Microsoft and Mojang have detailed the latest update for the various mobile editions of Minecraft.
Highlighting the changes in the 0.12.1 update is the ability for “up to five friends to play cross-platform multiplayer on a local network.” These players can be spread across Minecraft: Pocket Edition for iOS and Android, as well as Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta.
Furthermore, the Windows 10 Edition Beta versionalso now allows up to five people to play together over Xbox Live.
The update has been described as the “biggest” to date, also introducing revamped touch controls, controller support, and the controller mapping screen.
“You’ll also be treated to the same enhanced weather effects that Windows 10 Edition Beta players have received, including snow accumulation and directional rain,” Microsoft explained.
“In addition to plenty of new goodies to build and potions to brew, you’ll now be able to encounter golems and ocelots, and even explore the Nether. Finally, this update brings the ability to sneak and sprint in Pocket Edition.”
Anyone who’s purchased the PC/Mac version version of Minecraft–which is around 20-plus million people–can get the Windows 10 version for free. To do this they need to log into their account on Mojang’s website, click the Redeem button, and sign into a Microsoft account to claim the free copy.
Microsoft purchased Minecraft developer Mojang in 2014. Xbox boss Phil Spencer said he has no immediate plans to push out a sequel. Mojang later also spoke out to stress Minecraft 2 isn’t happening anytime soon.