This experimental Minecraft: Java Edition snapshot tests new features

It’s been a busy day for Minecraft, and an exciting day for hardcore Minecraft fans that love being on the forefront of new features and changes. 1.17 Caves and Cliffs Update Part One was just released as the first half of the massive Caves and Cliffs Update, but Mojang Studios and Minecraft fans are already looking ahead to 1.18 Part Two, which is slated to release sometime in Winter 2021. Now you can test some of those upcoming features yourself with the release of Minecraft: Java Edition 1.18 Experimental Snapshot 1.

Earlier today, Mojang released Minecraft: Bedrock Edition 1.17.10 to the public, which included new features, lots of bug fixes, and some experimental features from 1.18 Caves and Cliffs Update Part Two hidden under a toggle. Now, Java Edition players can get in on the 1.18 action (albeit in a very different way) with this new unique snapshot.

1.18 Experimental Snapshot 1 does include a handful of big changes in early testing for the upcoming Minecraft update, but you can’t go and play this snapshot like other Minecraft: Java Edition snapshots. Instead, you’ll have to download the snapshot and manually install it, and it’ll only be compatible with worlds created under the snapshot.

Mojang has already confirmed that these snapshots won’t use the traditional Minecraft bug tracker, and will likely continue until sometime around Sept. 2021 (when regular snapshots should take over). You can find out exactly what changes are included in this snapshot, as well as everything you need to know about installing it, below. If you’re not comfortable getting your hands dirty, you may want to stick with the official Minecraft: Java Edition 1.17.1 update that was just released.

Minecraft: Java Edition is one of the best PC games around, and fans have a lot of goodies to choose from with our list of best Minecraft merch, toys, and gifts.

Here’s what you need to know about Minecraft: Java Edition 1.18 Experimental Snapshot 1:

Changes