Over the years, Minecraft has gone through many stages of development and is still far from a finished game. However, it is one of the few games where older versions still have a large fan base. This could be due to the performance of the PC, unpopular changes, or mods that were never updated. Of course, there’s also a touch of nostalgia, but sometimes it’s more pleasant to have fewer features and focus more on the gameplay. Plus, it’s exciting to see what changes have occurred over the past 15 years. Fortunately, Minecraft allows for a time travel experience directly through various installations in the launcher!
Alpha 1.1.2_01: Experience Retro Minecraft
When people think of “old school” Minecraft, this is likely the version that comes to mind! Neon-green grass, just one biome, a sometimes very wild terrain generation, and endless possibilities. Even though there are very few building blocks, they fit together well and can be used to create fantastic structures.
Exciting features include being able to hit sheep for wool, wood logs that can burn indefinitely, and the absence of beds. Nights are a significant challenge and VERY dark. Additionally, your generated world has a 1 in 4 chance of loading as a “winter world.” Everything is covered in snow and looks truly beautiful! However, sugar cane is extremely hard to find in these worlds. You might miss the Nether, which was only added in the subsequent “Halloween” update. However, many of the mentioned features are removed with that, making Alpha 1.1.2_01 the last true Alpha version!
Beta 1.7.3: The True Classic Minecraft
This version is the epitome of Minecraft’s first golden age (at least according to the relevant subreddit r/GoldenAgeMinecraft). For many, it is one of the best Minecraft moments, because everything just fits together here. It is the last major update before the changes to the “Adventure Update” and thus the official release. However, some players are not big fans of enchantments, an end, or the hunger system.
One of the greatest strengths of this version is its coherent design. Everything fits together, and no feature stands out. All blocks harmonize when building; you can visit the Nether, but you are not simultaneously overwhelmed by thousands of possibilities. It just feels like a fluid package, which also has a large community. There are also many cool mods for Beta 1.7.3, including “Better Than Adventure!”, which reinterprets further updates of Minecraft and considers what Notch might have done.
1.0: The Big Minecraft Release
Let’s take a look at the release of Minecraft. In November 2011, the first full version was released, bringing many changes. Now you can sprint, lose hunger, and even complete Minecraft with an end! This, of course, thrilled many players at the time.
Nevertheless, there are still many things that run differently than in today’s game. Enchantments cost significantly more, there are many different biomes, and especially the large oceans can make some journeys extremely long. However, many mechanics are still essential today, including breeding livestock, brewing potions, or searching for villagers (although trading with them was only possible from release version 1.3). We recommend playing on release version 1.1 to avoid some bugs—primarily the decaying of leaves.
1.7.10: A Paradise for Modding Fans
For modders, version 1.7.10 is extremely exciting, as it offers by far the most mods! At the same time, the update introduces a completely new world generation and is aptly called “The Update that Changed the World.” No more huge oceans, but a cohesive world. And there are now more biomes, more flowers and fish, and things like coloured glass.
Nevertheless, it still reflects many systems of the “old Minecraft.” Only with 1.8 do functions like a new trading system, new stone blocks with diorite, granite, and andesite, or even the ocean monuments, get introduced. It is also one of the last versions that still work with the old combat system. This was changed with 1.9 and remains one of the most controversial updates for Minecraft to this day.
1.12.2: Last Update Before Major Changes
Version 1.12.2 is quite intriguing, as it is considered a turning point by many. It is the last update that is not counted among the modern innovations. With 1.13 and the “Update Aquatic,” Mojang and Microsoft established an annual rhythm for new updates.
The “World of Color Update” is interesting in the sense that many old mods still work, which were never updated beyond version 1.12. However, there are many new blocks, including terracotta and concrete, adding more colour to the game. Exploration tours are also more exciting, with woodland mansions in the overworld and the end islands for Elytra and shulker boxes.
1.16.5: The Significant Nether Update
Lastly, let’s look at the 1.16 “Nether Update,” the last major update before the terrain changes. And this is precisely why this version remains so popular! The old cave systems and biomes are still present, and ores still work like they used to and don’t drop extra items. However, the update particularly shines with the improvements in the Nether, which many players had been longing for for years.
Mods are an important aspect here as well, because since the “Caves & Cliffs” update was delivered over several years, players had enough time to customize 1.16.5 to their liking. The version feels very modern but still fits together well and is, for many, the end of an era.
Conclusion
Minecraft is one of the few games where even versions from over 10 years ago still have an active community. Thanks to nostalgia and some practical reasons like mods, many older variants of the game remain extremely popular. And since almost all versions can be selected directly in the launcher, switching is also a breeze! You can, of course, also adjust the version of your Minecraft server if you want to play with friends. Rent a server for Minecraft with us and start your time travel through Minecraft!
