This article is about features mentioned by Mojang developers. For features that are being added, see Planned versions . For features that are being unused, see Java Edition unused features

This feature is exclusive to Java Edition.

Since the beginning of Minecraft's development, there have been a number of features that were mentioned by developers at Mojang Studios. These features are either currently planned and have not yet appeared in a development version, or have simply been dropped entirely.

Note that this page only documents features that were mentioned, but are not yet in the game. Features in development versions are described on the parent version page.

Planned [ edit ]

These features are planned to come to Minecraft sometime in the future.

Combat changes [ edit ]

A new combat system is currently in development, containing changes such as the player only being able to attack when their weapon is fully drawn.

Fletching table functionality [ edit ]

Fletching tables are set to gain functionality in a later update. Originally, this was planned for "the next major themed update".[1] Later, it was stated that functionality wasn't a guarantee for 1.16.[2] Later, it was confirmed that fletching tables wouldn’t be gaining functionality in 1.16.[3]

The desert and savanna biome reworks are the two remaining biome reworks from the MINECON Earth 2018 biome chooser vote. Both biomes are promised to be updated in a future update:[4][5]

Deserts will be given palm trees, oases, and meerkats.

Savannas will be given baobab trees, termites, and ostriches.

Similar to the previous year's vote, the biome vote for MINECON Live 2019 showcased updates for mountains, badlands, and swamps. The mountains biome won the vote, and was stated to receive new features sometime in 2020[6] – sooner than the badlands and swamp. Features for all 3 biome reworks were confirmed in videos for the vote:

Mountains will be given goats, a new type of snow, and better terrain generation.

Badlands will be given vultures, tumbleweed, and a new cacti based on the Prickly Pear.

Swamps will be given frogs, mangrove trees, and boats with chests.

There are confirmed changes for mountain biomes, which will be in game, most likely in 1.17.[7] Also, unknown future update will add a new mob, which will be voted on Minecraft Live 2020.

Super Fancy graphics [ edit ]

Docm77 confirmed in a tweet that sometime in the future, a new graphics setting will be added to Minecraft called "super fancy". It is unknown whether it is the "Fabulous!" graphics setting added in 1.16 Pre-release 1 or another new one. This could also be a reference to the upcoming ray tracing functionality being added to Minecraft or the scrapped Super Duper Graphics Pack.[8]

Blaze3D [ edit ]

[9] A screenshot by Searge showing features in development, including "1.15/blaze3d".

A new Java Edition rendering pipeline called Blaze3D has been confirmed many times by Searge.[9][more information needed] There are also many references to this system in the game files, although it has not been functionally implemented.

Phasing out of NBT-based crafting recipes [ edit ]

In Java Edition 1.14, numerous new blocks were implemented as replacements for certain "complex" crafting recipes, with the replaced crafting recipes relying on NBT data. This included moving inventory tool repair to the grindstone, banner modification to the loom, and map modification to the cartography table. However, several more NBT based crafting recipes still exist, and these are planned to be phased out.[10] Certain blocks that may be added in the future to further this goal include a dedicated fireworks customization block.

In Java Edition 1.14.3, tool repair crafting recipes were reimplemented.

Full split of liquids from blocks [ edit ]

Java Edition 1.13 added waterlogging, marking the start of this separation. An in-development screenshot showing water occupying leaves and flowers, referred to as having "no water blocks", was released in 2018.[11] However, water and lava still exist as blocks, and so far only water sources can occupy other blocks through the waterlogged block state; flowing water and bubble columns cannot occupy other blocks and still and flowing lava cannot occupy other blocks at all.

Having water only occupy one side of a block like a glass pane, but not the other, is also something that has been considered.[12]

More balanced mob-spawning [ edit ]

Mob-spawning will be more balanced.

Frogs and tadpoles [ edit ]

On the Minecraft Feedback site Mojang announced that the idea for frogs and tadpoles would be implemented. The player who suggested the idea said that players could get poisoned by hitting them with bare hands, and that they would drop frog legs as another way to make potions of leaping.

Hopper and chest minecarts being able to ride boats [ edit ]

On Minecraft Feedback Mojang announced that they would implement the idea for making hopper and chest minecarts able to ride boats. The idea was so that it would be easier to transport items across water.

Partially implemented [ edit ]

These features had been shown by a Mojang staff member, but had no further development or were canceled shortly after.

Biomes [ edit ]

Colored wood planks [ edit ]

Original image of proposed colored wood planks released by Mojang.

Dinnerbone briefly thought about implementing colored wood planks, releasing a test image on his Twitter page. This however never got implemented, as can be seen from the following quotes. The idea was eventually replaced with stained clay.





“ Taking a small break from launcherstuffs to doodle around with funstuffs. Would this be of use to anybody? http://dinnerbone.com/media/uploads/2013-04/screenshots/Minecraft_13w16b_2013-04-24_19-54-57.png „ — Dinnerbone[13]

“ Sorry, I meant "wood this be of use". I totally missed that pun. „

“ Arbitrary response guage: 30% "please no" 80% "yes please". Yes, that's 110%. I don't even know. „ — Dinnerbone[14]

“ I'm just doodling around, I'm not sure that I can actually add it because it'd want stairs/etc too, but it's fun to investigate these things „

“ Okay okay, no coloured wood. How about something completely different? http://dinnerbone.com/media/uploads/2013-04/screenshots/Minecraft_13w16b_2013-04-24_23-04-32.png „ — Dinnerbone on Colored Wood Planks[15]

Dirt slab [ edit ]

A dirt slab.

blocks. The dirt slabs, replacing all the dirt (not grass

Before stone slabs were added to 0.26, Notch ran a test of dirt slabs. In the test, they replaced dirt blocks, so that dirt surface without grass was half a block lower than grass. However, dirt slabs failed to dress cliff edges, caves, and ravines nicely. Because of this, they were never added to the actual game and were only mentioned once.[16] They replaced all dirt blocks and did not grow grass on top similar to coarse dirt.

Sky Dimension [ edit ]

A plain sky dimension.

The Sky Dimension was a planned dimension, intended to be the opposite of the Nether. It could be accessed using hacks, but portals to the Sky Dimension were never implemented. The idea was ultimately scrapped[17][18][19][20][21][22] and its code was reused to make the End. The End has a purple sky, no clouds, and the floating islands are made entirely of end stone.

With the addition of the Buffet functionality in 1.13 snapshot 18w15a, this can be distantly recreated by using the "Floating Islands" option.

Mentioned [ edit ]

These features were mentioned at one point, but later abandoned or their current status is unknown. Note that some of these features were mentioned by developers who either no longer work at Mojang, or no longer work on Minecraft.

Mobs [ edit ]

There have been several cases of mobs being mentioned by developers as potential candidates for being added to the game, such as a 2012 mention of birds, fish and tree animals by Jon Kågström, to "make the game seem more alive",[23] with parrots and four different fish mobs were added in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

Hamsters were also mentioned by Notch in 2010 as a brief, mysterious, unserious suggestion as to what could have been in the then-upcoming Seecret Friday update.[24]

Notch mentioned prefix mobs in a Brocraft stream. He gave examples of mobs such as "Burning Spiders, Giant Zombies, and Cobble Creepers." Some prefix mobs have been added in the form of cave spiders, charged creepers, strays, husks, drowned, and other mob variants. Giant zombies have technically been added, but are currently unused. In the 3D Shareware April Fools update, the ORDER.txt jokingly mentions "11 new enemy variants including Buff Crepper and Evilshroom II" for a fake game: "MineCraft 3D: Deeper and darker."

Mob A, Monster of the Ocean Depths.

Notch commented that Sea Monsters are a possibility on Minecast, 7/21/2010. He particularly noted the possibility of sharks, though Mojang has since then denied that they will be added. In a Minecon vote in 2017, a sea creature was one of the options. It was known as "mob A" or "Monster of the Ocean Depths." It would have spawned in deep water and attack you with a tentacle-like tongue and pull you down to drown you.

Two other creatures in the Minecon vote of 2017 were given. One was "mob D, The Hovering Inferno." It would have looked like a large blaze with shields instead of rods, and would have spawned with groups of blazes in the nether. The other mob was "mob C, The Great Hunger." It would have had a large mouth capable of removing enchantments from items and would have camouflaged itself by entering the ground with it's mouth open upwards. Mob B/Monster of the Night Skies was the phantom which has been added.[25]

Development of a male mob which may have had no clothes was also mentioned by Dinnerbone in 2012,[26][27][28] but this is not currently being worked on. This could have been the removed pigman, though Jon Kågström hinted at a monkey-like creature which could have been this.

Reindeer were another mob acknowledged and suggested initially for Christmas 2015.[29]

A mob which camouflages with its environment was a concept considered by Jeb when designing the shulker, which was originally one of the mob's mechanics during development - the mob would camouflage with the surroundings, but due to difficulties with the code and rendering, he decided to abandon this element of the mob. He stated however that it may happen in the future.[30]

In 2017, a jocular suggestion regarding adding more types of illagers was posted. One of them, the Pillager, has been implemented in Java Edition 1.14. In Minecraft Dungeons, there is a mob in a DLC called the Chillager.[31][32][33][34]

A more recent developer hinted about adding mobs involved adding seals/sea lions and/or killer whales /orcas.[35] This may be related to dolphins, which were added about a month later in 18w15a.

Soul Fire Blazes were talked about by Jeb. He stated that he doesn't want to make another mob variant, but that it would be interesting to make a mob connected to soul fire.[36]

Red Dragon [ edit ]

Notch revealed during the 8th Seecret Friday Update[dubious] that he would add dragons, one being the ender dragon, the other being red dragons.[37] Jeb informed participants of his AMA on Reddit that he would add red dragons, but was unsure exactly how.[38]

Dragons were originally planned for the Overworld

When questioned about how ender dragons phase through blocks, Notch went on record saying that dragons in the Overworld would eventually be added. However, the red dragon has not subsequently been added.

On October 22, 2013, Dinnerbone tweeted that the red dragon is "shelved" and not in development.

“ It was never promised, we have no plans to add a red dragon at this time. „ — Dinnerbone [39]

Later, on December 15, 2013, a Dinnerbone post on Reddit indicated his belief that red dragons likely will be implemented at some point:

“ I'm sure one day there will be. Not right now though. „ — Dinnerbone[40]

Audio loops [ edit ]

Loops were unused sounds, found in the game files, and were possibly meant for when the player is in a specific type of location (i.e., in caves, forests, the ocean and beside a waterfall).

Branches [ edit ]

Notch mentioned both of these in a blog post during Indev. The addition of sideways logs seems to be an alternative for branches.[41] Implemented on chorus trees, but not on ordinary trees.

Cave and underground features [ edit ]

Many features relating to the underground and caves have been mentioned historically, but are yet to be seen in-game. An extremely early example of this was crystal blocks, a type of material which could be found in large underground deposits.[42] Later suggestions which were approved by Mojang include rainbow crystalline caves[43] and cave maps, considered "an interesting idea" by Notch.[44] 1.13 added buffet worlds, which has an option for cave-like generation.

More ores and cave types was a general target proposed by Dinnerbone in late 2013.[45] Since this post, flooded underwater caves have been implemented, along with 1.16 adding ancient debris and nether gold ore some six years later.

Friends list [ edit ]

Notch mentioned on his blog, The Word of Notch, that friends lists would be added after Beta 1.8.[46] The Minecraft documentary team of 2 Player Productions filmed a Keynote roadmap, containing these lines.[47][48] Kristoffer mentioned on Twitter that he is currently working on friends lists for Scrolls, then for other Mojang games. These will be available for players with Mojang accounts. At MineCon 2012, Jeb stated that it would be a large implementation on the server-side and will be used for all Mojang games, and that is a big project.[49][50]

Inventory changes [ edit ]

An inventory rewrite was originally added in the snapshot 14w17a for Java Edition 1.8, but a roadblock was hit and they had to shelve it before the release of 1.8.[51] Other changes to the inventory have been mentioned, including spectators can now look at people's inventory, visible health/armor bar on all players,[52] seeing players' GUI when spectating from their POV[53] and the return of shift-double-clicking.[54][55]

Lua scripting [ edit ]

Lua Scripting was a feature mentioned by Notch as a way to create server-side modifications.[56] The server would be able to create custom commands, assign certain server functions to blocks, and create user groups. Players would not have to download scripts within or outside of the client, and therefore no client-side modifications will be necessary. Notch said that he wanted Lua to be an extension for Minecraft, but did not want Lua to turn Minecraft into a game engine.

Lua scripting has been further hinted at by Searge.[9]

This can actually be recreated using things like Spigot or Bukkit.

Nether features [ edit ]

Multiple features relating to the Nether have been proposed and acknowledged, such as utilizing the space above the Nether ceiling for something else,[57] non-rectangular nether portals,[58] and nether portals placing players in front if possible.[59]

During the development of the Nether Update, other ideas were discussed, such as dyeable nether portals, which were dismissed as not being priority by Jeb,[60] as well as in-game hints on how to access the Nether (partially implemented with naturally generated ruined portals).[61]

Dinnerbone said on Twitter he would like to add weapons/tools that cannot be crafted, and only obtained by treasure chests/trading, etc. For example, bows with faster drawback (somewhat implemented with the addition of Quick Charge), boots that increase health, or night vision helmets. However, the attribute system has to be finished first.[62][63][64][65]

Frost Walker and Mending were implemented as treasure enchantments in 1.9 as well as the Curses of Binding and Vanishing in 1.11, and tridents have been implemented in 1.13 as drowned-exclusive weapons, somewhat implementing this feature. In 1.16, treasure enchantments have also been made less accessible (therefore more rare) via nerfing AFK fishing, and the new piglin-exclusive enchantment Soul Speed exists.

Resource packs [ edit ]

Erik Broes mentioned that there may be easier customization of chat and sheep colors.[66]

Ryan Holtz stated that he wanted to improve the rendering system to allow for customizable models and animations.[67][68] Dinnerbone later stated that player models would not be able to be changed.[69]

Seasons [ edit ]

Dinnerbone mentioned on Twitter that he was experimenting with adding seasons, and varying the length of day and night according to season. He also mentioned it during MineCon 2013.[70][71] Seasons may include changes in color of tree leaves and may also be tied to real time.[72][73]

Spike block [ edit ]

Spikes received a mention in mid-2009 by Notch in a blog post.[74] These were originally planned for Java Edition Beta 1.7, working by extending and retracting spikes (and making them more "spike pistons" than anything), but were replaced by sticky pistons. On May 28, 2012, Dinnerbone stated that he'd like to add spike blocks, but is unsure of how to implement them.[75]

Steel [ edit ]

Multiple references to steel were made early on in the game's development. Notch had stated that it could be made using coal and iron ore,[76] and that it could be used for armor and weapons more powerful than iron.[77] In-game, the flint and steel is crafted using raw iron.

Workbench (Plugin API) [ edit ]

The Plugin API,[78][79] dubbed "Workbench", is a feature that allows mod developers to easily add more content to the game. In contrast to mods, plugins will not require any alteration of the minecraft.jar file itself, although they will also be slightly limited in their feature set.[80][81] The Bukkit team will help make the official Plugin API.[82]

Off-hand changes [ edit ]

Changes with the off-hand slot added in Java Edition 1.9 were planned on being added to Minecraft sometime in the future.[83] Specifically, the player would no longer be able to attack or place blocks with any item in their off-hand slot, similar to Bedrock Edition. However, players would still be able to hold items in the off-hand slot, which still made the off-hand useful for maps and such. Also, blocking would still be able to be activated if the player is holding a shield in their off-hand. However, this regression was later retracted due to massive community backlash.

Brief mentions [ edit ]

These features were briefly mentioned, but no further information was given after that.

General features [ edit ]

More specific features [ edit ]

Mentioned in 2009

In early development, Notch mentioned two more gamemodes, Team Survival Mode and Fortress Mode, which would include the ability to play Capture the Flag[87]

Mentioned in 2010

Animated swinging doors [88]

Colliding clouds [89] [90]

Server portals [91]

Moon [92]

Turnips [24]

Dungeon Mode: Same as Survival Mode, except players can't craft or modify the world. Planned to have been used to play missions on pre-made maps. [93] The later-implemented Adventure Mode functions similarly.

The later-implemented Adventure Mode functions similarly. "Clan" mode. [93]

Server-side scripting. [93]

Land claim flags: planting a flag (possibly costs gold in Survival mode) claims an area of land. No monsters can spawn or die from age in that area, and only selected players can build in that area. [93]

Smoke block: would be generated by fire, be passable, cast shadows, float upwards and disappear after a short time. [93] 1.14 added campfires, which generate smoke particles similar to what was mentioned, but they are not blocks nor cast shadows.

1.14 added campfires, which generate smoke particles similar to what was mentioned, but they are not blocks nor cast shadows. Gravity: all blocks except possibly obsidian would be affected by gravity. Floating islands would need obsidian veins to stay afloat. [93] Notch later stated that he disliked the idea. [94]

Notch later stated that he disliked the idea. More crafting templates: arrows, food, armor, etc. [93] (Possibly added in Java Edition 1.14.)

(Possibly added in Java Edition 1.14.) In-game anti-cheat: make the server check for flying, no clip and increased speed. Add those options to the client, but only enable if the server says it's okay. [93]

Make moss grow on rock (likely means that mossy cobblestone would spread to cobblestone)[ citation needed ]

Mentioned in 2011

The ability to choose what work saves to the level files [95]

Scarecrows. [96] 1.14 added pillager outposts, which can generate a scarecrow-like target structure.

1.14 added pillager outposts, which can generate a scarecrow-like target structure. Storing of achievements and statistics online [97]

Custom paintings [98]

Hand-drawn signs [98]

Exploding arrows.[99] Partially implemented with the ability to shoot firework rockets from crossbows.

Mentioned in 2012

Vertical redstone [100]

Ability to design village buildings. [101] Partially implemented with structure blocks.

Partially implemented with structure blocks. Silk Touch yielding double half slabs [102]

Ability to pause the game in multiplayer, but only for ops. Users will then get to chat until the game is back. [103] [104]

Minecarts usable as boats [105]

Fallen trees (like what is currently in Bedrock Edition) [106]

More colors and texture pack customizations of maps [107]

Flower pots breaking when hit by arrows. [108] This has been added for chorus flowers.

This has been added for chorus flowers. Partially implemented : Fireworks having effects on mobs, such as scaring wolves. [109] Implemented with elytra boosting and damaging mobs if explosive.

: Fireworks having effects on mobs, such as scaring wolves. Implemented with elytra boosting and damaging mobs if explosive. Maps would have more support for colors and support Texturepack textures[110]

Mentioned in 2013

[111] the image may have just been showcasing the custom tile displays in minecarts which were added in the next snapshot, 13w02a.

the image may have just been showcasing the custom tile displays in minecarts which were added in the next snapshot, 13w02a. Dinnerbone's original demonstration of the .mcmeta format for resource packs contained a sample properties file for fonts to determine character size and spacing. [112] Despite the game code containing the code to read the files, it never actually uses them leaving character width and spacing to be determined dynamically.

format for resource packs contained a sample properties file for fonts to determine character size and spacing. Despite the game code containing the code to read the files, it never actually uses them leaving character width and spacing to be determined dynamically. Enchanted items apply attributes on use. [113]

Cherry trees [114]

Adding more places to display scoreboard scores. [115]

Colored lighting [116]

A better UI for server admins/ops, inspired by the twitch user moderation menu. [117]

A resource pack-related feature that allows improved Russian font display [118]

Better construction analysis [119]

Partially implemented : A new system that could alter weapon behavior. [120] This has been partially implemented in Java Edition 15w34a, with the implementation of attack speed

: A new system that could alter weapon behavior. Easier way to implement terrain changes [84]

Portable light (e.g. holding a torch in your hand which provides light). [121]

A hug animation [122] . Emotes are currently being implemented in Bedrock Edition.

. Emotes are currently being implemented in Bedrock Edition. Blocks of charcoal, mentioned as something that would need to be implemented as to not complicate the existence of coal blocks[123]

Mentioned in 2014

Mentioned in 2015

Corn [145]

In game lore [146]

Making it so shields are used to block attacks from the side the shield is held on. [147]

Allowing mobs to have additional random skins, similar to the kind of variation seen in horses, cats and rabbits. [148]

Giving /clone the ability to rotate and mirror structures. [149] [150] Structure blocks were later given the ability to rotate structures.

the ability to rotate and mirror structures. Structure blocks were later given the ability to rotate structures. Minecart improvements after/in 1.10 [151]

Improvements to the GUI. These would allow the glowing effect to be seen on the inventory player model.[152]

Mentioned in 2016

Phasing out the minecart with furnace. [153]

New musician villager that trades note blocks, jukeboxes, and music discs. [154]

A Dragon Head banner pattern [155]

banner pattern If a piston gets powered and is unable to push, showing a smoke particle effect and playing a small "clunk" sound [156]

If the bow used to craft a dispenser is enchanted, making the arrows fired from the dispenser to act accordingly[157]

Mentioned in 2017

Ability to edit the skybox and biome/foliage/light colors in resource packs [158]

A set of prismarine blocks with a color scheme matching that of the Elder Guardian, similarly to how regular prismarine imitates normal Guardians.[159]

Mentioned in 2018

Toggleable enchantment glows [160]

The return of Customized worlds, "completely different from before", with "no more screens with 50 vague sliders." [161] [162] [163]

Data-driven world generation using json files, allowing for custom structures. Partially added in snapshot 20w28a with the addition of experimental support for custom biomes. [164]

A portal that would teleport the player to a different place in the Overworld.[165]

Mentioned in 2019

A crawling animation [166]

Illusioners in raids [167]

The early 1.15 snapshots included textures for a crystallized honey item and wax block, however, these were allegedly not meant to make it into the game in the first place.

Nether Portal like thing that will teleport the player to the Moon or Mars[168]

Mentioned in 2020

Nether boats, presumably made out of the new wood or netherite to use in lava. [169] Striders serve a similar purpose.

Striders serve a similar purpose. A soul blaze or a mob connecting to the soul fire.[170]

Joke features [ edit ]

skis texture

Notch and Mojang Studios employees have frequently joked about adding various features to the game.