Minecraft Snapshot Reverse Engineering
This is where I post my findings from looking at the source code for every new Minecraft snapshot. I document the exact details of how each feature works, and everything not found in the official changelogs.
You can usually expect a post within 1-2 days of the snapshot releasing.
Snapshot Posts
Subscribe via RSSMinecraft 1.21.4-pre1
The first 1.21.4 pre-release is out, starting to polish the winter drop features. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w46a
A smaller snapshot with tweaks to Winter Drop content, components, and bugfixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w45a
An overhaul to item models making many new features possible. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w44a
This snapshot adds new features to the Pale Garden. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.21.3
1.21.3 releases two critical fixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.21.2
The “Bundles of Bravery” drop is out! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.21.2-rc1
The first 1.21.2 release candidate is out. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.21.2-pre5
Only two bugfixes this pre-release. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.21.2-pre4
A few more bugfixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.21.2-rc2
Another release candidate with some critical bugfixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.21.2-pre3
Pre-releases are winding down to prepare for the update. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.21.2-pre2
A much smaller snapshot with mostly bugfixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.21.2-pre1
The Creaking Heart now supports comparators. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w40a
This snapshot adds the Pale Garden and Creaking, coming this winter. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w39a
Bundles are no longer experimental. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w38a
A much smaller snapshot this time. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w37a
Ender pearls now chunkload. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w36a
A smaller snapshot this time, featuring custom equipment and bugfixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w35a
This snapshot brings unexpected changes to raid spawning mechanics. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w34a
More tweaks to experiments and performance improvements. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w33a
As summer vacation ends, Mojang gives us one of the biggest snapshots ever. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.21.1
1.21.1 releases the critical fixes from the last release candidate. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.21.1-rc1
The first and probably only 1.21.1 release candidate is out. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.21
1.21 is out! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.21-rc1
The first 1.21 release candidate is out. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.21-pre4
The smallest pre-release so far. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.21-pre3
A few more bugfixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.21-pre2
The second 1.21 pre-release is out with many bugfixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.21-pre1
Leashable boats, portal-able entities, and many hidden changes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w21b
This snapshot adds data-driven jukeboxes and portal changes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w20a
Returning to Wednesday releases, this snapshot buffs witch farms and has an… interesting new piston sound. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w19b
This snapshot improves chunk loading performance and fixes many, many bugs. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w18a
The first snapshot of the full 1.21 release is out! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.6
1.20.6 releases the critical fix from the last release candidate. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.6-rc1
A release candidate for 1.20.6 is out, fixing a critical issue. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.5
1.20.5 is out! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.5-rc3
Just one bug fix. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.5-rc2
Mojang, this is the fifth day in a row you’ve posted a snapshot. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.5-rc1
The first 1.20.5 release candidate is out, expecting a release next week. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.5-pre4
A very small pre-release this time. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.5-pre3
Pre-releases two days in a row! Now with even more bugfixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.5-pre2
Another pre-release with many bugfixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.5-pre1
The first 1.20.5 pre-release is out, tweaking potion effects and Ominous Trials. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w14a
Time to update those custom launchers. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w14potato
For this year’s April Fools snapshot, Mojang adds everything. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w13a
A massive snapshot adding the final 1.21 features. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w12a
This snapshot makes it easier to find trial chambers and create cursed videos. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w11a
A new snapshot adds a new way to deal absurd damage. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w10a
This snapshot adds new wolf variants! See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w09a
This snapshot improves wolf armor and introduces data components. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w07a
This snapshot adds a highly-requested skeleton variant and fixes hoppers. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w06a
If fighting is sure to result in victory then you must fight! See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w05b
Goodbye strength 255. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w05a
This snapshot unvaults the Vault. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w04a
Another snapshot adding tweaks to the armadillo and technical changes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w03b
A surprisingly large b snapshot. See the changelog.
Minecraft 24w03a
This snapshot reduces the spawn chunks and adds the long-requested transfer packet! See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w51b
The armadillo was added. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.4
1.20.4 releases the critical fix from the last release candidate. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.4-rc1
A release candidate for 1.20.4 is out, fixing a critical issue. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.3
1.20.3 is out! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.3-rc1
The first 1.20.3 release candidate is out. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.3-pre4
Only two more bugfixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.3-pre3
As 1.20.3 approaches, this pre-release fixes more bugs. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.3-pre2
Another pre-release changes how wind charges behave in water. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.3-pre1
The first pre-release for 1.20.3 is out, adding tools for server resource packs and bugfixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w46a
The crafter and copper bulb were nerfed. See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w45a
This massive snapshot adds Trial Chambers and the Breeze. See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w44a
A smaller snapshot with some small improvements. See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w43b
Fixes a few crashes from 23w43a. See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w43a
A new 1.21 snapshot adds tick warping! See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w42a
It’s here. See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w41a
Decorated pots can now store items! See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w40a
The first snapshot for 1.20.3 is out! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.2
1.20.2 is out! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.2-rc2
A small release candidate fixes villagers suffocating in minecarts. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.2-rc1
The first 1.20.2 release candidate is out, full release planned next week. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.2-pre4
Another snapshot with even more bugfixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.2-pre3
A few more bugfixes before the 1.20.2 release. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.2-pre2
A new 1.20.2 pre-release fixes bugs and reverts the recipe book changes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.2-pre1
The first 1.20.2 pre-release reworks armorer and cartographer villagers. See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w35a
Another snapshot with bug fixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w33a
This snapshot adds skin/name reporting and mob attack reach changes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w32a
This snapshot brings vibration changes and many technical changes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w31a
The first snapshot for 1.20.2 is out! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.1
1.20.1 is out! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20.1-rc1
A 1.20.1 release candidate has been released, fixing some critical issues. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20
1.20 is out! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20-rc1
The first 1.20 release candidate wraps up development. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20-pre7
This pre-release adds symbolic link validation. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20-pre6
Yet another pre-release with some technical tweaks. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20-pre5
A new pre-release inches closer to 1.20 with more bug fixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20-pre4
A crash fix from the previous pre-release. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20-pre3
Pre-release 3 fixes even more bugs. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20-pre2
Another pre-release, another ancient bug fixed. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.20-pre1
The first 1.20 pre-release is out, adding universal dyeing and fixing an ancient bug. See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w18a
A new snapshot adds telemetry tweaks and fixes an 11 year old bug. See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w17a
New music, new advancements, and a new light engine! See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w16a
This snapshot tweaks trail ruins and fixes the infamous chunk border lag spike. See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w14a
Another snapshot is out with highly-requested bugfixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w13a or b
23w13a is out. Or is it 23w13b? Vote now! See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w13a
A new 1.20 snapshot fixes bugs in the previous snapshot. See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w12a
The first 1.20 update is out and definitely does not have “no more major features”. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19.4
1.19.4 is out! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19.4-rc3
Another release candidate prepares for a release tomorrow. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19.4-rc2
Another release candidate fixes Guardian thorns. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19.4-rc1
The first 1.19.4 release candidate is out. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19.4-pre4
1.19.4 gets closer with even more bug fixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19.4-pre3
This 1.19.4 pre-release contains a few more texture tweaks and bug fixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19.4-pre2
Another 1.19.4 pre-release contains bug fixes and texture tweaks. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19.4-pre1
The first 1.19.4 pre-release is here with lots of bug fixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w07a
This massive snapshot adds cherry trees, archaeology, and the Sniffer! See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w06a
A new 1.19.4 snapshot adds efficient ways to display text, blocks, and items! See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w05a
A new 1.19.4 snapshot adds armor trims to leather armor. See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w04a
Another 1.19.4 snapshot is out, bringing an overhaul to smithing and armor trims! See the changelog.
Minecraft 23w03a
The first snapshot for 1.19.4 is out! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19.3
1.19.3 is out! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19.3-rc3
1.19.3 has been delayed by one day. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19.3-rc2
The second and probably final 1.19.3 release candidate is out. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19.3-rc1
The first 1.19.3 release candidate is out. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19.3-pre3
Another pre-release is out with some bugfixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19.3-pre2
Another pre-release is out with some bugfixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19.3-pre1
The first 1.19.3 pre-release is here with custom player head sounds. See the changelog.
Minecraft 22w46a
A new snapshot is out, adding playable mob sounds. See the changelog.
Minecraft 22w45a
A new snapshot with even more creative inventory tweaks. See the changelog.
Minecraft 22w44a
Another snapshot focusing on quality-of-life changes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 22w43a
Another 1.19.3 snapshot is here, fixing bugs from 22w42a. See the changelog.
Minecraft 22w42a
The first 1.19.3 (and 1.20) snapshot is here! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19.1-pre3
A new pre-release is out with some minor fixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19.1-pre2
Mojang has delayed 1.19.1 and released a second pre-release. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19.1-rc1
The first 1.19.1 release candidate is here, adding more context to reports See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19.1-pre1
The first 1.19.1 pre-release is here, adding permanent multiplayer bans. See the changelog.
Minecraft 22w24a
The first 1.19.1 snapshot is here, adding player chat reporting. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19
The Wild Update is here! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19-rc2
The second release candidate is out with very few changes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19-rc1
The first release candidate is out. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19-pre5
Another pre-release with some game event changes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19-pre4
A small pre-release with a few bug fixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19-pre3
The Warden just got its final buff. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19-pre2
Another 1.19 pre-release is out. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19-pre1
The first 1.19 pre-release is out! See the changelog.
Minecraft 22w19a
A new snapshot with lots of technical changes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 22w18a
Another smaller snapshot with some allay and warden tweaks. See the changelog.
Minecraft 22w17a
A smaller snapshot this time, adding goat horns. See the changelog.
Minecraft 22w16b
Another snapshot is out, adding a new music disc and some random changes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 22w15a
This snapshot gives the warden a massive buff. See the changelog.
Minecraft 22w14a
This snapshot brings the new mangrove swamp biome. See the changelog.
Minecraft 22w13oneblockatatime
This snapshot may be a joke, but the automation and speedrunning potential is not! See the changelog.
Minecraft 22w13a
The allay is here! See the changelog.
Minecraft 22w12a
The second 1.19 snapshot is out, adding the Warden. See the changelog.
Minecraft 22w11a
The first 1.19 snapshot is out, and update suppression is now patched. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.18.2
1.18.2 is now out. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.18.2-rc1
The first 1.18.2 release candidate is out. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.18.2-pre3
The third 1.18.2 pre-release brings more bug and crash fixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.18.2-pre2
The second 1.18.2 pre-release is out. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.18.2-pre1
Three snapshots in a row!? 1.18.2 is coming up soon. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.19 Experimental Snapshot 1
Here we go… the first snapshot for 1.19 is out! It is an experimental snapshot, you must download it from the changelog.
Minecraft 22w07a
Another snapshot for 1.18.2 adds biome customization and some sneaky mob spawning changes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 22w06a
Another snapshot for 1.18.2 is out with many hidden changes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 22w05a
Another snapshot for 1.18.2 is out. See the changelog.
Minecraft 22w03a
The first snapshot of 2022 is here. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.18.1
1.18.1 is now out. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.18.1-rc3
1.18.3-rc3 fixes a critical security issue. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.18
The Caves and Cliffs Update Part 2 is finally out! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.18.1-pre2
This second 1.18 pre-release is out, now with Java 17! See the changelog.
Minecraft 21w44a
21w44a is out now, adding optimizations and the ability to opt-out of player listings. See the changelog.
Minecraft 21w43a
21w43a is out and adds blending of old worlds. See the changelog.
Minecraft 21w42a
Another 1.18 snapshot is out, featuring a new music disc! See the changelog.
Minecraft 21w41a
This snapshot officially changes the random number generator used for worldgen. See the changelog.
Minecraft 21w40a
A new snapshot is out, buffing copper ore. See the changelog.
Minecraft 21w39a
The third 1.18 snapshot is out, and old worlds can finally be opened again. See the changelog.
Minecraft 21w37a
The first non-experimental 1.18 snapshot is out! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.18 Experimental Snapshot 3
The third experimental snapshot for 1.18 is out, with some major mob spawning changes! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.18 Experimental Snapshot 1
The first snapshot for 1.18 is out! It is an experimental snapshot, you must download it from the changelog.
Minecraft 1.17.1
Minecraft 1.17.1 is out! There are no new changes since 1.17.1-rc2. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.17.1-rc2
The second release candidate fixes some critical issues. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.17.1-rc1
The first release candidate for 1.17.1 is out, there are no new mechanics to investigate. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.17.1-pre3
This pre-release buffs adds a couple bugfixes, there are no new mechanics to investigate. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.17.1-pre2
This pre-release buffs diamond ore, nerfs emerald ore, and introduces a couple stealth fixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.17.1-pre1
The first 1.17.1 pre-release changes axolotl and goat breeding mechanics, and a buff to drowned copper farms and powder snow farms! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.17
The Caves and Cliffs Update Part 1 is finally out! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.17-rc2
The second (and probably final) pre-release is out. The changelog says, “fixed a few critical issues”, but now we know what those critical issues are. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.17-rc1
The first release candidate is out! As expected, it has no new features to investigate. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.17-pre5
The pre-releases are wrapping up, this one has no new features to investigate. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.17-pre4
The fourth pre-release fixes a few more bugs. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.17-pre3
The third pre-release changes glow squid spawning conditions and fixes more bugs. See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.17-pre2
The second pre-release is out and so is the release date! See the changelog.
Minecraft 1.17-pre1
The first 1.17 pre-release is out! See the changelog.
Minecraft 21w20a
This snapshot adds a new way to farm hanging roots, new narrator features, and plenty of bugfixes. See the changelog.
Minecraft 21w19a
This snapshot makes candles, bundles, and sculk sensors command-only, and upgrades Java to Java 16. See the changelog.
Minecraft 21w18a
Another smaller snapshot that makes screaming goats use their ram attack more often. See the changelog.
Minecraft 21w17a
A smaller snapshot with a copper ore buff and even more tweaks to the raw ore block textures. See the changelog.
Minecraft 21w16a
This snapshot adds dripstone and azalea growth, as well as even more raw ore texture tweaks. See the changelog.
Minecraft 21w15a
This snapshot adds goat ramming, raw ore blocks, and marker entities. The Caves & Cliffs update was also split in two. See the changelog and the announcement.
Minecraft 21w14a
Now you can use fortune on iron, gold, and copper ore! A simple snapshot, but a massive game changer. See the changelog.
Minecraft 21w13a
This snapshot adds goats, a darker splash screen, axolotl spawns, and the light block! See the changelog.