A new Minecraft update previews big future changes

By Brandon RidgelyUS Editor

A new Minecraft update has arrived, giving players a look ahead at changes coming in Update 1.17, Caves and Cliffs.

Let's dive right into the new Minecraft update, Snapshot 21W08A, and how it changes everything from the ground up!

Minecraft Update Makes Big Changes

The new Minecraft update comes in the form of a Snapshot, giving players a glimpse into what's next for the game.

Minecraft Ore Generation Update Snapshot Caves and Cliffs
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MINERS BEWARE: Minecraft is introducing new ore generation systems

These changes largely center around things coming in the Minecraft 1.17 Caves and Cliffs Update - which could be the biggest Minecraft update since its release.

This new Minecraft Snapshot is one in a long line of updates that is designed to test upcoming features for release - and as one of the most important yet, it's the most exciting as well!

Let's dive into what's new in the world of Minecraft.

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Patch Notes

These are the changes you can expect in the new Minecraft Snapshot:

  • Tweaked cave sizes further
  • Canyon and cave carvers now apply below y=0
  • Cracks can now be found carved into the ground
  • Grimstone has been changed into Deepslate
  • Added Deepslate ores
  • The distribution of ores has been further tweaked
  • Andesite no longer generates under y=0
  • Tuff now sometimes generates under y=0
  • The Tuff layer of amethyst geodes has been replaced with now a new type of stone called Smooth Basalt
  • Smooth Basalt is now obtained from smelting Basalt
  • Another round of tweaking has been done to the new textures of ores and Blackstone
  • Emerald and Lapis Lazuli ore textures have had some touch-ups
  • Mineshafts now once again generate in the open air in caves
  • Particles now appear in the air around spore blossoms
  • Slime Blocks and Honey Blocks have been moved to the Redstone tab of the creative inventory

Caves and Cliffs Update

The Minecraft Caves and Cliffs Update will redefine everything about the game - from its cave systems to its resources and its wildlife.

Minecraft Caves and Cliffs Update Cave Biome
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NEW LIFE: Caves and Cliffs brings new life to Minecraft

The update features new biomes, new enemies, new ore, new animals, new terrain, new resources, and changes plenty of core systems in the game.

READ MORE: Minecraft 1.17: Caves and Cliffs Beta Introduces Copper, Lightning Rods

After being previewed in 2020, fans have been waiting patiently for Caves and Cliffs, which will finally drop in 2021.

Until release day, though, Minecraft Snapshots are the best way to see the update in action.

READ MORE: Minecraft Snapshot Adds Glow Berries, Skulk Sensors

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