Every Minecraft update ranked from worst to best

One reason Minecraft continues to dominate gaming is its continuous development, fueled by a dedicated team passionate about the game. Although significant updates may not occur as frequently as before, they serve as moments of anticipation for the community, eager to discover fresh additions and concepts within the game.

We traced Minecraft’s evolution by examining each update since its 1.0 release, noting their appearances and impacts on the game. Subsequently, we arranged them in order from least favorable to most impressive, considering both the quality and amount of features they introduced.

The Frostburn Update – Minecraft 1.10

In today’s context, such an update wouldn’t qualify as a significant one due to its limited scope. For instance, in 2024, when features like Armadillos, dog armor, and new textures were introduced, it didn’t meet the criteria for a major update. Additions like polar bears, magma blocks, and other mob variants are enjoyable, but they lack the impact that typically warrants the excitement surrounding a groundbreaking update.

The World of Color Update – Minecraft 1.12

10’s enhancements were primarily limited to introducing colorful blocks and the parrot entity, but this new version surpasses the Frostburn update slightly by incorporating additional upgrades such as an in-game recipe book and vital accessibility features like a narrator.

The Spawn Egg Update – Minecraft 1.1

In the early stages of Minecraft, updates tended to be smaller and more frequent. However, when it comes to the first major update post 1.0 launch (version 1.1), there’s not much excitement to be had. Spawn Eggs are a welcome addition, but they’re only available in Creative mode, so most players won’t get to use them often. Similarly, Superflat worlds are another feature that, while appreciated now, were seldom experienced by players back then. All in all, it’s a relatively minor update that might leave many feeling underwhelmed.

The Jungle Update – Minecraft 1.2

Compared to its previous version, it didn’t significantly increase in size, but the minor adjustments it introduced had a significant effect. The most notable addition is the Jungle biome, which introduced a new type of wood, cocoa beans, and a continuous procession of players building quirky treetop homes for the following decade. Additionally, it introduced the Iron Golem, a beloved mob by fans and a speedrunner’s ideal companion.

The Bundles of Bravery Drop

2024 saw Mojang transitioning from major updates with new numbered versions to more frequent, smaller content drops for Minecraft. Each update became smaller in size, but arrived more often, making it challenging to categorize them on a list. The “Bundles of Bravery” update poses a challenge because a significant portion was dedicated to introducing Hardcore mode to Bedrock, which had been available on Java for years previously. Furthermore, the Bundles feature itself wasn’t particularly impressive despite its long-awaited arrival, thus it doesn’t rank very high on our scale.

The Horse Update – Minecraft 1.6

In simpler terms, when an update is given a name based on one particular feature, but let’s not forget, features like horses are incredibly valuable in this context. Moreover, an aspect that we now consider commonplace, Resource Packs, deserves credit for scoring points because it significantly upgraded the way texture packs functioned. This enhancement enabled creators to add details beyond just replacing texture files, resulting in a noticeable improvement in both quality and diversity of available content.

The Trails & Tales Update – Minecraft 1.20

Normally, Minecraft updates released today are large-scale projects that require around a year to complete. However, the Trails & Tales Update was different in that it came out more quickly. Similar to previous updates we’ve discussed, this one didn’t introduce anything negative, but it also lacked anything particularly exciting. Bamboo blocks, camels, and the archaeology system are all pleasant additions, but they aren’t revolutionary.

The Spring to Life Drop

In Spring to Life update, while all the fresh features are appealing, none of them seem exceptionally impactful. The introduction of new foliage and basic mob variations are delightful, and they’ve been long anticipated by fans, but they don’t bring about the sort of game-changing enhancements that the top-tier updates on this list offer.

The Buzzy Bees Update – Minecraft 1.15

At first glance, this update seems modest, focusing on bees, honey, and related elements. But don’t let that fool you; it was primarily a significant bug-fixing release, which Minecraft greatly benefited from. The game still has its imperfections, particularly in the Bedrock Edition, but the difference before and after this update is substantial.

The Wild Update – Minecraft 1.19

Initially, there was a touch of letdown when this update was released due to Mojang overstating some of its promises. Moreover, many elements from what were expected to come in 1.18 are included here, and while Mangrove Swamps and their frogs were pleasant additions, the Deep Dark features significantly changed the cave diving experience in Minecraft, providing a genuine source of fear.

The Redstone Update – Minecraft 1.5

In some parts of our neighborhood, this update is considered among the top-notch, largely due to its impressive improvements on Redstone. To be fair, those advancements are truly remarkable for Redstone enthusiasts. However, most of us who steer clear of it won’t find much to get excited about. Still, Quartz adds a nice touch.

The Exploration Update – Minecraft 1.11

At first glance, version 1.11 might appear to only have a single notable feature, but it’s actually quite remarkable for what it does offer. Woodland Mansions are delightful to traverse and contain formidable enemies, despite the occasional hiccup in their placement within the world. However, that’s not the most impressive aspect of this update; it was also the one that introduced Shulker Boxes. Frankly, I think that speaks for itself.

The Villager Trading Update – Minecraft 1.3

This significant Minecraft update generated a lot of excitement due to its new features, particularly the Villager trading system which was highly anticipated and incredibly useful, despite being somewhat broken initially. Additionally, we were introduced to intriguing structures like Desert Pyramids and Jungle Temples for the first time, providing exciting opportunities for exploration.

The Combat Update – Minecraft 1.9

This update, right smack in the middle of the list, has sparked quite a heated discussion within the Minecraft community. The significant alterations it introduced to the combat system continue to be the focus of passionate debates, with some enthusiasts loving the changes and others vehemently opposing them. Regardless of your stance on this matter, I encourage you to set aside your opinions for now and remember the other fantastic features that this update brought our way.

To highlight, the enlarged Outer Realm dimension, a request from fans ever since the initial unveiling of The Outer Realm, has been implemented. This addition led to the emergence of Outer Realm Cities, Shulkers, flying Elytra, and the crafting of Outer Realm Crystals. These elements significantly transformed Player-versus-Player (PvP) gameplay in a unique manner.

The Caves & Cliffs Update Part 1 – Minecraft 1.17

The first release of Caves & Cliffs, being so impressive, was divided into two parts. While Part 1 introduced features like Geodes, Dripstone Caves, Lush Caves, and Copper, it lacked the primary feature that players were eagerly anticipating in the Caves & Cliffs update.

The Bountiful Update – Minecraft 1.8

8 update showcases a collection of minor improvements that cumulatively result in something quite enjoyable. The new stone variants such as diorite, andesite, and granite may stir debates among fans, but they still prove to be a valuable addition. It’s easy to overlook the fact that Ocean Monuments and their guardians were initially introduced here rather than during the Update Aquatic that came later on.

The Garden Awakens Drop

It’s likely more suitable that Minecraft caters to children, given that The Garden Awakens demonstrates Mojang has some genuinely frightening horror concepts in store for the future. The Creaking, a chilling mob, behaves like the Weeping Angels from Doctor Who – it moves only when you’re not observing it. Moreover, the Pale Garden serves as an eerie new biome designed to accommodate this creature. Add in a fresh wood type, and this update surpasses many of the previous annual ones in terms of excitement.

The Tricky Trials Update – Minecraft 1.21

After quite some time without an update, the latest one seems significant and exciting. Ever since its features were unveiled, I’ve been looking forward to it, and watching the Trial Chambers evolve into an engaging feature that offers repeatable loot collection is impressive. The additional features are outstanding as well. The new Mace weapon is fantastic, the Breeze mob provides enjoyable gameplay, and even the Bogged skeleton presents a fun challenge with their poison-tipped arrows.

The Pretty Scary Update – Minecraft 1.4

4 was undoubtedly the game’s standout success during its early phase, introducing a formidable boss that remains among the strongest in-game entities. Additionally, it brought delightful features that have since become synonymous with Minecraft, such as Witches, Bats, and Zombie Villagers. For creators, innovative concepts like stone walls, flower pots, and item frames were introduced. Moreover, even the technical aspects received significant enhancements, offering essential commands to alter game parameters on-the-fly, including difficulty, spawn points, and various other gamemodes.

The Update Aquatic – Minecraft 1.13

For the first time post the acquisition of Minecraft by Microsoft, the team significantly amped up efforts to make a significant update seem vast in scope, and it proved successful. Previously, oceans were the least engaging aspect of Minecraft, but this update made substantial improvements, introducing shipwrecks, buried treasures, coral reefs, and numerous other features that motivate you to venture out and explore the seas for loot.

The Update that Changed the World – Minecraft 1.7

Prior to the Caves & Cliffs update, there was version 1.7, which brought about refreshing changes to Minecraft’s world generation system. Previously, discovering new land would require a significant amount of time as most worlds were submerged in oceans. However, this update addressed that issue by bringing the ocean in, introducing new biomes, and overall improving Minecraft’s vast and sometimes buggy worlds.

The Adventure Update – Minecraft 1.0

Back in the day, I witnessed the grand unveiling of Minecraft 1.0 – a momentous occasion that ultimately catapulted this game into the best-selling video game ever made. As for the features, they were nothing short of mind-blowing! The introduction of The End dimension and the epic Ender Dragon battle were just the tip of the iceberg. To sweeten the deal, Nether Fortresses and their fiery inhabitants, the Blazes, were also brand new additions to this update. This game certainly made a splash upon arrival, and the elements it bestowed upon us remain cherished to this very day.

The Village & Pillage Update – Minecraft 1.14

Before the recent update, Villages were scarcely found and not particularly impressive. It wasn’t really worth the trouble to search for them. However, following the update, they have become more frequent and visually appealing, blending seamlessly with diverse biomes. Additionally, the revamped trading system is a great addition, allowing you to establish a bustling market if desired.

The Nether Update – Minecraft 1.16

It seems that before 2020, the Nether was often overlooked due to its lack of excitement or attractions beyond discovering a Fortress. However, with the release of this update, everything changed! The Nether underwent a major transformation, introducing new biomes, creatures, and structures that were not only captivating but also visually stunning. Moreover, it introduced Netherite, currently Minecraft’s strongest material, providing a worthy goal for players in the late-game.

The Caves & Cliffs Update Part 2 – Minecraft 1.18

This update might seem simple, but it could very well be the most significant enhancement ever incorporated into Minecraft. Unlike version 1.7, which primarily focused on altering world generation, version 1.18 essentially scrapped the old one and developed an entirely new one from scratch. A significant change was reducing the world limit to -64 levels, transforming Minecraft’s previously confined and monotonous caves into vast caverns that are exciting to traverse and offer diverse types.

The beauty of exploring Minecraft worlds has been significantly enhanced, as you can now find stunning vistas not just on the surface, but also beneath the ground, and this transformation is all thanks to the latest update.

2025-04-30 17:19