When was the Minecraft 1.20 release date? The 2023 major content update, Trails and Tales, was announced during Minecraft Live on October 15, 2022, with the update focused on the Minecraft community and their stories.
Minecraft remains one of the best PC games of the last decade, keeping fans coming back with annual updates. Based on the community, representation, and creativity, Trails and Tales included new Minecraft skins and a new way to customize your fit with Minecraft armor trims. There was a new mob in the form of the Minecraft camel – as well as mob vote winner, the Sniffer – and, yes, long since forgotten about, Minecraft archaeology finally arrived. Here’s everything that was included when the Minecraft 1.20 Trails and Tales release date galloped in on its hump-backed friend.
Minecraft 1.20 update release date
The Minecraft 1.20 update was released on Wednesday, June 7 2023, bringing a host of new features to the game – all of which you can read up on below.
Minecraft 1.20 Trails and Tales features
Cherry blossom biome
This biome had been long-requested by the game’s fans, demonstrated by Sakura trees appearing in many of the most popular Minecraft mods. The Cherry Grove also brought another new wood type, which always goes down well. Plus, that’s not one but two new wood sets that arrived with 1.20, including bamboo wood (read on for more). This pretty biome doesn’t feature any new mobs (yet) but is home to sheep, pigs, and bees, and while we’re not sure if it’s a new grass block – but we really hope it is – you can see from the image above that the ground is even covered in pretty pink Sakura petals.
Archaeology
Yep, archaeology finally arrived with Trails and Tales. The feature was first announced during Minecraft Live 2020 as part of the Caves and Cliffs update and was later scrapped – or so we thought. In a surprise announcement on February 10, 2023, Mojang Studios revealed they were still working on Minecraft archaeology and that it would be a part of the 1.20 update. Archaeological dig sites can be found in desert temples and warm ocean ruins, and brushing away suspicious sand can reveal some unique and valuable loot. So if you find yourself at one of the rare desert structures, start digging, keeping an eye out for any mysterious ancient secrets.
Bamboo blocks and rafts
Of course, a new Minecraft update has to come with new blocks – after all, blocks are quite literally what makes the sandbox game what it is. For the Minecraft Trails and Tales update, those new blocks included bamboo, fitting somewhere between the wood block family and bamboo itself.
This block is great for a number of reasons. Firstly, it adds another use to the fast-growing bamboo plant, which before now was only used for feeding pandas and building scaffolding. The bamboo block can be crafted into most of the same items as wood, such as stairs, doors, slabs, and fences, and it even comes with its unique bamboo mosaic variant. However, a boat is one item you can’t make with bamboo. Technically. The new raft replaces the boat when crafted with bamboo and functions in exactly the same way. It just looks slightly cooler sailing away from your desert island or jungle-themed base.
Camels
Adding to the ever-growing roster of Minecraft mobs, the camel not only adds something new to the oft-ignored desert biome, but also provides a new and agile way of getting around the overworld. This cute new mob can be ridden by two players at a time, has a useful new dash mechanic, and its own adorable and realistic animations.
Chiseled bookshelves
Speaking of new items, and new wood types, there’s soon to be another wood item useful for both builders and redstone engineers. The chiseled bookshelf is possibly one of the most interesting and exciting blocks to be added to Minecraft in a while, thanks to its game-changing implications.
You can interact with the chiseled bookshelf, a step up from the existing bookshelf, which may be decorative and useful in crafting recipes but doesn’t actually function as a bookshelf. Now you can write notes and stories in a book and store them safely on a chiseled bookshelf. Keep your precious enchanted books safe on a chiseled bookshelf. Even make secret doors with a chiseled bookshelf. Yes, the new block’s mechanics cause a redstone signal when a book is placed or removed, so your secret-castle-dungeon rooms can become a reality. Oh, and if you’ve got some spare, its sleek new wood design makes for a great floor.
Hanging signs
Adding new wood blocks and the chiseled bookshelf meant yet more wood crafting recipes to make the most of every tree type. Before 1.20, we were already able to craft signs to be placed on the ground or flat against a wall. Creative players use them not just for storytelling or messages to other players but also in builds, such as armchairs or beds. With 1.20, we saw the addition of the hanging sign, a cute option to make shops, streets, or other Minecraft builds even more lifelike. Artistic players have already started finding other uses for hanging signs, with the bunting-like display showcased above during Minecraft Live.
Armor trims
Another long sought-after mechanic, 1.20 came with the ability to add some personality to your armor. After all, what good is knowing how to change your Minecraft skin once you’ve covered it with the same old armor as everyone else. Once you’re happy with your Minecraft skin, you can further customize your style in Minecraft, making your fit extra drippy with these Minecraft armor trims. Trimming your armor isn’t easy, so it adds an exciting new experience to the survival game, as you have to search high and low for new Smithing Templates, required to add some stylish detailing to your armor. Oh, and that’s before you’ve gathered enough of the valuable gems or ingots you need for the trims.
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Now you’re ready to dive into Minecraft’s current content, make sure you know some of the best Minecraft seeds for the 1.20 update. We’ve got the best deserts and badlands to ride those camels and bamboo jungles to help you familiarize yourself with three of the most underrated and under-used Minecraft biomes in preparation for the new update.