The latest Minecraft: Java Edition snapshot previews new noodle caves

It’s Minecraft day for Minecraft insiders again, as Minecraft: Java Edition Snapshot 21w17a rolls out to any players who are interested in Minecraft: Java Edition snapshots. The latest snapshot includes more tweaks for existing features like ore textures, copper, and more. However, players can also try out a new experimental feature in noodle caves, which come through the experimental datapacks introduced in Snapshot 21w15a.

Experimental datapacks were introduced alongside the Caves and Cliffs Update for Minecraft is now being split into two parts and delayed. We recently explored why Mojang Studios still sometimes feels like an underfunded indie studio, which we published right before the delay announcement.

Players who are still interested in testing delayed features can install new datapacks to get a sneak peek, which now includes noodle caves. These new cave generations are smaller and more claustrophobic and chaotic than the already tiny spaghetti caves. They connect existing cave systems together and add even more variety to Minecraft’s underground.

It looks like it’s going to be a while before see the entire Caves and Cliffs Update release, with the second part now planned to launch in Winter 2021. In the meantime, you can peruse our list of best Minecraft merch, toys, and gifts for some great gift and collectible ideas.

The full changelog for Minecraft: Java Edition Snapshot 21w17a includes:

Changes