Why Minecraft's new pig variants are a bigger deal than you might think

Minecraft recently received new pig variants in the latest snapshot and beta/preview versions in Java and Bedrock Editions. Apart from pig variants, Mojang also introduced new leaf litter and wildflower blocks, falling leaf animation from trees, and an easier lodestone crafting recipe. When it comes to pigs, however, they could hint towards much bigger changes coming to the game.

Here are some of the reasons why the new pig variants could be a big deal in Minecraft.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinion.

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Reasons why new pig variants could be a massive deal in Minecraft

Age-old mobs getting new variants hint towards other animal variants in the future

Pigs have looked the same in Minecraft for over 15 years (Image via Mojang Studios)

The pig is one of the oldest mobs in Minecraft. It was added to the game in early development in 2009 when Notch and Mojang's small development team created the sandbox. It hasn't changed much in terms of appearance. After more than 15 years, Mojang finally decided to introduce two new pig varieties to the Overworld. Players can check them out in the latest Java Edition snapshot 25w02a or Bedrock Edition beta/preview 1.21.60.25.

These two new pig variants will spawn depending on the biome. Biomes like Savannas, Savanna Plateaus, Windswept Savannas, Jungles, Sparse Jungles, Bamboo Jungles, Eroded Badlands, Wooded Badlands, or Badlands will spawn a brown pig.

Whereas biomes Old Growth Pine Taiga, Old Growth Spruce Taigas, Taigas, Snowy Taigas, Windswept Hills, Windswept Gravelly Hills, or Windswept Forests will spawn a skin-colored pig.

Since this age-old mob has now finally received new variants, there is a chance that other farm animals like sheep, cows, chickens, and others might also receive some in the future. New wolf variants that arrived with the Armored Paws update further solidify that Mojang could be changing the Overworld by bringing new types of each mob.

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Mojang encouraging players to explore more with new pig variants

Mojang wwantsplayers to explore by adding new animal variants to different biomes (Image via Mojang Studios)

The two new kinds of pigs spawn in various existing biomes. Even though players have already explored most of these areas, the new animal variants will encourage them to explore them further. Mojang could be intentionally adding these to encourage players to head out for an expedition and find these animals.

They did the same previously when they released new wolf variants in several existing biomes.

This shows that the game developers are currently focusing on expanding the Overworld and encouraging players to embark on a journey to find these new features.

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