Minecraft Snapshot Update: New Mobs And More

Minecraft is the game that keeps on giving. Since the game’s release in 2011, it has received consistent updates with new animals, features, blocks, and so much more. When Microsoft bought Minecraft in 2014, the updates got even bigger.

Since then, we’ve gotten another version of the game in Bedrock Edition, experienced all sorts of add-on support through the Marketplace, and are soon getting a Minecraft movie.

That said, the game’s first update of 2025 is almost here. If you’re curious about what it’s got, we’re here to tell you. This article will detail everything you need to know about the latest update for Minecraft, including what it includes, when it’s coming out, and more.

What Is Minecraft Update 1.22?

Update 1.22 is adding quite a bit of content.

Cow Cold And Warm Variants

First up, new Cow variants are a thing now. More specifically, cold and warm variants are coming.

The cold Cow variant has thick brown fur, horns, and roams around snowy or other cold biomes. Otherwise, it acts the same as the traditional Cow, eating Wheat for breeding and dropping Leather or Uncooked Beef.

The cold Cow variant spawns in the following biomes:

• Old Growth Pine Taiga
• Old Growth Spruce Taiga
• Taiga
• Snowy Taiga
• Windswept Hills
• Windswept Gravelly Hills
• Windswept Forest

The warm Cow variant is a darker brown than the cold one, featuring horns as well. They’ve also got light white outlines on their paws and underside. You can find them in biomes like the Desert or Badlands biomes, amongst other warmer biomes.

The warm texture Cow models spawn in the following biomes:

• Savanna
• Savanna Plateau
• Windswept Savanna
• Jungle
• Sparse Jungle
• Bamboo Jungle
• Eroded Badlands
• Wooded Badlands
• Badlands

Of course, these changes extend to both types of baby Cow variant.

Firefly Bush

The Firefly Bush item is another new addition, with glowing Firefly particles surrounding it. It’s a beautiful little plant that spawns near rivers or other water sources, glowing in the night.

You can approach it during the daytime, of course, and take it to place and cultivate in your own base. In fact, you can place the Firefly Bush under any other blocks to give them a sparkling effect.

Ambient Desert Sounds

Most of the game’s biomes have ambient noises, such as the Jungle. However, this update brings with new ambient sounds for the Desert, such as crickets chirping or sand blowing in the wind. Apparently, Terracotta blocks (the red sand blocks) also emit random sounds.

Even more interesting, however, are the Dead Bush blocks. You can take these blocks and place them on top of Sand or Terracotta blocks anywhere in your world, and the ambient Desert sounds will play.

Normal Bush

Believe it or not, a Bush is the update’s final piece of content. This Bush is found in various biomes, including Birch Forests, Forests, Plains, and the Windswept Hills, amongst other biomes littered in the color green.

As is the case with many plants in Minecraft, including the new ones in this update, you can grow more of them with Bone meal.

Of course, this update also comes with fixed bugs.

When Does Update 1.22 Come Out?

Update 1.22 doesn’t have an official release date just yet. However, we know it’s supposed to come in early 2025. So, you don’t have to wait too much longer to experience new Cow variants or ambient block sounds.

That said, it’s possible to start playing this content, even the added Bush block, right now. All you have to do is download the latest Minecraft Snapshot (Snapshot 25w05a) for Java. If you’re a Bedrock Edition player, know that the update is coming to Minecraft Preview quite soon.

How To Download Minecraft Snapshot 25w05a

The Java Snapshot is a test version of whatever update is coming out next. It’s undoubtedly experimental and requires you to create a new world to play in, but the concept is worth it if you’re anxious to see what’s coming next in Minecraft.

Follow these steps to download the latest Java Snapshot, Snapshot 25w05a:

1. Open The Minecraft Launcher

Open the Minecraft Launcher through the Xbox App.

2. Select Java Edition

Select Java Edition on the left-hand sidebar.

3. Select the Snapshot

There are two ways to select the Snapshot.

Installations

Select Installations on the Launcher’s top navigation bar.

Click on New installation.

Select Latest Snapshot (25w05a). Then click Install on the menu’s bottom right-hand corner.

Feel free to name the installation as well.

Drop Down Menu

Select the drop down menu on the Launcher’s bottom left.

Click on Latest Snapshot.

Then, click Play!

However, know that any of your current Resource Pack versions or Data Pack versions might not work with Minecraft Snapshot.

Other Snapshot 25w05wa Details

With every Snapshot comes patch notes and bug fixes. Here are a few of the standouts. You can view the full patch notes list in the Minecraft Launcher.

• Updated model for Pig textures.
• New textures for Cow variants.
• The Firefly Bush emits light level 2.
• Beacons and their beams now render beyond 16 chunks up to the client render distance.
• Shield blocking animation no longer plays when blocking an attack.
• Neutral Mobs don’t attack the player back when attacked under certain conditions.
• Summoned lingering potions render as splash potions.
• Llamas show a non-interactive saddle slot.

Otherwise, that’s about everything you need to know about the latest update for Minecraft. That said, if you’re looking to check out the latest and greatest in Minecraft, why not do so with some friends? Just make sure to bring lots of Bone meal!

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