Minecraft 1.21 update: How to play Bedrock Beta & Java Snapshot

Jessica Filby
Minecraft bamboo house and camel 1.20 update

The Minecraft 1.21 update is on its way, adding new features, structures, mobs, and more. Before it fully releases, players can explore some of the features through Snapshots and Betas. So, here’s how to access and play them.

Officially announced in the 2023 Minecraft Live, the 1.21 update was posed as a rolling announcement, with new features being revealed slowly. However, by now, we have plenty of information regarding this exciting update and Snapshots are revealing more ways to enjoy the game.

Snapshots and Betas are Mojang’s way to test the new content, and for players to be given the opportunity to explore the features before they’re fully rolled out. So, if you want to join in, here’s how to access the Snapshot and Beta and what you can expect to see there.

How to play the Java Snapshot and Bedrock Beta

minecraft vault

If you own either the Java or the Bedrock edition of Minecraft, then you can try the new update before it’s officially released. It will change regularly but is well worth a look if you’re interested in the upcoming version of Minecraft. How to play the 1.21 update is described below.

How to play Minecraft Java Snapshot

Playing the Java Snapshot of Minecraft is relatively long-winded but will allow you to get a first look at the new update. To play the update on Minecraft Java edition, follow these steps:

  1. Load up the Minecraft Launcher.
  2. Click on Installations.
  3. Tick Snapshots.
  4. Select ‘New Installation’.
  5. Under the Version bar, click Latest Release.
  6. Select the Latest snapshot you created and press play.
  7. Create a new world.
  8. Select Data Packs.
  9. Move the available packs over to Selected.
  10. Finalize the world and head into the game.

How to play Minecraft Bedrock Beta

You can play the Minecraft Bedrock Beta on PC, Xbox, or Android. To download it and get access, you’ll need to follow these steps.

  1. Install and launch Minecraft Preview.
  2. Click Play Preview.
  3. Create a new world.
  4. Click on Experiments under the world setting before finalizing the new world.
  5. Toggle Next Major Update on.
  6. Press create and enjoy.

Everything announced for Minecraft 1.21

Different forms of oxidized copper in Minecraft
Different stages of copper oxidation: unoxidized to most oxidized.

Although there has been less announced in this update compared to previous Minecraft versions, there are still plenty of exciting additions players have to look forward to. Here are all the new features coming to the Minecraft 1.21 update:

New Mobs: Breeze & Armadillo

Two new mobs will be joining Minecraft in its 1.21 update. The voted mob will be the adorable Armadillo, which can provide armor for your wolves.

Then, there will be the addition of the Breeze, a hostile mob you’ll see in Trial chambers. These foes are pretty formidable, so you’ll need to be careful when approaching them.

New Blocks: Copper and Tuff

Two new major blocks will be joining the game, Copper and Tuff. Each has plenty of variants for you to craft with, including:

  • Chiseled Copper
  • Copper Grate
  • Copper Door
  • Copper Trapdoor
  • Copper Bulb

Tuff bricks will also be getting their own craftable blocks, like stairs, walls, bricks, and more, making your home a little more mechanical.

Trial Chambers

Trial Chambers will be arriving to Minecraft soon, bringing with it some new challenges, blocks, chests, battles and so much more.

Trial chambers themselves are new hidden structures and are likely to be an extremely popular multiplayer adventure.

Automatic crafters

As revealed during Minecraft Live, we’ll soon be getting an automatic crafting table, aptly called the Crafter. You can build a crafting table with some redstone, iron, and a dropper, and you’ll be able to automatically create torches, fences, planks, and whatever you want.

In the meantime, take a look at some of our other Minecraft guides and news:

All Minecraft Dyes | Best Minecraft house ideas | Minecraft Axolotl: How to tame, breed, & feed | All Armor Trims & recipes in Minecraft | Minecraft Sniffer: How to breed & where to find it | What are Torchflowers in Minecraft? | Minecraft: How to make a Brush | All Minecraft biomes & upcoming regions | How to make paper & books in Minecraft | How to craft Minecraft Smithing Table | How to make a beehive in Minecraft | What is a Vex in Minecraft? | How to breed Camels in Minecraft & can you tame them?

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About The Author

Based in Cumbria, England, Jessica is a Senior Games Writer who joined Dexerto after stints at Game Rant and The Gamer. You can find her covering everything from Minecraft, CoD, Disney Dreamlight Valley, Pokemon Go and more. You can contact Jessica at jessica.filby@dexerto.com