Minecraft 1.21 Pre-Release 1 is Out Now

The first pre-release for Minecraft’s Java Edition version 26.1, known as the Tiny Takeover update, is now available for download. This release signals a shift in the development cycle, focusing primarily on bug fixes and technical refinements rather than introducing major new features. Unlike regular snapshots, these pre-releases do not follow a strict Tuesday schedule, so players should stay alert for subsequent updates as they become available. The main menu’s background panorama has received a visual refresh to mark this new phase.

On the technical side, both the Data Pack and Resource Pack versions have been incremented. The Data Pack version is now 101, while the Resource Pack version moves to 84. Several underlying systems have been adjusted, including changes to text component formats like `minecraft:nbt`, `minecraft:selector`, and `minecraft:object`. A notable addition is a new optional `fallback` field for the object text component, which provides alternative text for situations where the object itself cannot be displayed, such as in server logs. Furthermore, player head objects can no longer be used in server status messages (MotD) and will be replaced by their fallback text.

A significant new command has been introduced for manipulating in-game time. The syntax `time [of ] rate ` allows players to set a rate multiplier for specific clocks. It is crucial to understand that this command only affects the visual progression of time, like the day/night cycle for the overworld clock, and does not accelerate actual game simulation speed, which is controlled by a different command. The rate is a float value between 0 (exclusive) and 1000 (inclusive), with 1 representing normal speed.

Several data components have been modified to offer greater flexibility. The components `minecraft:providesbannerpatterns`, `minecraft:blocksattacks`, and `minecraft:damageresistant` now accept a single ID or a list of IDs in addition to a tag. Similarly, the loot function `minecraft:set_instrument` has been updated so its `options` field also accepts IDs and lists.

For creators, new tools have been added to predicates and number providers. The `minecraft:environmentattributecheck` loot predicate allows for checking the exact value of an environment attribute at a specific position. Complementing this, the `minecraft:environment_attribute` number provider fetches the numerical value of such an attribute. Both require a context with a set origin position when the attribute varies by location.

World generation has seen adjustments, particularly concerning flowers and features. Features spawned from Bone Meal are no longer restricted to a specific flower feature type. Instead, this behavior is now governed by the new `#canspawnfrombonemeal` Configured Feature Tag. The old `flower`, `flowernobonemeal`, and `random_patch` feature types have been removed, with patches now expressed using sequences of placement modifiers. Additionally, a new `trapezoid` Int Provider has been introduced, enabling the selection of random values with a trapezoid distribution, defined by minimum, maximum, and plateau values.

Graphical updates and fixes are a key part of this pre-release. Textures for wolf pups have been updated to resolve overlapping issues. A new special item model type, `minecraft:endcube`, renders a cube with the same texture effects as End Portal and End Gateway blocks. Block state rendering has been improved so that End Gateways and End Portals appear correctly when rendered on a Block Display entity. Some shaders have been consolidated, with `core/rendertypetranslucentmovingblock` removed in favor of `core/block`.

This release addresses a substantial list of bugs from previous versions. Fixed issues include problems with End Portal and Gateway rendering when held by mobs or display entities, incorrect growth conditions for pointed dripstone, and various animation and texture errors affecting mobs like baby wolves, zombies, and baby zombified piglins. Other resolved bugs pertain to command functionality, menu visual updates, block breaking animations, item holding behavior for baby mobs, and several crash-causing scenarios related to item components and rendering.

Pre-releases are accessible for Minecraft: Java Edition through the official launcher by enabling snapshots in the “Installations” tab. It is strongly recommended to back up existing worlds or run the pre-release in a separate folder, as testing versions can potentially corrupt save files. A cross-platform server jar is available for server administrators. Players are encouraged to report any new bugs they encounter through the official channels to help refine the update before its full release.

(Source: Minecraft)