Minecraft: Java Edition Snapshot 21w16a adds lava aquifers, dripstone growth, and more from ‘Caves and Cliffs Update’
Dual-channel tests for new features in Minecraft.
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What you need to know
Minecraft: Bedrock Edition was just treated with the release ofMinecraft: Bedrock Edition Beta 1.17.0.50. Now, the legacy version of Minecraft is getting the same treatment withMinecraft: Java Edition Snapshot 21w16anow available for testers everywhere. The latest snapshot for Minecraft continues to test out new features from the upcomingCaves and Cliffs Update.
Today, players can experience the new dripstone blocks growing over time, can use bonemeal on azalea bushes to create azalea trees, and enjoy new tweaked textures for raw ore. There’s also an evolution to thedatapack system introduced in Minecraft: Java Edition Snapshot 21w15a, which lets players test featureseven earlierthat are planned to come with thedelayed second half of the Caves and Cliffs Update. This includes features like new underground lava aquifers.
If you’re excited for the Caves and Cliffs Update, which nowreleases part one this summer and part two this winter, consider taking a look at our list of best Minecraft merch, toys, and gifts for something awesome for yourself or a loved one.
The full changelog for Minecraft: Java Edition Snapshot 21w16a includes:
New features
Dripstone growth
Changes
Caves and Cliffs Update Preview
Ore veins
Technical changes
Bug fixes
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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.
