Summary
Minecraftjust got itself a new update in the form of Armored Paws, a small content drop that adds just a handful of new features. Mojang’s decision to release this content now, instead of packaging everything in the 1.21 update coming later this year, is a good sign for the future ofMinecraft.
The new Armored Paws updatehas brought some great features toMinecraft, with a content package centered around the armadillo. Though many fans were skeptical after the controversy that enveloped 2023’s mob vote, the cute critter has more than delivered. Not only is the little guy adorable, the scutes that can be brushed off of them make some nice wolf armor. Wolf armor can not only be dyed, but absorbs damage until breaking rather than reducing damage—offering far greater protection. The update extends even further to wolves, adding 8 new wolf variants that can be found across different biomes.
More Small Updates Like Armored Paws Would Be Healthy For Minecraft
Fans already loveMinecraft’s new update, having been mostly onboard since its bigger features were announced. The addition of new wolf variants, reworked wolf armor, and the redesigned armadillo were all things that made much of the community optimistic for 1.20.5. In fact, it’s been far better received than other small updates such as 2019’s Buzzy Bees (which was overlooked by most players outside redstone fanatics) and 2016’s Frostburn Update. The way Armored Paws split from 1.21 is something that Mojang can learn from, and a move that could improve the game’s health going forward.
Small Updates Can Maintain Hype And Developer Wellbeing
A schedule of small updates could come in many forms, whether it be 2024’s 1.20.5 and 1.21 or an entire year of small updates (where something like 1.21 would be split into two). Whichever direction Mojang would prefer, havinga couple minorMinecraftupdatesin a year could be better than one big package. Notably, it solves the issue of maintaining both developer wellbeing and hype. While wellbeing naturally comes first, small updates kill both birds with one stone; if Mojang releases less content overall but spreads it out, it would draw in fans multiple times over the year.
This method would allow for more experimentation and more focus for individual systems. For example, by separating the armadillo into its own update, the mob was able to be more fleshed-out. Wolf armor became a far more developed item, with a unique absorption mechanic and dyability—and that’s without mentioning the new wolf variants bundled with it. This would be great for something likea minor update toMinecraft’s combat; instead of a new mob it could introduce a new event, structure, weapon, or system and focus on just that. All of this would help each part of the game feel nuanced and fresh.
Mob Vote Winners Benefit From Having Their Own Update
The concept of small updates making individual features be the best they can be is a great asset for mob vote winners.Minecraft’s mob votes have always been controversial, but the addition of the sniffler in Trails and Tales was especially underwhelming. Mojang has been able to spin gold out of the armadillo by giving the mob its own update to shine, and such a system would help prevent future vote winners from being shoehorned into bigger updates with lackluster traits.
Small Updates Are Useful For Feedback
One way in which small updates benefit mob vote winners, as well as other features, is by being a great avenue for quickly implementing community feedback. With fewer things to manage, it’s easier for devs to respond to fan criticisms when snapshots are released. This was demonstratedvery well withMinecraft’s armadillo, with Mojang quickly changing its design to reposition its eyes after fan feedback. A similar case occurred with wolf armor, with Mojang strengthening it in accordance with community critique.
Minecraft
WHERE TO PLAY
Minecraft is a game made up of blocks, creatures, and community. you may survive the night or build a work of art – the choice is all yours. But if the thought of exploring a vast new world all on your own feels overwhelming, then fear not!Minecraft has no set goal and can be played however you’d like! This is why it’s sometimes called a “sandbox game” – there are lots of things for you to do, and lots of ways that you can play. If you like being creative, then you can use the blocks to build things from your imagination. If you’re feeling brave, you can explore the world and face daring challenges. Blocks can be broken, crafted, placed to reshape the landscape, or used to build fantastical creations.Creatures can be battled or befriended, depending on how you play. The world of Minecraft allows for epic adventures, quiet meditations, and everything in between. You can even share your creations with other players, or play in community worlds!
