Over the years, Minecraft has gone through many developmental stages and is still far from being a finished game. However, it is one of the few games where even older versions have a lot of fans. This could be due to PC performance, unpopular changes, or mods that were never updated. Of course, a touch of nostalgia plays a role, but sometimes it’s also more enjoyable to have fewer features and focus more on the gameplay. It’s exciting to see what changes have occurred over the past 15 years. Thankfully, Minecraft allows a time travel experience through different installations in the launcher!
Alpha 1.1.2_01: Experience Retro Minecraft
When thinking of “Oldschool” Minecraft, this version likely comes to mind! Neon-green grass, only one biome, a sometimes very wild terrain generation, and endless possibilities. Even though there are very few building blocks, they fit together perfectly and can be used to create amazing 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 big 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! But 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 defines the first golden age of Minecraft (according to the subreddit r/GoldenAgeMinecraft). For many, it represents one of the best moments in Minecraft 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 biggest strengths of this version is its coherent design. Everything fits together seamlessly, and no feature stands out. All blocks harmonize when building, you can visit the Nether without being overwhelmed by thousands of possibilities. It feels like a fluid package that also has a large community. For Beta 1.7.3, there are many cool mods, including “Better Than Adventure!”, which reimagines 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 play through Minecraft with an actual end! This, of course, excited many players at the time.
Still, there are many things that run differently from 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 they can only trade starting 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 because it offers the most mods by far! The update introduces a completely new world generation and is aptly named “The Update that Changed the World.” No more huge oceans, instead a coherent world. And there are now more biomes, more flowers, fish, and things like stained glass.
Despite this, it still reflects many systems of “old Minecraft.” Only with 1.8 do functions like a new trading system, new stone blocks with diorite, granite, and andesite, or 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 is still one of the most controversial updates for Minecraft.
1.12.2: Last Update Before Major Changes
Version 1.12.2 is quite intriguing as it is seen by many as a turning point. It is the last update 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 fascinating because many old mods still work here, which were never updated beyond version 1.12. However, there are many new blocks, including terracotta and concrete, which add more color to the game. And exploration is also more exciting with woodland mansions in the overworld and 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 terrain changes. And that’s precisely why this version remains so popular! The old cave systems and biomes still exist, and ores work as they used to without dropping extra items. However, the update shines particularly with the Nether improvements, which players had been longing for years.
Mods are also a crucial point here because, as 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, but also for 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 incredibly easy! You can, of course, also adjust the version of your Minecraft server if you want to play together with friends. Rent a server for Minecraft with us and start your time travel through Minecraft!
