Mojang, developers of the legendary sandbox crafting game Minecraft, have released a snapshot of their upcoming update, Java Edition 1.16. The new version is also referred to as the Minecraft Nether Update, as the features it includes revolve around the in-game region known as the Nether, a dangerous late-game realm that can be accessed by portal.
The Nether was first introduced to the game in 2010. The original developer of Minecraft, Markus Persson, stated in a Tumblr post that the intent behind what was then referred to as "the hell dimension" was to provide a means of fast, long distance travel in the game. Persson took inspiration from the fantasy novel series The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan, as the concept for travel in the hell dimension involved entering it through a portal, making a second portal inside, and exiting somewhere completely different. This hell dimension, eventually called the Nether, is a dangerous place, filled with both lava and frightening, dangerous monsters. It offers a variety of rare items, unique blocks, and valuable components for various crafting recipes.
The Nether Update looks to dramatically expand the region's value as a destination for players. As reported by RockPaperShotgun, a playable snapshot of the update released today for the Java Edition on PC, and players can now venture into the Nether and explore some of the new features on offer. The Nether Update features three new biomes, including the Warped Forest, the Crimson Forest, and the Soulsand Valley. It plays host to a variety of strange new pig-themed monsters, likely variations on the pre-existing zombie pigmen which could be found roaming the Nether before. One of the most significant new changes is the introduction of Netherite, a new substance used to craft weapons, tools and armor which are stronger than diamond, a substance which is famous for yielding the most powerful Minecraft gear.
A player can try this snapshot out for themselves by playing the Java edition and selecting Snapshot 20W06A. In order to get a more immediate look at what the new update has to offer, it's recommend to start a Creative world, so that players can build a portal instantly and fly around the new biomes to their heart's content. The snapshot does not represent the final version of the Nether Update, but is said to include most of the features players can expect when the full update launches later this year.
Minecraft is one of the best selling games of all time, and with good reason. Many players would argue the game's biggest draw is its sense of adventure; the idea that there's always something new to explore around the corner. Others would claim its best feature to be the freedom to do and build almost anything their imaginations can dream up. Updates like version 1.16 fulfill both of these inclinations, and the Nether Update not only gives players strange and fascinating new worlds to explore, but it provides potent and bizarre new resources to build and craft fantastical new structures. This iconic game has had its share of ups and downs over the years, but if this new Nether Snapshot is any indication, Minecraft fans have a lot to look forward to in the near future.
Source: RockPaperShotgun
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