Mojang, the developers of Minecraft, clearly love April Fools’ Day – almost every year there’s something for players to look forward to. While the early jokes were fairly small, they have become increasingly elaborate and can rival full updates. Best of all, you can still play almost all of them today. A look at Minecraft’s April Fools snapshots offers a direct glimpse into quirky and bizarre ideas that sometimes turn the beloved game completely on its head.
Play old Minecraft April Fools snapshots: Guide for the Java Edition
In the Java Edition, you can set up different installations in the launcher and select any version you like. Simply search for the snapshot name (e.g. 20w14infinite) and it should appear. You can then play almost all April Fools versions yourself – even those from many years ago.
Tips for setup:
- In the launcher, open the Installations tab and enable the display of snapshots.
- Create a separate profile for each April Fools snapshot to keep worlds and mods separate.
- For multiplayer you’ll need the matching server file (server JAR) for the respective version.
- Older server files are archived on the Minecraft Wiki and can be downloaded there: Minecraft Wiki – April Fools’ Day jokes.
All Minecraft April Fools snapshots at a glance
Minecraft 2.0 April Fools: Features and availability
Many are still “waiting” for Minecraft 2.0, yet this April Fools joke arrived back in 2013. It already showed how much fun Mojang has with wild ideas – and that some of them can later make it into the real game. Highlights: pink Wither, an exploding Etho Slab (a nod to YouTuber EthosLab), diamond chickens, and a Super Hostile Mode where thunderstorms spawn extreme numbers of mobs.
Sadly, this is the only major April Fools update that is no longer available in the launcher. However, many features were brought into the game proper – including the block of coal and stained glass.
Love and Hugs Update (15w14a): peaceful Minecraft features
If Minecraft feels too hard, this update is for you. You take no damage and even gain hearts when you fall. Creepers explode into showers of flowers, particles turn into little hearts, and the pink Wither returns. Pink, heart-shaped clouds float across the sky. Especially funny: obsidian boats that sink instantly, plus flying squids – a homage to an old Beta bug.
Trendy Update (1.RV-Pre1): gadgets, Reality Vision & 3D map
Here you get the latest fantasy tech in Minecraft. Find a Smarter Watch that shows the current time, and stumble upon an Ankle Monitor that slows you down and can’t be removed. The coolest feature is Reality Vision with a 3D map – something many would love to see in the real game.
3D Shareware v1.34 (Memory Block Edition): retro DOOM vibes
Even though Minecraft is often called “old-looking”, this version goes even further. The world transforms into a classic DOOM-style experience, complete with a fitting interface, hidden keycards, and cheat codes that unlock extra gags. Typing “NEEEERD” summons a bespectacled Creeper in a lab coat. There are loads of secrets and Easter eggs – perfect for retro fans.
20w14∞ Infinity snapshot: play infinite dimensions
Of all the April Fools releases, this is the one you really should try. It promises infinitely many dimensions: throw a book from an infinite bookcase into a Nether portal, step through – and you’ll enter a completely new world. Each dimension is a colourful mix of blocks and layouts. You never know what to expect.
There are also dozens of pre-made developer dimensions listed in the Wiki. If you love exploring, this infinite April Fools snapshot is a must.
22w13oneblockatatime: One Block at a Time challenge
This version feels almost like a standalone gameplay idea: you can only ever carry one block. Instead of hoarding a full inventory, you need to break and place every block individually. There are also fun Easter eggs with animals and mobs, and Villager trading is reworked. Ideal if you’re after a fresh challenge.
23w13a_or_b Vote Update: votes, moon trip & chaotic features
It looks normal at first, but soon you’ll be voting on wild changes that turn the gameplay upside down. Examples: a potion that lets you transform into any other mob, baguettes and a French flag – and yes, you can fly to the Moon. Simply ascend past Y level 700 to land. A complex snapshot with plenty of surprises.
24w14potato: Poisonous Potato Update with potato dimension
The poisonous potato is known as one of the most useless items – until this April Fools snapshot. Here, it’s all about potatoes. You start by meeting a talking potato that explains the new features. Later you’ll travel to a potato dimension and defeat a boss. It’s a very substantial snapshot: new blocks, items, and a completely new world.
25w14craftmine: Craftmine snapshot – progression & mines
The newest April Fools update feels like it’s from another dimension: you’re not playing Minecraft, you’re playing Craftmine. You spawn in a kind of matrix, generate mines (worlds) from there, and unlock new things as you go. The concept is reminiscent of the Infinity snapshot, but it’s more tied to progression – letting you play for a long time and discover many complex systems.
Conclusion: Play the best Minecraft April Fools snapshots today
Minecraft’s April Fools releases aren’t just little pranks – some are large updates and complex versions – and you can still play them today. The infinite dimensions in the Infinity snapshot and the potato dimension are especially worth checking out. It’s even more fun with friends – for instance on your own server, as long as you pick the matching version. You can rent your own Minecraft server from us here.
