Minecraft has gone through many stages of development over the years and is still far from being a finished game. However, it is one of the few games where older versions still have many fans. This can be due to the performance of the PC, unpopular changes, or mods that were never updated. Of course, nostalgia plays a role as well, but sometimes it’s also more enjoyable to have fewer features and focus more on gameplay. It’s fascinating to see what changes have occurred over the past 15 years. Thankfully, Minecraft allows for a time travel experience directly through various 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 punch sheep for wool, wooden 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, finding sugar cane in these worlds is extremely difficult. You might miss the Nether, which was only introduced in the subsequent “Halloween” update. However, many of the mentioned features were removed with that update, 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 (at least according to the corresponding subreddit r/GoldenAgeMinecraft). For many, it represents one of the best moments in Minecraft, as everything just fits together perfectly. 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 ending, or the hunger system.
One of the greatest strengths of this version is its coherent design. Everything just fits together, and no feature stands out. All blocks harmonize when building, you can visit the Nether, but you’re not overwhelmed by thousands of possibilities. It feels like a smooth 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 play through Minecraft with an ending! This, of course, excited a lot of players back then.
Nevertheless, there are still many things that run differently than in today’s game. Enchantments cost significantly more, there are many other biomes, and especially the vast 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 from release version 1.3). We recommend playing on release version 1.1 to avoid some bugs – primarily the decay of leaves.
1.7.10: Paradise for Modding Fans
For modders, version 1.7.10 is extremely exciting because it’s where the most mods can be found! At the same time, the update brings a completely new world generation and is aptly named “The Update that Changed the World.” No more vast oceans, but a cohesive world. And there are now more biomes, more flowers and fish, and things like colored glass.
However, it still reflects many systems of the “old Minecraft.” Only with 1.8 do features like a new trading system, new stone blocks with diorite, granite, and andesite, or the ocean monuments come into play. 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.
1.12.2: Last Update Before Major Changes
Version 1.12.2 is quite exciting because it is seen by many as a turning point. 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 exciting in the sense that many old mods still work here, but they were never updated beyond version 1.12. However, there are many new blocks, including terracotta and concrete, which bring more color into the game. And exploration is 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 take a look at the 1.16 “Nether Update,” the last major update before changes in terrain. And that’s exactly why this version remains so popular! The old cave systems and biomes are still present, and ores still function as before, not dropping extra items. However, the update shines particularly with the improvements in the Nether, which many players had longed for years.
Mods are also an important aspect here, as the “Caves & Cliffs” update was delivered over several years, giving players enough time to customize 1.16.5 to their liking. The version feels very modern but still fits together well and is considered by many as the end of an era.
Conclusion
Minecraft is one of the few games where 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 between them is a breeze! You can, of course, also adjust the version of your Minecraft server if you want to play together with friends. Rent a Minecraft server from us and start your time travel through Minecraft!
