How do you test the latest Minecraft features? These snapshots are the very first iteration of Minecraft updates and are a way for Mojang to test out bug fixes, technical changes, and even new blocks, biomes, and mobs before officially rolling them out. Anyone with the Java edition of the creative game can try these features without any risk to your current world, while Minecraft Preview exists for those on Bedrock edition, so read on to find out how to be the first to try the next big Minecraft update.
These days, Minecraft updates - or drops, as they're now known - come around thick and fast. Since snapshots give players the chance to test new features before drops go live, there's almost always something new to try out in the crafting game. Ahead of the next Minecraft update, here's what you can test in the latest Minecraft snapshot, and how to do so.
Minecraft 26.1 snapshot 5
The next Minecraft update, 1.26.1, is coming soon, and some of its features are available to test in 26.1-snapshot-5 - including the cutest additions we've ever seen.
Following snapshot-2, which added some incredibly adorable baby mobs, we've been desperate to see more mobs get the baby makeover treatment. Snapshot-5 does just that. Baby squid, turtles, and more aquatic mobs get the visual overhaul this time around.
In even better news, you can now force these Minecraft mobs to stya in their baby forms forever thanks to the addition of the golden dandelion item. Test these features now in Minecraft 26.1-snapshot-5.
How to install a Minecraft snapshot
Play the latest Minecraft snapshot straight from the Minecraft Launcher. Click the installation dropdown to the left of the green 'Play' button and select 'latest snapshot' from the list. Hit play, and set up a new world as normal.
You can load into existing worlds, but you should back them up first in case it gets corrupted. If you load into an existing world, it's worth remembering that some features won't be available in loaded chunks, and you might need to explore the further reaches of your world.
How to turn on experimental features
As standard, snapshots only include bug features and technical changes. To play with new experimental features, including future content changes, you must turn on experimental features. This should be done when you create the world, as they cannot be turned on or off later. To enable experimental features:
- Go to create a new world as normal
- On the main world creation page, click 'Experimental Features'
- Turn on any toggles you wish to see in your world, such as 1.21 features, or even long-awaited bundles!
- Start your world
How to change Minecraft snapshot
You can also play old Minecraft snapshots, too. This requires a few extra steps and is the same as loading into old versions of Minecraft. To install and play an old Minecraft version or snapshot:
- Open the Minecraft Launcher
- Click the 'Installations' tab
- For snapshots, ensure that the 'snapshots' box is checked
- Click 'New Installation'
- Scroll down the dropdown list for your desired Minecraft version
- Name your installation
- Click 'Create'
- Select the 'Play' tab at the top of the Launcher
- Find your installation in the dropdown
- Hit 'Play'!
Again, you should always back up any existing worlds you load into with this installation, just in case it crashes and you lose progress. There are probably not many reasons you would want to revisit an old snapshot unless it's to test something that was changed or never made it to the game. If you are unsure which snapshot you're looking for, there are full changelogs available at minecraft.net.
Now you know how to test the latest features with Minecraft snapshots, go and have fun with them! If you'd rather wait until the full release of these features and enjoy the experience as a whole, but are still looking for something new to do with your Minecraft world, why not try out some of our favorite Minecraft texture packs and Minecraft maps. Or perhaps even a completely new game like Minecraft - but do come back for the next update!