Minecraft: Java Edition prepares 1.16.5 update with Release Candidate in testing now

Minecraft Nether Update Java Image
Minecraft Nether Update Java Image (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Minecraft is back from the holidays with a new snapshot for Minecraft: Java Edition.
  • 1.16.5 Release Candidate 1 resolves two critical stability issues with the Nether Update.
  • If all goes well, 1.16.5 should release to the general public as soon as Friday.
  • Mojang Studios is hoping to release a proper Caves and Cliffs Update snapshot sometime next week.

Minecraft is officially back from the holidays with the 1.16.5 snapshot for Minecraft: Java Edition, which aims to be a minor release that resolves two critical stability issues with Minecraft. This update is still part of the Nether Update, but could very well be the final update we see in the 1.16 branch before Mojang Studios firmly shifts their focus to the wildly anticipated and positively massive Caves and Cliffs Update coming in Summer 2021.

If everything goes well with this 1.16.5 Release Candidate snapshot, this update could be released to everyone as soon as Friday. If you want to help Mojang Studios with their testing, be sure to read up on how to test Minecraft: Java Edition snapshots first. Mojang Studios also mentioned that they'd like to release a Caves and Cliffs Update snapshot sometime next week.

We've already seen Caves and Cliffs Update features in snapshots, but it'll be nice to see testing begin more in earnest in the months leading up to a final release of this massive update. While you're waiting for the Caves and Cliffs Update to drop, check out some of the Best Minecraft Merch, Toys, and Gifts that's perfect for any Minecraft fan.

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Zachary Boddy
Staff Writer

Zachary Boddy (They / Them) is a Staff Writer for Windows Central, primarily focused on covering the latest news in tech and gaming, the best Xbox and PC games, and the most interesting Windows and Xbox hardware. They have been gaming and writing for most of their life starting with the original Xbox, and started out as a freelancer for Windows Central and its sister sites in 2019. Now a full-fledged Staff Writer, Zachary has expanded from only writing about all things Minecraft to covering practically everything on which Windows Central is an expert, especially when it comes to Microsoft. You can find Zachary on Twitter @BoddyZachary.