Minecraft seems to be a game for the ages. Not only do new players join every day, but many former veterans return too – some after five or even ten years away. And a lot has changed since then! Minecraft never stands still, so for returning players it can feel like a completely new experience. Below, we look at the biggest changes from recent years as well as the smaller tweaks that might catch you out. At its core it’s still the same game, but older and newer versions can feel quite different in terms of progression and gameplay.
Here you’ll find the most important new features explained concisely – including practical tips for getting back up to speed fast.
Minecraft world generation 1.18+: taller, deeper, and new biomes
The biggest change is visible right after you spawn: taller mountains, deeper mines and far more varied biomes. The world now stretches up to around Y=320 and down to Y=-64. Ore distribution has changed accordingly – diamonds are most common deep down, while iron appears more frequently in high mountains. You’ll find details on efficient resource mining here: (Minecraft Mining Techniques: Efficiently Extract Resources) .
Updates also added completely new cave systems (huge caverns, tight tunnels, underground biomes). Don’t go too deep unprepared: in the Deep Dark lurks the Warden, an extremely dangerous mob found around Ancient Cities – avoid making noise and rely on stealth.
Nether update: biomes, bastion remnants, structures and new mobs
The Nether now has its own biomes: Crimson Forest, Warped Forest, Basalt Deltas and Soul Sand Valley. You’ll also meet new mobs like Piglins, Hoglins and Striders. Bastion Remnants contain rare loot – and tough enemies. Read more in (The Ultimate Guide to Minecraft Bastion Remnants in the Nether) .
Tips:
- Wear at least one piece of gold armour so Piglins won’t attack on sight.
- Use Piglin bartering (trading gold ingots) for useful resources.
- Striders let you cross lava safely in the Nether.
Recipe Book and crafting aids: craft faster, make fewer mistakes
You no longer need to memorise every recipe: the Recipe Book shows all unlocked recipes in your inventory, at the crafting table and in the furnace (once you’ve picked up the ingredients at least once). The search makes finding anything a breeze. Use Shift-click to craft stacks very quickly. If you prefer not to use it, you can hide it at any time.
New ores: copper mechanics and Netherite upgrades
Caves and the Nether now feature copper and Netherite.
- Copper: oxidises in the open air and changes colour. You can wax blocks with honeycomb to lock in their current state. Crafting highlights: lightning rod, spyglass, cut copper. More here: (The Ultimate Guide to Copper in Minecraft: Discoveries, Building Ideas, and Oxidation) .
- Netherite: find Ancient Debris deep in the Nether (around Y≈15) and smelt/process it into Netherite ingots. Since 1.20 you need the Smithing Template: Netherite Upgrade (often in Bastion Remnants) to upgrade your diamond gear. Farming tips: (Farming Netherite in Minecraft: Best Methods & Tips for Armour and Tools) . Bonus: Netherite items do not burn in lava.
New mobs and animal mechanics: frogs, goats and camels
The world is livelier than ever:
- Frogs (swamp/mangrove swamp) can create Froglights when they eat small magma cubes.
- Goats ram mobs/players and can drop goat horns.
- Camels spawn in desert villages, carry two players and have a handy dash jump.
You’ll also notice new/updated textures for classic animals like sheep, cows and pigs.
Cats instead of ocelots: how to tame them now
You no longer turn ocelots into house cats. Cats now spawn in villages and witch huts. Tame them with raw cod or salmon. Advantages: creepers and phantoms avoid cats; they’ll also occasionally bring you gifts and will lie on you while you sleep.
Wandering Trader: emerald trades, spawning and worthwhile deals
After a few days, the Wandering Trader appears near you with two llamas. He sells rare items for emeralds – such as saplings, coral or dyes. Not always useful, but sometimes worth it. The best way to earn emeralds is through villager trading (level up their professions!).
Crafting a spyglass: amethyst and copper for zoom
The spyglass is now native to the game. Recipe: 2× copper ingots + 1× amethyst shard. You’ll find geodes underground; this guide explains how to gather shards efficiently: (Effective Farming of Amethyst Shards in Minecraft: A Guide) . Always pack a spyglass for exploration!
Travel faster: Elytra, camels, boats, Striders and Soul Speed
Long distances are much easier today:
- Elytra + firework rockets for long-range flight (find Elytra in End Cities). Use Mending and Unbreaking.
- Camels for relaxed overland travel for two and to clear obstacles.
- Striders in the Nether for safe lava crossings (saddle + Warped Fungus on a Stick).
- Boats on ice roads are extremely fast; in water, dolphins give you a speed boost.
- The Soul Speed enchantment makes you much quicker on Soul Sand and Soul Soil.
Conclusion: returning to Minecraft – here’s what has truly changed
After years away, Minecraft can feel like a completely new game. Ongoing updates add fresh mechanics, biomes and items that keep surprising you. Try new things, make use of the recipe and quality-of-life features, and leverage the tips above for a quick re-entry. If you don’t want to play alone, you can rent a suitable Minecraft server from us right here and jump in with friends.
