Minecraft Update Adds Crossbows, Lanterns, and More

Minecraft Update Adds Crossbows, Lanterns, and More

This Minecraft update includes a set of new weapons, a new lantern, new enemies, and, of all things, an adorable cat.

Gaming phenomenons have come and gone as the years have passed, but one game has stood the test of time in terms of popularity and that is Minecraft. To this day, countless amounts of players are still jumping into build creations and Microsft continues to add more and more content. And the latest patch has just been released adding a number of new items.

In this update, crossbows are making their way to the game, as well as shields that just need one iron ingot and 6 wooden planks to create. On top of that, lanterns will be joining the fray as well.

Another enemy has been added as well named Pillagers. However, the new enemy is only being added to Creative Mode in this Update.

Although there have been new items added, the real star of the update is the addition of Jellie, a cat fans voted to be added into Minecraft.

Minecraft

While Fortnite continues to dominate the video game scene and Apex Legends is growing in popularity as the days go by, Minecraft has continued to evolve and stay relevant even after the acquisition by Microsoft. It is quite impressive and doesn’t get the credit they deserve.

Minecraft is available across Xbox One, Windows 10, iOS, Android, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and practically any device with a screen. If you are thinking about finally jumping into Minecraft, you can pick up the game right here through Amazon. I have to say, there might not be a better game to just sit down, relax, and just build.

WALK THE MACKINAC BRIDGE IN THE WORLD OF MINECRAFT

WALK THE MACKINAC BRIDGE IN THE WORLD OF MINECRAFT

You've heard about the LEGO version of Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel that is in development? We've already got the bridge to get there thanks to this Minecraft builder.

Minecraft players have fruitful imaginations and are very creative and imaginative when designing new worlds. Others rebuild reality brick by brick, shovel by shovel. Jake Webb has constructed a replica of the Mackinac Bridgeand takes us across in this YouTube video.

If you have kids in your life you know about Minecraft. Maybe all you know is that kids disappear for hours at a time when you tell them to go play. I have a niece and nephew who haven't stopped playing Minecraft for 6 years now. I don't get it. Let me build a drug empire by beating up hookers and stealing cars while listening to a killer 80s soundtrack on the Wave, Emotion or V-Rock. Minecraft just has that droning, soothing, ambient soundtrack and there's no real goal of the game- you can't “win.”

You can, however, do interesting projects like rebuilding the Mackinac Bridge and taking the Labor Day Weekend walk across the span anytime you like.

Another New Achievement Revealed For Minecraft in the Bedrock Update

Another New Achievement Revealed For Minecraft in the Bedrock Update

We have just picked up a new achievement for Minecraft, related to the incoming Bedrock Update

There is 1 achievement worth a total of 20 Gamerscore, none of which are secret. You can check out the details below.

The achievement is also being added to the following versions of the game:

Note that the Apple TV, Xbox 360 and original Xbox One editions of the game will not receive this update. 

The achievement is tied to the incoming Bedrock update which adds a crossbow, three new enchantments, shield crafting, a loom (which we suspect will be needed for the achievement), a lectern and a lantern — plus a new type (breed? flavour?) of cat called Jellie, as picked by the community. A new enemy mob, the Pillager, is headed into the game too — but only in Creative Mode for the time being. The update from Mojang warns that with the new update, HD textures on mobile devices are causing crashes. It's recommended that the HD textures are disabled until the developers get to the bottom of the issue.

Are you ready to jump back in to all of those versions for another precious Minecraft achievement? Let us know in the comments! Don't forget, the latest Xbox One version — simply named Minecraft — is headed to Xbox Game Pass next month if you have yet to get around to that stack.

Minecraft Marketplace January 2019’s 10 most downloaded creations

Minecraft Marketplace January 2019’s 10 most downloaded creations

After a huge December, the Minecraft Marketplace quieted down in January. But a slow month for the in-game store is now 4.56 million downloads. That’s down from 10.8 million in December, but it’s flat compared to November’s 4.57 million.

The Minecraft Team and its community didn’t have too many new releases for January. Instead, people were showing up to download previously released free content. That includes the beta for the upcoming texture update and the Winter Gifts Bundle.

Let’s check out the charts for the most-downloaded and highest-grossing Minecraft Marketplace creations:

Top 10 most downloaded

Click to view slideshow.

  1. Minecraft Texture Update Beta by Minecraft: “The extraordinary Minecraft Texture Update has been on the Java Edition in beta for quite a while and now it’s finally on Bedrock! We’re renovating the old textures of Minecraft and polishing them up for a new beginning. Don’t panic! This won’t completely overhaul the look of Minecraft — these new textures just give it a much-needed update!”
  2. Winter Gifts Bundle by Minecraft: “Whether you were naughty or nice this year (hopefully nice!) this bundle is our holiday gift to you! Last Winter, we gave away amazing skins, worlds and adventures from some of your favorite Marketplace community creators. And now you can download them all again in this bundle of Winter Wonders!”
  3. Catastrophic Pandamonium by Gamemode One: “Welcome to the Minecraft Preserve, a sanctuarky for the mobs of Minecraft. Your dream job is about to become a nightmare when you realize — the Pandas are missing!”
  4. Purple Parrot Party Place by Minecraft: “A celebration of all things purple parrot party and palace! Master the mechanics of fireworks, armor stands, jukeboxes, and banners. Traverse a jungle island to find a massive parrot temple.”
  5. Legacy Skin Pack by Minecraft: “Get cracking with these starter skins and old favorites brought over from Minecraft editions of yore.”
  6. ABSTRACTION: Minecon Earth by Jigarbov Productions: “Featuring the logos that were just begging to be played on, MineCon Earth has floating landmasses with a surprising amount of hidden secrets and challenges.”
  7. Grid Runners by Noxcrew: “Take on Noxcrew’s Grid Runners: a mini-game map made up of classic Minecraft challenges where you can craft, mine and jump your way to victory. Compete against the clock for the fastest times and team up with all of your friends to find out who is the ultimate Minecraft champion! This is a free map, created exclusively for Minecon Earth 2018.”
  8. Inspiration Island by Minecraft: “Visit Inspiration Island, a floating theme park world filled with creative challenges. Whether you are new to Creative Mode or just need a little extra inspiration, a visit here sets you on the path to craft your own groundbreaking worlds.”
  9. Luxury Life by PixelHeads: “Luxury Life is a world where you role-play life as a billionaire. Cruise the streets in a sports car or any of the 10 other vehicles, explore luxurious mansions and decorate with furniture!”
  10. Aquatic Life by Cyclone Designs: “Get ready for a realistic aquarium experience with Aquatic Life! Dive into large tanks and swim with whale sharks! Discover dangerous shark species and hop on a boat and feed the Piranhas!”

Top 10 highest grossing

Click to view slideshow.

  1. Luxury Life by PixelHeads: “Luxury Life is a world where you role-play life as a billionaire. Cruise the streets in a sports car or any of the 10 other vehicles, explore luxurious mansions and decorate with furniture!”
  2. City Mash-Up by Everbloom Studios: “With over 1,000 hand-detailed rooms, there are stories, secrets, and mini-games around every corner. Build with the city’s full texture pack in your own worlds or take on any role you can imagine!”
  3. Aquatic Life by Cyclone Designs: “Get ready for a realistic aquarium experience with Aquatic Life! Dive into large tanks and swim with whale sharks! Discover dangerous shark species and hop on a boat and feed the Piranhas!”
  4. City Life by PixelHeads: “Cruise through the big city in City Life! Chase down a bandit in your police car, save the day as a firefighter or take your dog for a walk.”
  5. CampCraft by Blockworks: “A vast wilderness awaits you and your friends in CampCraft. Discover forest animals, ride camper vans, toast marshmallows, sit around the campfire and set up your own camp!”
  6. The Nightmare Before Christmas by Minecraft: “A nightmare? Before Christmas? Enjoy this themed pack by Minecraft.”
  7. Ninja School Roleplay by Everbloom Studios: “Always wanted to be a ninja? Enroll in Ninja School! Learn the ways of the shinobi in this ancient village by practicing shuriken throwing, archery and katana fighting.”
  8. Millionaire Mansions by Noxcrew: “Explore a town filled with beautiful mansions, sports cars, and a new toolset to help you design your dream house. Noxcrew’s Creative Toolbox is perfect for roleplay or building with your friends.”
  9. Cobble Clicker by Polymaps: “Experience survival skyblock in a whole new way with Cobble Clicker. Start small with an island, then collect enough Cobblestone to unlock rewards.”
  10. Dogs by Shapescape: “Get yourself a puppy from the pet store, go to the park or take it for a walk through the Nether. But above all, explore Minecraft with your new best friend!”
Minecraft still has 91 million monthly players as it hits Game Pass

Minecraft still has 91 million monthly players as it hits Game Pass

While everyone can’t stop talking about Apex Legends and FortniteMinecraftcontinues to be one of the most played games in the world. Microsoft revealed today that the block-building phenomenon still has more than 91 million monthly active players. For comparison, Epic Games said Fortnite has 78 million monthly active players back in September.

Minecraft has ascended into a gaming institution like Pokémon. And now, Microsoft is adding Minecraft to Xbox Game Pass. For $10 per month, you can get Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Crackdown 3, and — beginning April 4 — Minecraft.

“Since its launch in 2009, the Minecraft community has remained one of the most active and passionate in gaming, attracting over 91 million players [each month] of all ages from virtually every country in the world,” Xbox Game Pass marketing boss Parimal Deshpande said. “Those joining through Xbox Game Pass will enter a vibrant, global community that plays across 20 unique platforms like Windows 10, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and mobile.”

More people for Minecraft Marketplace

Minecraft is not free-to-play, but it still seems ubiquitous. But by adding Minecraft to Game Pass, Microsoft could amplify that effect. And it is simultaneously boosting Games while exposing more people to Minecraft’s in-game store.

“Xbox Game Pass players will also gain access to an ever-expanding array of content for purchase via the in-game Minecraft Marketplace,” said Deshpande. “[The Marketplace] contains over 1,000 pieces of content from 60 distinct creators.”

The Minecraft Marketplace is a major focus for Micorosft. It treats it more as an ongoing service. That’s why it’s available everywhere and supports cross-play. And enabling community creators to build and sell content is a part of that. This ensures the game continues to make revenue and players have an abundance of fresh content beyond The Minecraft Team’s frequent updates.

And now Game Pass players can hop into Minecraft without spending any extra money, and they may end up spending cash in the Marketplace instead.

Minecraft gets crossbows, lanterns, and more with latest update

Minecraft gets crossbows, lanterns, and more with latest update

Minecraft is an incredibly popular sandbox game which is played by around 91 million gamers every month. It has no only revolutionized the genre, but continues to thrill users with constant updates. A few months ago, Minecraft recieved an overhaul of underwater exploration which gives players even more reasons to explore the depths. Now, the team has set its sights on adding other highly-requested features.

Have you ever wanted to use a lantern instead of a torch? A crossbow instead of a traditional weapon? Well, you're in luck because this update does just that. On Twitter, the official Minecraft Twitter account said, “Lanterns, shields, crossbows, and an already-famous feline named Jellie. Today's Minecraft update is packed with content and will be rolling out on Xbox One, Windows 10… iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch today!” Unfortunately, it seems like the PlayStation 4 won't be receiving these benefits due to lack of cross-play.

Today, Minecraft is much more than just mining for resources and building structures. The in-game store allows you to not only purchase skins and texture packs, but also adventures developed by community members. The fact that it features cross-play across a variety of platforms from consoles to mobile means that you can play with everyone, whenever you are.

Hopefully Minecraft will continue to grow in the coming years. It has not only benefits gamers, but also teachers in schools. There are a lot of academic institutions out there that rely on Minecraft to teach students about topics like geography. The game is coming to Xbox Game Pass in April, too.