Since its inception, Minecraft has adhered to a straightforward versioning system, incrementally increasing its version number with each major update. However, since the rollout of the Tricky Trials update in June 2024, players have found themselves in a holding pattern at version 1.21. The reason behind this stagnation lies in Mojang Studios’ strategic pivot towards more frequent, smaller updates rather than the traditional large-scale annual releases.
New Versioning System
In light of this shift, Mojang has decided to revamp its version numbering to better reflect the new update cadence. This change aims to enhance clarity and understanding for players, particularly benefiting creators and modders who rely on precise versioning for their projects. The latest game drop, titled “The Copper Age,” is designated as version 1.21.9 for Java Edition and 1.21.110 for Bedrock Edition. Looking ahead, the first snapshot for the forthcoming Mounts of Mayhem update will be labeled as 25.4-snapshot-1, marking a significant departure from the previous numbering convention.
These adjustments are set to take effect next year, with previews adopting the new system as early as next week. Consequently, the familiar “Minecraft 1.x.x” format will be officially retired. The eagerly anticipated Mounts of Mayhem update is scheduled for release on December 9, followed by the inaugural update of the new year, which will be recognized as Minecraft 26.1. For those interested in further details, additional information can be found on Minecraft.net.
This announcement marks the second notable change in Minecraft’s development approach recently, as Mojang Studios has also pledged to eliminate code obfuscation from Minecraft: Java Edition. This initiative promises to significantly enhance the modding experience, making it easier for developers to create and share their modifications.
