The Most Popular Minecraft Update, Ranked

Choose the update you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:44
Minecraft's world is constantly expanding with new updates that add fresh content, intriguing features, and unique mechanics that keep players engaged and excited. With so many updates, however, it can be challenging for both new and veteran players to keep track of which updates truly resonate with the community and enhance the game experience the most. By participating in voting on the most popular Minecraft updates, players contribute to a community-driven ranking that helps highlight the updates that are most appreciated. This not only aids players in recognizing which aspects of the game have been most transformative but also provides valuable feedback to the game developers about what features the community values the most.

What Is the Most Popular Minecraft Update?

  1. 1
    54
    votes
    Minecraft 1.16
    Albin Olsson · Public domain

    Minecraft 1.16

    Mojang Studios
    Nether Update - This update introduced new biomes, structures, and mobs to the Nether dimension, making it a more interesting and challenging place to explore.
    Minecraft 1.16, also known as the 'Nether Update', is one of the most popular updates in Minecraft history. It was released on June 23, 2020, and was developed by Mojang Studios. This update focuses on revamping the Nether dimension, adding new biomes, mobs, structures, and gameplay features.
    • Nether Biomes: Added 4 new biomes to the Nether: Crimson Forest, Warped Forest, Soulsand Valley, and Basalt Deltas.
    • Netherite: Introduced Netherite, a new rare material that is stronger than diamond.
    • Netherite Tools and Armor: Added Netherite tools and armor, which have improved durability and enchantability.
    • Piglins: Added Piglins, a new mob that resides in the Nether and can be bartered with.
    • Hoglins: Introduced Hoglins, a hostile mob found in the Nether.
  2. 2
    36
    votes
    Minecraft 1.8
    Albin Olsson · Public domain

    Minecraft 1.8

    Mojang Studios
    Bountiful Update - This update added new blocks, items, and features to the game, including ocean monuments, guardians, and new types of fish.
    Minecraft 1.8, also known as the 'Bountiful Update', is a major update to the popular sandbox game Minecraft. It was released on September 2, 2014, and introduced several new features and improvements to the game.
    • New Blocks: Added many new blocks such as Granite, Andesite, Diorite, and Prismarine.
    • Ocean Monuments: Introduced underwater structures called Ocean Monuments, inhabited by Guardians and Elder Guardians.
    • Elytra: Added a new item called Elytra, which allows players to glide through the air.
    • New Mobs: Introduced several new mobs, including Rabbits, Guardians, Elder Guardians, and Endermites.
    • Banners: Added the ability to create customizable banners with various patterns and designs.
  3. 3
    23
    votes

    Minecraft 1.12

    Mojang Studios
    World of Color Update - This update introduced new blocks, a new crafting system, and improvements to the game's graphics and performance.
    Minecraft 1.12, also known as the 'World of Color Update,' is an update for the popular sandbox game developed by Mojang Studios. It introduced several new features and improvements, adding even more depth and customization options to the game.
    • Concrete and Concrete Powder: New colorful building blocks were introduced, allowing players to create vibrant structures.
    • Terracotta: A new type of block that comes in a variety of colors and patterns, which can be used for decoration and construction.
    • Parrots: Colorful parrots were added as new tamable flying companions. They can be found in jungle biomes.
    • Advancements: A new system to track progress and achievements in the game, providing a sense of direction and goals for players.
    • Recipe Book: An intuitive interface that allows players to easily discover and craft items with a built-in recipe guide.
  4. 4
    13
    votes
    Minecraft 1.14
    Albin Olsson · Public domain

    Minecraft 1.14

    Mojang Studios
    Village & Pillage Update - This update added new villages and villagers, pillagers, and new blocks and items to the game.
    Minecraft 1.14, also known as the 'Village & Pillage' update, is a major update released on April 23, 2019. It primarily focuses on overhauling the village mechanics and introduces new content related to villages, pillagers, and new blocks.
    • Village Overhaul: Revamped village generation, new job site blocks, and improved villager AI.
    • Pillagers: New hostile mob group pillagers that spawn in pillager outposts.
    • Raid Events: Player-triggered raids on villager villages with waves of pillagers.
    • New Villager Professions: Added job site blocks for various professions like cartographer, butcher, fisherman, etc.
    • Trader llamas: Introduced llamas that can be used to transport goods and have trades with wandering traders.
  5. 5
    23
    votes
    Minecraft 1.13
    Albin Olsson · Public domain

    Minecraft 1.13

    Mojang Studios
    Update Aquatic - This update introduced new ocean biomes, underwater structures, and mobs, making the ocean a more interesting and diverse place to explore.
    Minecraft 1.13, also known as the "Update Aquatic", is a major update for the popular sandbox game Minecraft. It was released on July 18, 2018, and introduced a variety of new features and improvements focused on aquatic gameplay and ocean exploration.
    • New Mobs: Added new aquatic mobs, including fish, dolphins, turtles, and drowned zombies.
    • Underwater Ruins: Underwater ruins were introduced as new structures to explore in oceans.
    • Shipwrecks: Shipwrecks were added as new generated structures, providing loot and exploration opportunities.
    • Coral Reefs: Colorful coral reefs were added, enhancing the underwater aesthetics and providing a diverse ecosystem.
    • Trident: The trident, a powerful new weapon that can be thrown and enchanted, was introduced.
  6. 6
    12
    votes
    Minecraft 1.9
    Albin Olsson · Public domain

    Minecraft 1.9

    Mojang Studios
    Combat Update - This update introduced new combat mechanics, weapons, and shields to the game, making combat more challenging and strategic.
    Minecraft 1.9, also known as the Combat Update, was a major update released on February 29, 2016. It focused primarily on improving combat mechanics and introducing new features related to combat and exploration.
    • Shield: Added a shield item that can be used for blocking attacks.
    • Dual Wielding: Allowed players to hold a weapon in each hand, enabling new combat strategies.
    • Attack Cooldown: Introduced an attack cooldown mechanic that affected weapon damage.
    • Sweeping Edge: Added the enchantment allowing players to deal damage to multiple enemies at once.
    • Elytra: Introduced elytra wings that allowed players to glide through the air.
  7. 7
    20
    votes

    Minecraft 1.11

    Mojang Studios
    Exploration Update - This update added new structures, mobs, and items to the game, including llamas, mansions, and shulker boxes.
    Minecraft 1.11, also known as 'The Exploration Update', was a major update to the Minecraft game released on November 14, 2016. It introduced various new features focused on exploration and adventure, along with improvements and bug fixes.
    • Exploration: Added woodland mansions, treasure maps, explorer maps, igloos, llamas, and the ability to tame parrots.
    • Enchantments: Introduced new enchantments like Mending and Frost Walker, allowing repairable items and the ability to walk on water.
    • Cartographer Villagers: Villagers now had new professions, including cartographer villagers who traded exploration-related items.
    • Command Blocks: Added new command blocks, including chain command blocks and repeating command blocks, allowing for more advanced creations and automation.
    • Observer Blocks: Introduced observer blocks that detected changes in block states, enhancing redstone mechanics and automation.
  8. 8
    9
    votes
    Minecraft 1.6
    Albin Olsson · Public domain

    Minecraft 1.6

    Mojang Studios
    Horse Update - This update added horses, donkeys, and mules to the game, making it easier to travel long distances.
    Minecraft 1.6, also known as the 'Horse Update', was a major update for the popular sandbox game. It was released on July 1, 2013, and introduced several new features, including the addition of horses as a new rideable and tamable mob.
    • Horses: Added horses as a new mob that can be ridden, tamed, and bred.
    • Hay Bales: Added hay bales as a new block, which can be used as food for horses and as a decorative building material.
    • Leads: Introduced leads that can be used to tie animals to fences, allowing players to lead and transport them.
    • Donkeys and Mules: Added donkeys and mules as new passive mobs that can also be ridden, tamed, and bred.
    • Horse Armor: Introduced horse armor, which can be equipped on horses to provide protection.
  9. 9
    8
    votes
    Minecraft 1.15
    Albin Olsson · Public domain

    Minecraft 1.15

    Mojang Studios
    Buzzy Bees Update - This update added bees and beehives to the game, as well as new blocks and items related to honey production.
    Minecraft 1.15, also known as the Buzzy Bees update, is a major update to the game that focuses on bees and includes several new features, improvements, and bug fixes.
    • Bees: Introduces bees as a new mob, which can be found in bee nests and hives and interacted with using honey.
    • Beehives: Adds bee nests and beehives that spawn naturally in flower biomes, containing bees and honeycombs.
    • Honey Blocks: Introduces honey blocks that can be used as a building material and have unique properties, like being sticky and reducing fall damage.
    • Honey Bottles: Allows players to obtain honey bottles by using glass bottles on beehives or honey blocks, which can be consumed to restore health and cure poison effects.
    • Beekeepers: Adds the ability for players to become beekeepers by breeding and taming bees, harvesting honey, and using it for various purposes.
  10. 10
    7
    votes
    Minecraft 1.7
    Albin Olsson · Public domain
    The Update that Changed the World - This update added new biomes, structures, and features to the game, including stained glass, new flowers, and new types of trees.

Missing your favorite update?

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Ranking factors for popular update

  1. Number of players
    Analyze the number of active players in-game during the update's release and the subsequent months, taking into account new players and returning players.
  2. Features and content
    Consider the significance of the features and content introduced in the update, including new blocks, mobs, biomes, gameplay mechanics, and other changes.
  3. Community feedback
    Analyze the feedback from the Minecraft community across various platforms, including social media, forums, and YouTube, to understand their opinions about the update.
  4. Impact on gameplay
    Assess how the update impacted gameplay elements, such as exploration, building, combat, and survival, and whether the overall game experience was enhanced or impeded.
  5. Bug fixes and performance improvements
    Consider the extent to which the update addressed prevailing bugs and performance issues, leading to a smoother, more stable gaming experience.
  6. Compatibility with previous versions
    Determine whether the update was compatible with existing game saves, resource packs, and mods, and the ease of transition for players upgrading from previous versions.
  7. Developer's communication and response
    Evaluate the developer's (Mojang Studios) communication regarding the update, how they engaged with the community, and how they addressed player concerns or suggestions.
  8. Influencer and professional player reactions
    Analyze how influential Minecraft content creators and professional players reacted to the update, including their perspectives on the new content, gameplay changes, and overall experience.
  9. Marketing and hype
    Consider the marketing initiatives and hype surrounding the update, such as collaborations with other popular games, advertising campaigns, and special events during the update's launch period.
  10. Longevity and lasting appeal
    Assess the update's longevity and lasting appeal by considering how it impacted the game's player base and popularity over time, as well as whether it continues to have an influence on present-day gameplay and future updates.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Minecraft update. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Update is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2016 views
  • 197 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Update once every 24 hours. The rank of each Update is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular minecraft update

Minecraft has been one of the most popular video games since its release in 2011. The game is all about building and exploring, and it has kept players engaged with its constant updates and new content. With each update, Minecraft introduces new features, blocks, and gameplay mechanics to keep things fresh and exciting for players. Over the years, Minecraft has received several major updates, each with its own unique features and additions. These updates have ranged from adding new biomes and mobs to introducing new game modes and tools. With so many updates to choose from, it can be tough to determine which one is the most popular among Minecraft players. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the most popular Minecraft updates and explore what makes them so appealing to players. Whether you're a seasoned Minecraft veteran or a newcomer to the game, this guide will give you an overview of the most popular updates and help you decide which one to try out next.

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