adding an unexpected layer to the narrative. Here’s hoping Schreier’s predictions are off the mark.
Before joining RPS, our news editor Edwin Evans-Thirlwell authored a book detailing Minecraft’s history in collaboration with Mojang and Microsoft. He does not receive any royalties or ongoing payments related to this work.
