Minecraft Java Versions Timeline

Bedrock Java

Browse every major Minecraft Java release. Versions are listed most recent first and include their release date and associated Java world generation epoch. Versions within the same epoch generate identical worlds from the same seed.

Every major Minecraft update introduces something new—blocks, mobs, structures, or, occasionally, a complete overhaul of world generation.

This timeline shows when each release arrived and how it fits into Minecraft’s evolving world-gen history. The epoch badge on each version links to the corresponding world-generation era, where you can learn what changed under the hood.

Whether you’re researching terrain behavior, searching for compatible seeds, or simply exploring Minecraft’s update history, this page makes it easy to trace the evolution of the Java edition.

Version

1.21 Tricky Trials

Released: Thursday, June 13, 2024

Trial Chambers, trial spawners, breezes, vaults; new underground structure placement.

Epoch: Tricky Trials
Version

1.20 Trails & Tales

Released: Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Archaeology, Cherry Grove, camels, bamboo set; localized seed effects.

Epoch: Trails & Tales
Version

1.19 The Wild Update

Released: Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Deep Dark, Mangrove Swamp; Ancient Cities; placements shift.

Epoch: The Wild Update
Version

1.18 Caves & Cliffs Part 2

Released: Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Height range −64..320, new cave/mountain gen, ore distribution rewrite — major seed reset.

Epoch: Caves & Cliffs
Version

1.17 Caves & Cliffs Part 1

Released: Tuesday, June 8, 2021

New mobs/blocks (axolotl, copper, amethyst); terrain overhaul deferred.

Epoch: Caves & Cliffs
Version

1.16 Nether Update

Released: Tuesday, June 23, 2020

New Nether biomes (crimson/warped, basalt deltas, etc.), bastions; nether seed experience changes.

Epoch: Nether Update
Version

1.14 Village & Pillage

Released: Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Biome-specific villages, outposts/raids; structure placement differs.

Epoch: Village & Pillage
Version

1.13 The Update Aquatic

Released: Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Ocean biomes/structures/mobs; swimming; ‘Flattening’ of IDs — coastal/ocean seeds change.

Epoch: Update Aquatic
Version

1.12 World of Color Update

Released: Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Concrete, glazed terracotta; parrots; no terrain overhaul.

Epoch: World Overhaul
Version

1.11 Exploration Update

Released: Monday, November 14, 2016

Woodland Mansions, llamas, shulkers/boxes; structure placement additions.

Epoch: World Overhaul
Version

1.10 Frostburn Update

Released: Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Husks/Strays, polar bears, fossils, magma blocks — minor seed effects.

Epoch: World Overhaul
Version

1.9 Combat Update

Released: Monday, February 29, 2016

Combat overhaul; Elytra & End expansion; overworld seeds stable.

Epoch: World Overhaul
Version

1.8 Bountiful Update

Released: Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Ocean Monuments, new stones, slime blocks; enchanting changes; moderate structure impact.

Epoch: World Overhaul
Version

1.7 The Update that Changed the World

Released: Friday, October 25, 2013

Major worldgen redesign with many new biomes; substantial seed shift.

Epoch: World Overhaul
Version

1.6 Horse Update

Released: Monday, July 1, 2013

Horses, leads, carpets; launcher revamp; no terrain overhaul.

Epoch: Structures & Systems
Version

1.5 Redstone Update

Released: Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Comparators, hoppers, droppers, daylight sensors; Nether quartz — no terrain overhaul.

Epoch: Structures & Systems
Version

1.4 Pretty Scary Update

Released: Thursday, October 25, 2012

Wither, beacons, anvils, witches/bats; combat features; seed impact minimal.

Epoch: Structures & Systems
Version

1.2

Released: Thursday, March 1, 2012

Build height doubled to 256; Jungle biome; iron golems; improved AI — modest seed impact.

Epoch: Launch
Version

1.1

Released: Thursday, January 12, 2012

Spawn eggs, Superflat, bow enchants; no terrain overhaul.

Epoch: Launch
Version

1.0.0 Initial Release

Released: Friday, November 18, 2011

Official release; End dimension, enchanting, brewing; survival considered complete.

Epoch: Launch