Microsoft and Mojang are taking the next step towards a unified server structure for Minecraft -- as they promised during E3 2017 -- with an open beta on Android, Windows 10 and Xbox One that offers an early look at Minecraft ’s Better Together update. And fans might be surprised to learn a unified server structure isn’t the only new feature that Pocket and Console Edition fans can expect to see when the next Minecraft patch rolls off the line.
We weren’t given much information about what the Better Together update would mean for the future of Minecraft when Microsoft announced its plan to unify the game’s ports at E3. We knew console, PC and smartphone players would be able to enjoy Mojang’s blocky survival game together, building and exploring to their heart’s delight, but we didn’t realize that a new branch of development would replace several existing versions of the game. And that’s exactly what’s happening when the Better Together update emerges later this year.
The newest version of Minecraft (which doesn’t include a subtitle) is currently available on PC, Xbox One and Android devices. There’s still a bit of discrepancy from one build to the next -- for example, Xbox One owners don’t currently have access to the Minecraft Marketplace during the Better Together beta -- but most of the content (including features previously unavailable in Pocket and Console Editions) is the same across all three platforms. Mojang says work will also continue on the original version of the game, now known as Minecraft: Java Edition, and that they recently expanded the team working on it. But it sounds like the unified build headed to Windows 10, Xbox One, Switch and smart devices will be Mojang’s primary focus.
Here’s everything featured in this week’s Minecraft patch:
Stained Glass
Fireworks (with Elytra boost!)
Parrots
Banners
Armor stands
Jukebox and music discs
Recipe Book
Book and Quill
Ravines
COARSE DIRT - O to the M G
New world start options: Starting Map, Bonus Chest, Trust Players
New game rules: TNT Explodes, Natural Regeneration
Added '/tickingarea' command to create areas that still update when no players are there
Player permissions
Zombie Villager spawn egg
In-game host options
New loading screens with funny and helpful tips
How to Play screen
Remix 3D and structure blocks
Split-screen (Console only)
World conversion
The bad news is Sony still hasn’t agreed to allow the PS3 or PS4 Minecraft ports to connect to the unified servers. The good news is Microsoft says it’s still talking to Sony and hopes to make a deal happen. For more information on this week’s Minecraft update, including installation instructions, head over to the Minecraft website and check out Mojang’s latest post on the beta . Additional info can also be found in the studio’s FAQs for the Better Together update .
Minecraft is currently available on PC, PlayStation 3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and a plethora of smart devices.
Be sure to check back with Player.One and follow Scott on Twitter for more Minecraft news in 2017 and however long Mojang and Minecraft support Minecraft in the years ahead.
