Minecraft snapshots - testing new features in 25w21a

How do you test the latest Minecraft features? These snapshots are the very first iteration of Minecraft updates and are a way for Mojang to test out bug fixes, technical changes, and even new blocks, biomes, and mobs before officially rolling them out. Anyone with the Java edition of the creative game can try these features without any risk to your current world, while Minecraft Preview exists for those on Bedrock edition, so read on to find out how to be the first to try the next big Minecraft update.

During Minecraft Live, the next big Minecraft update or drop is revealed to the community. At past events, we've had the likes of the Caves and Cliffs update, The Wild Update, and the Trails and Tales update - each of them overhauling the base game with new Minecraft biomes, blocks, and mobs. Since these updates come with so much new content, they need to be tested out first, and that's where Minecraft snapshots and Minecraft Preview come in. Use them to test out new experimental features before anyone else, and feedback to Mojang if you have any issues. It's a win-win situation.

Minecraft 1.21.6 pre-release 4

The fourth 1.21.6 pre-release is here, and features just four small bug fixes. Playing the pre-release snapshot gives a pretty good look at what a finished 1.21.6 will look like.

What does this mean? Well, since this is an incredibly small snapshot, we think it may be the last. Provided no more game-breaking bugs appear this week, we could well move on to Release Candidates next. These are the final snapshots before the full launch of the Chase the Skies update.

This in itself means the next Minecraft update could be just a couple of weeks away.

How to install a Minecraft snapshot

Play the latest Minecraft snapshot straight from the Minecraft Launcher. Click the installation dropdown to the left of the green 'Play' button and select 'latest snapshot' from the list. Hit play, and set up a new world as normal.

You can load into existing worlds, but you should back them up first in case it gets corrupted. If you load into an existing world, it's worth remembering that some features won't be available in loaded chunks, and you might need to explore the further reaches of your world.

How to turn on experimental features

As standard, snapshots only include bug features and technical changes. To play with new experimental features, including future content changes, you must turn on experimental features. This should be done when you create the world, as they cannot be turned on or off later. To enable experimental features:

• Go to create a new world as normal
• On the main world creation page, click 'Experimental Features'
• Turn on any toggles you wish to see in your world, such as 1.21 features, or even long-awaited bundles!
• Start your world

How to change Minecraft snapshot

You can also play old Minecraft snapshots, too. This requires a few extra steps and is the same as loading into old versions of Minecraft. To install and play an old Minecraft version or snapshot:

• Open the Minecraft Launcher
• Click the 'Installations' tab
• For snapshots, ensure that the 'snapshots' box is checked
• Click 'New Installation'
• Scroll down the dropdown list for your desired Minecraft version
• Name your installation
• Click 'Create'
• Select the 'Play' tab at the top of the Launcher
• Find your installation in the dropdown
• Hit 'Play'!

Again, you should always back up any existing worlds you load into with this installation, just in case it crashes and you lose progress. There are probably not many reasons you would want to revisit an old snapshot unless it's to test something that was changed or never made it to the game. If you are unsure which snapshot you're looking for, there are full changelogs available at minecraft.net.

Now you know how to test the latest features with Minecraft snapshots, go and have fun with them! If you'd rather wait until the full release of these features and enjoy the experience as a whole, but are still looking for something new to do with your Minecraft world, why not try out some of our favorite Minecraft texture packs and Minecraft maps. Or perhaps even a completely new game like Minecraft - but do come back for the next update!