How to play Minecraft 1.21 update features in Bedrock and Java Edition

The Minecraft Live event aired on October 15, 2023, revealing a sneak peek into the new 1.21 update of the game. It reportedly features different content, like new blocks and mobs, because of which the community has been brimming with excitement. While we await the official date of release, players can access the features of the update for themselves.

This can be done via playing the Snapshots or Beta Preview, which is available for both the Java and Bedrock editions, respectively. Let us look at how to play the 1.21 features in Minecraft.

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How to play Minecraft 1.21 features on different editions and platforms

What is Minecraft Snapshot or Beta Preview?

A Snapshot is a beta version of the game that Mojang releases periodically. Players can test out and offer feedback on the new features and modifications featured in snapshots, which are currently in development. The recent snapshot is 23w42a, and the beta preview is 1.20.50.21.

One can play the 1.21 update features by accessing the current Snapshots and Beta Preview. However, it should be noted that these versions are volatile and full of bugs since they are still under development. They are limited to playing in multiplayer worlds with other players who have the same version of the game and do not have access to Realms or Featured Servers.

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Java Edition

Enable the 1.21 Experimental features in the Java edition. (Image via Mojang)

To access the features of the 1.21 update, you need to first launch the game via the Launcher. On the main tab, click the arrow next to the Play button, select the “Latest Snapshot,” and click Play.

To enable the features in the game, you need to first enable “Experimental Features” in the world settings. Go to Singleplayer>Create New World>Experiments and Toggle the update 1.21 features to do this. You can now start playing and experiencing the update.

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Bedrock Edition

Download and install the Preview to access the 1.21 update features in Bedrock Edition. (Image via Launcher)

The test editions for the 1.21 update are available as the “Latest Preview” of the game, which needs to be downloaded separately. Unfortunately, the newest features are not available for all platforms. They can only be accessed on Windows, Xbox, and Android.

For Windows, download the “Latest Preview” via the Launcher. After this, you need to toggle Experimental features to access the content. To do this, go to Play Preview>Create New>Create New World>Experiments>Toggle the update 1.21 button under Gameplay>Create. You can now play the update features.

For Xbox One, download Minecraft Preview directly from the Microsoft store. To play the recent updates, you need to toggle Experimental features, the process for which is similar to the Windows Bedrock edition.

For Android devices, visit the Minecraft game page on the Play Store. Scroll down to where it states “Join the Beta” and click “Join.” Launch the Minecraft App, which will automatically switch to the Beta edition. Activate the Experimental features as mentioned for other platforms.

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Till the Minecraft 1.21 update is released next year, players can enjoy a few features currently available to them via these snapshots and previews.