28.02.2026

Minecraft 26.1 Java Edition Download

26.1 is a spring update for the Minecraft: Java Edition version. Mojang has radically changed the numbering system: now the version is determined by the year and the sequential number of the update; for example, 26.1 is the first major update of 2026. The version brings reworked baby mobs, the ability to stop their growth, name tag crafting, and an improved lighting system to the game.

The release of update 26.1 has not yet taken place, but preliminary versions (Snapshots) are available in TLauncher when selecting the game version.

1 Main innovations

2 Technical improvements

3 Installation

4 Download links

Main innovations

One of the central changes is the rework of baby creatures:

New visual versions of babies have appeared for almost all mobs, including land and aquatic ones.
They have new models, animations, and sounds — they have become more expressive and “cooler.”
Sounds for adult mobs have been reworked, as well as different sound variations (for example, cats have a “royal” variant, pigs have a “mini” variant, etc.).

Golden Dandelion is a new flower crafted from a dandelion and 8 gold nuggets. It allows you to stop the growth process of baby creatures (if you hold it in your hand while interacting).

Finally, name tag crafting has been added — this requires 1 sheet of paper + 1 iron nugget.

New /swing command, which allows a creature to swing its right or left hand.

Technical improvements

New light and lighting system:

· The light rendering algorithm has been completely rewritten — this fixes many previous bugs (for example, the incorrect behavior of the Night Vision effect).

· A lightmap debug tool (F3 + 4) has appeared, which shows how light affects the world.

· A reworked villager trading system and more predictable trades for wandering traders.

Installation

Step 1. Open TLauncher and go to the Settings tab by clicking the gear icon in the lower right corner.

Step 2. Select the Display Snapshots checkbox, and do not forget to save the changes by clicking the appropriate button at the bottom.

Step 3. On the main screen of TLauncher, open the version selection tab, select the desired snapshot, and click 'Install' or 'Launch the Game' if the snapshot is already installed.