Minecraft: Java Edition 21w06a snapshot on PC adds new cave generation from ‘Caves and Cliffs Update’
You can now explore the new cave systems in Minecraft: Java Edition.
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What you need to know
Minecrafthas been testing and teasing the upcomingCaves and Cliffs Updateever since it was announced atMinecraft Live, but theCaves and Cliffs Update isn’t expected until Summer 2021. Today, however, hardcore Minecrafters are getting a chance to test and play with one of the biggest changes coming in the Caves and Cliffs Update with all-new cave generation.Minecraft: Java Edition snapshot 21w06ais here with new “noise” caves and aquifers.
Noise caves refer to a new way to generate caves in Minecraft and should make for far more diverse and exciting caves wherever you go. The idea of this new system is also to make cave systems appear more natural as you explore them. Aquifers replace the aging underwater systems present in Minecraft to allow for “local water surface levels,” meaning you can come across entire underwater lakes!
This is undoubtedly the biggest Caves and Cliffs Update snapshot we’ve seen yet, and it’s exhilarating to see such a significant feature come to life after months of waiting. If you’re unsure how to test out snapshots with Minecraft: Java Edition, check out our guide onplaying with Minecraft: Java Edition snapshots.
Otherwise, you’ll have to wait along with the rest of us for the massive Caves and Cliffs Update to come to everyone. The Caves and Cliffs Update includes much more than just new cave generation and is one of the most extensive updates Minecraft has seen yet. If you’re as excited for it as I am, consider checking out our list of Best Minecraft Merch, Toys, and Gifts to pick up something for yourself or a fellow Minecrafter in your life.
Keep in mind that this is an early snapshot for the Caves and Cliffs Update, so there are bound to be plenty of bugs in this snapshot. Mojang Studios warns of two major caveats with this specific release:
The full changelog for Minecraft: Java Edition snapshot 21w06a includes:
New features
Noise caves & aquifers
Changes
World generation
Mineshaft changes
Bug fixes
Minecraft
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Zachary Boddy (They / Them) is a Staff Writer for Windows Central, primarily focused on covering the latest news in tech and gaming, the best Xbox and PC games, and the most interesting Windows and Xbox hardware. They have been gaming and writing for most of their life starting with the original Xbox, and started out as a freelancer for Windows Central and its sister sites in 2019. Now a full-fledged Staff Writer, Zachary has expanded from only writing about all things Minecraft to covering practically everything on which Windows Central is an expert, especially when it comes to Microsoft. You can find Zachary on Twitter@BoddyZachary.
