block-based Archives

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Hytale and Minecraft: 5 key differences you should know about

Hytale, developed by Hypixel Studios, shares similarities with Minecraft, including expansive, procedurally generated worlds and block-based environments. The game features a more nuanced combat system with special movesets and ultimate attacks, distinguishing it from Minecraft's melee system. Hytale's crafting is streamlined, allowing players to select items from a menu rather than arranging resources in a grid, and includes a progression mechanic for crafting stations. Additionally, Hytale introduces mantling, enabling players to jump and grab onto edges of blocks, enhancing mobility and exploration.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

Minecraft’s unofficial “WW1 update” uses the spear as artillery and lets you parry TNT

Minecraft players are innovating with new gameplay possibilities following the introduction of the spear in the Mounts of Mayhem update. The spear has been significantly buffed, making it one of the most lethal craftable weapons in the game. Players are using it to enhance TNT cannons, allowing for greater explosive range and effectiveness in combat. Additionally, players are exploring creative projects, including advanced siege engines and concepts reminiscent of World War 1, such as airships and artillery. It is now possible for players to redirect moving TNT blocks, introducing new gameplay mechanics like parrying TNT.

AppWizard

December 17, 2025

Minecraft challenge breathes new life into rich cultural past

A young gamer named Qiu Zekai, known as Qiuxiaoniuer, has recreated part of the destroyed Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) in Minecraft, digitally repatriating the looted 12 zodiac bronze animal heads. His video has received millions of views, prompting discussions about "cyber reunion" and national pride. The zodiac bronzes were originally part of a fountain at the Qing Dynasty royal resort, which was looted during the Second Opium War in 1860. Only seven of the bronzes have been returned. Qiu spent two months on this project, which is part of a larger Minecraft building relay challenge that has amassed over 300 million views and showcases Chinese cultural architecture. Other participants have created significant structures, including a miniature Forbidden City and a floating palace inspired by Dunhuang art. The relay has become a cultural dialogue, connecting younger generations with their heritage through gaming.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

Minecraft player recreates Apex Legends in block form, and it’s got wall-bouncing and everything

A Minecraft mod inspired by Apex Legends has been developed by a solo creator, 'Lonely_Run2204,' who has integrated seven characters from the game into the mod. The gameplay features a squad of three players facing off against 19 squads of AI bots with tactical abilities. The mod includes detailed character abilities, reload mechanics, and movement techniques from Apex Legends. Currently, the map is built from existing resources, but there are plans for a 1:1 scale version of the Apex map, which is on hold due to the need for collaborators. The community response has been very positive, with users praising the effort and craftsmanship involved in the project. Future updates may include additional characters.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

Battlefield 6’s low-poly rival is back, as its new update’s playtest attracts an “overwhelming” number of players in just four hours

The upcoming update to Battlebit Remastered, titled Operation Overhaul, aims to introduce a new map, redesigned classic elements, reworked weapons, improved audio, and refined movement mechanics. Since its Early Access launch in June 2023, the game has received over 78,000 reviews on Steam and has gained popularity among gamers. The first playtest for Operation Overhaul lasted four hours and received mixed feedback, with criticism regarding performance issues like memory leaks, although some players praised the user interface and visual enhancements. The game remains accessible to players with older hardware, and additional playtests are planned for the coming weekends.

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

How to get free Enderman Hoodie in new Minecraft x Cool Shirtz collection

Minecraft and Cool Shirtz have launched a new apparel collection that incorporates Minecraft's iconic visuals into streetwear. The collection is available for purchase at the Minecraft x Cool Shirtz store. Fans can enter a contest for a chance to win exclusive items and are encouraged to engage by identifying the name of an armadillo featured in a post on X, which is "Sock."

BetaBeacon

November 15, 2025

I hand picked 16 of today’s Meta Quest games announcements you need to see, plus several stealth releases you can play right now!

- Vampire Survivors is now available in virtual reality. - Hotel Infinity is a VR game that features shifting and changing worlds with impossible architecture. - Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss is a MOBA spinoff that is a real-time strategy game. - Syberia VR is a remastered point-and-click adventure game from the early 2000s playable in VR. - EXOSHOCK is a co-op PvE sci-fi squad shooter with unique combat and art style. - Banners & Bastions is a strategy puzzle game with new content and improvements. - Dimensional Double Shift is a multiplayer game where players work together in different dimensions.

AppWizard

November 8, 2025

The Psychology of Blocks: Why Building in Minecraft Feels So Therapeutic

Minecraft serves as a therapeutic escape for many players, offering stress relief through its block-based universe. The game combines structure and freedom, allowing players to engage creatively without the pressure of quick reflexes or constant victories. It facilitates a flow state, where players become fully absorbed in building, providing immediate feedback and a sense of progress. The simplicity of the game encourages personal expression, and the repetitive tasks within it offer comfort and a sense of control. Additionally, the social aspects of Minecraft foster community and collaboration, enhancing the therapeutic experience. Therapists and educators are increasingly incorporating Minecraft into stress management and educational settings, highlighting its potential for promoting mindfulness and connection.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Is ‘Minecraft’ Down? Popular Game Servers Hit By Azure Front Door Outage

Minecraft's servers went offline due to a broader outage affecting Azure Front Door, which also impacted other gaming platforms like Xbox and services such as Microsoft 365 and Outlook. Microsoft attributed the outage to an inadvertent configuration change and is working to resolve the issue by halting all changes to Azure Front Door services and reverting to the last known stable state. The timeline for complete restoration is uncertain. This outage follows a recent significant Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage that affected various games and websites. While Minecraft is down, players can explore alternatives like Terraria, Creativerse, Vintage Story, Colony Survival, Eco, Valheim, Subnautica, The Forest, No Man’s Sky, Don’t Starve Together, LEGO Worlds, Dragon Quest Builders 2, Portal Knights, and Trove.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

Surprise Minecraft patch sparks concerns about 1.22, breaks decade-long record

Minecraft has released patch 1.21.10, introducing the Copper Age and a golem-sized cleaner for players. This update is significant as it is the first time in over a decade that a Minecraft update has reached double digits in its versioning. The patch focuses on bug fixes related to pistols, wind dynamics, and teleportation. It is the tenth patch in the 1.21 series, raising concerns within the community about the timeline for the next major update, version 1.22, which may not arrive this year. Some community members suggest renaming hotfixes for clarity, but the numerical designation remains unchanged.