Mojang has released the Minecraft 1.18 Experimental Java Build for Java Edition users, letting PC players get a first look at the upcoming world generation changes coming in Caves & Cliffs: Part 2.
Minecraft has already released the first half of its "Caves & Cliffs Update." This update does the usual things Minecraft updates do: adds new features, new mobs, new items, and more. The centerpiece of this update, however, is a number of planned changes to the way the world generation is handled, largely focused on — big surprise here — the game's caves and cliffs.
Unfortunately, even a company as massive as Mojang faced some problems due to the pandemic and the Caves & Cliffs Update was split into two pieces. Players already have their hands on part one; now, Java Edition players have the opportunity to check out how world generation is changing with the Minecraft 1.18 Experimental Java Build.
What's New in the Minecraft 1.18 Experimental Java Build?
The Minecraft 1.18 Experimental Java Build is not your usual Minecraft Snapshot. Absolutely nothing in this build is guaranteed to be in the final product — anything and everything can change.
A new world height and depth have been added as part of this update. This will let players experience the massive new mountain biomes including Lofty Peaks, Snowcapped Peaks, Grove, Meadow, and Snowy Slopes. New cave generation is coming too with Cheese, Spaghetti, and Noodle-style caves. Players will also get to experience the new Lush Caves and Dripstone Caves biomes as part of this Experimental Java Build.
Also arriving in the Minecraft 1.18 Experimental Java Build is support for natural variation in terrain shape and elevation. What this means is that hills will be able to exist in the game without requiring a special biome.
The final major point is a change to ore. Ore distribution is changing and larger ore veins will be available in this update; you can read about all of the changes in the Minecraft 1.18 Experimental Java Build news post.
How Do I Install the Minecraft 1.18 Experimental Java Build?
The process for downloading and installing the Minecraft 1.18 Experimental Java Build is a little different from what you may be used to — you won't be able to access this build via the Minecraft Launcher.
Here's how you install the Minecraft 1.18 Experimental Java Build:
- Download the Minecraft 1.18 Experimental Java Build zip file.
- Type "run" in the Windows Start Menu. When the Run Box comes up, type in "%appdata%\.minecraft" (minus the quotes).
- Unpack the zip file into the "versions" folder of your Minecraft AppData folder.
- Create a new launch configuration in the launcher and select the version "pending 1.18_experimental-snapshot-1.zip" in the menu.
- Launch the game. All remaining files will be downloaded after launching.
And that's it! It's a little more work than your typical Snapshot, but it looks like it's worth it; after all, this will be your first chance to experience the new world generation that's arriving in Caves & Cliffs Part 2 later this year. If you haven't yet jumped into this game, you can buy Minecraft for PC, consoles, and mobile devices via its official website.
What do you think of the changes in the Minecraft 1.18 Experimental Java Build? How are you liking Caves & Cliffs Part 1? Let us know in the comments below!
