Mojang Streamlines Minecraft Version Numbering for Bedrock, Java, and Snapshots

Mojang Revamps Minecraft Version Numbering System Ahead of Upcoming Update

In anticipation of a new content update set to launch shortly, Mojang is implementing changes to the version numbering system for Minecraft. Since the official debut of Minecraft 1.0 in 2011, the studio has consistently followed a sequential naming convention—1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and so forth. However, as the update numbers approached 1.21, Mojang recognized the need for a refresh.

Introducing a Year-Based System

The aim of this update is to provide a clearer and more intuitive versioning system that works across both Bedrock and Java editions, including preview snapshots. Starting in 2026, version numbers will reflect the year of release, whereby updates released in 2026 will begin with “26.” Following this, other numbers will indicate the release variant and any subsequent patches or hotfixes, aligning with Mojang’s development schedule.

An Example of the New Structure

Mojang has shared a practical illustration of how this new numbering scheme would have been applied if it had been in effect for the 2025 updates:

Benefits for Creators and Modders

While Mojang anticipates that this change will not significantly affect the gaming experience for most players, the organization hopes that it will benefit content creators and modders. The simplified versioning will help clarify which updates signify major game releases versus those that serve as patches or bug fixes.

“This change in our version numbering won’t have a huge impact on our players, ”says Mojang.“We are, however, hoping it’ll make it easier for our creator partners and modders to understand which of our version numbers represent a game drop, and which of them represent patches or bug fixes to our drops.”

Preview Builds Adopting the New Format

The forthcoming preview builds will also switch to this new numbering system, alongside the update to their snapshot designations. For instance, the upcoming “Mounts of Mayhem”snapshot will transform its name from “25w41a”to “25.4-snapshot-1.”

This revamped version numbering will be officially implemented with the updates scheduled for Minecraft in 2026, while preview builds will embrace this change starting next week.

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