Ominous trials are the last and final feature for Minecraft 1.21 update

The latest update for Minecraft, version 1.21, has an extensive list of confirmed new features. However, the final addition seems to be the ominous trials that have recently been discovered. These trials are activated when players with the Bad Omen status effect come within range of a trial spawner block in a trial chamber. This confirmation was given by Cristina Anderca in an article on Minecraft.net on March 28, 2024, leaving no doubts about its existence.

“Today, we’re adding ominous events to that list, the grand finale of 1.21 features!”

The Minecraft 1.21 update brought revamped Bad Omen-induced pillager raids and the introduction of ominous trials, both considered ominous events. Cristina has stated that these updates will be the last new content additions for the upcoming update, which is expected to be released in June 2024.

Minecraft 1.21 may just be the beginning of ominous events from Mojang

Despite Mojang’s confirmation that the ominous trials and reworked pillager raids would be the main focus of the 1.21 update, Cristina Anderca’s article hinted at the possibility of additional ominous events in Mojang’s future plans. Anderca mentioned this while discussing the mechanics of ominous raids/trials:

“Right now, there are two types of ominous events.”

Despite the seemingly insignificant two-word clarification, it appears that Mojang has plans to further expand upon Bad Omen and its ominous events. While Bad Omen is typically overlooked and primarily used for constructing pillager raid farms, its potential for a larger role in Minecraft worlds is promising.

In trial chambers, players who have consumed an ominous bottle and are afflicted with Bad Omen will observe trial spawner blocks emitting skull-like particles and transforming regular flames in their block texture into soul flames. This indicates that an ominous trial has been triggered. As a consequence, the spawner will produce stronger hostile mobs equipped with weapons, making them more challenging to defeat.

The defeat of the ominous trial spawner in update 1.21 leads to improved rewards of higher quality. This also raises the possibility of other ominous events being created by different aspects of the game Bad Omen. If trial chambers can be corrupted, then it is not difficult to imagine other structures being affected as well. Furthermore, if they can create tougher mobs in trial chambers, it is not unreasonable to assume that other hostile mobs could also be influenced.

The confirmed features for the 1.21 update have been announced, but the future beyond that holds great potential for Mojang’s development team.