A new snapshot for Minecraft that changes the Nether is available now

Mojang announced that the next big update for Minecraft following the adorable Buzzy Bees update would be a big update to the Nether. This was big news for Minecraft fans, since the Nether has remained pretty much unchanged since its initial debut years ago, and despite its importance in the game is a little stagnant in variety. That all changes today with the announcement of the latest snapshot for Minecraft: Java Edition players on PC.

The new snapshot is the first time players have been able to go hands-on with the upcoming Nether update, and the changes look to be pretty substantial. The update is going to include new biomes, blocks, ores, mobs, mechanics, and more when it comes out later this year.

Some of the highlights of the update include:

• New biomes: Three biomes will be added to the Nether, including Crimson Forests, Soulsand Valleys, and Warped Forests.
• New blocks: This includes new wood materials like Crimson Stems and Warped Stems, Basalt blocks, Crimson Nylium and Warped Nylium, Warped Wart blocks, and Soul Soil.
• New vegetation: This includes Crimson and Warped fungi, Weeping Vines that grow downwards, Shroomlights, Crimson Roots, Warped Roots, and Nether Sprouts.
• A brand-new ore: Netherite is a super rare new ore that is superior to even diamond in almost every way. It isn’t destroyed in lava, it’s harder and more durable than diamond, has greater knockback resistance, and Netherite weapons dish out more damage.
• New mob: This snapshot also introduces the adorable Hoglin. It doesn’t do much yet, but it’s there.
• Other changes and improvements: This update also includes a lot more, like new sounds and particle effects, bug fixes, and even a change that makes stacking walls vertically more visually appealing.

You can read more about the snapshot on Minecraft’s blog which gives a little more detail.

It’s clear that this is shaping up to be a major update to Minecraft, and will introduce hours of new content to explore for old and new players alike. The introduction of a new ore that promises to be better even than diamond is especially exciting. This likely won’t be the last snapshot Mojang releases on the Nether Update before its eventual release, either, so more changes and additions can arrive at a later time. If you’re interested in trying out the snapshot, you’ll need to know how to install and play snapshots first.

Are you excited about the Nether Update? What do you think of all the changes made so far in this snapshot? Tell us what you think in the comments below!