If you found yourself excited by the recent introduction of new pig variants in Minecraft, prepare for another wave of enthusiasm as Mojang unveils a fresh content update now available for public testing. This time, the spotlight shines on cows.
Cow Variants and New Features
The latest Java snapshot introduces two distinct cow variants. First, there are the fur-covered cold cows, which thrive in snowy biomes, and then the warm cows, who prefer the sandy expanses of desert landscapes. This addition not only diversifies the game’s fauna but also enhances the immersive experience of exploring various biomes.
In tandem with these new cow variants, Mojang has enriched the auditory landscape of desert biomes. Players can now enjoy a symphony of ambient sounds, including the gentle whisper of sand, the chirping of crickets, the rustle of twigs, and the howling of winds. To further cultivate this desert atmosphere at their bases, players can place a dead bush on two outdoor sand blocks or cluster sand and terracotta blocks together.
Enchanting Shrubbery
The update also brings a delightful addition to the world of bushes. Players can now discover the firefly bush, a charming plant that emits a swirl of glowing lights at night. Found in swamps and near bodies of water, this bush can be harvested and cultivated using bone meal, allowing players to bring a touch of magic closer to home. Furthermore, the firefly bush can be strategically placed beneath a block to create a sparkling effect above.
Another intriguing addition is simply called the “bush,” which can be found in various green biomes such as forests, birch forests, plains, and windswept hills. Like its firefly counterpart, this bush can also be grown using bone meal, catering to players who wish to populate their landscapes with an abundance of greenery.
All these features, alongside the previously introduced pig variants, ambient falling leaves, and wildflowers, are currently accessible in Minecraft: Java Edition’s latest snapshot. Players can enable snapshots through the launcher’s “Installations” tab to explore these new elements. Mojang has indicated that these features will soon be available in the Bedrock beta and preview versions, with a full release expected later this year.
While Mojang has yet to announce the exact timing for Minecraft’s first major content drop of 2025, it has confirmed a shift in its content release strategy. The traditional mega-sized summer update will be replaced by a series of smaller updates throughout the year, promising a more consistent flow of new features and enhancements for players to enjoy.
