Minecraft 26.4 is the fourth game drop of 2026. Mojang announced it at Minecraft LIVE in September 2026 and it is planned for the fourth quarter of 2026. The first snapshot is already out. Here is what the update adds and what it means for your server.
What is new in Minecraft 26.4
- Ice caves: a new cave biome that generates underneath frozen biomes. Strays and the new frozen zombie spawn there.
- Frozen zombie: a zombie variant with a melee attack and a ranged attack, similar to the drowned. Some hold ice balls, which they drop when they die.
- Icicles: spike blocks that generate in clusters in ice caves. They fall when a light source comes nearby, so watch your head when you place a torch.
- Ice crystals: a light source that generates in ice caves and does not melt regular ice or icicles.
- Ice balls: a projectile you can throw to give a target the Freezing effect.
- Freezing and the Potion of Freezing: Freezing makes a player freeze. You brew the potion with an ice ball. A single piece of leather armor protects you against the effect.
When does 26.4 come out?
Mojang plans the release for the fourth quarter of 2026. There is no exact date yet. Snapshots usually run for a few weeks before a drop, so keep an eye on the snapshot changelogs if you want to know when it is close.
How to prepare your server for 26.4
- Make a full backup of your world, plugins and configuration before you update.
- Check your Java version. Since 26.1, Minecraft servers need Java 25. If you already run 26.3, you are set.
- Wait for your server software. Paper and Purpur publish a compatible build some time after each release. Update once your key plugins support 26.4.
- Update datapacks and resource packs. The pack format number changes with 26.4, so older packs may show a warning or stop working.
- Test snapshots on a separate server, never on your main world. Snapshot worlds can break and cannot always be opened in older versions.
Do you need a new world for ice caves?
No. Like every terrain update, ice caves only generate in chunks that have not been generated yet. Your existing builds stay as they are; explore new areas under frozen biomes, or expand your world border, to find the new caves.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Minecraft 26.4 release date?
Mojang plans 26.4 for the fourth quarter of 2026 and has not announced an exact date yet. The first snapshot is already available.
What is added in Minecraft 26.4?
Ice caves, the frozen zombie, icicles, ice crystals, ice balls, the Freezing effect and the Potion of Freezing.
How do you stop the Freezing effect?
Wear at least one piece of leather armor. According to the snapshot notes, a single piece prevents the Freezing effect.
Can I run the 26.4 snapshot on my server?
Yes, but only on a separate test server with a backup. Snapshots are unfinished and can damage worlds.
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