Swedish video gaming company Mojang announced it would launch an update for ‘Minecraft Pocket Edition,’ ‘Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta’ and ‘Minecraft Gear VR Edition‘ yesterday. Mojang’s Owen Hill wrote via the company’s website it’s called The Boss Update.
The alpha version of Minecraft became available to the public in 2009, but the sandbox game’s official launch was in 2011 for PC platforms Microsoft Windows, OS X, and Linux. Minecraft: Pocket Edition was also released that year for Android and iOS mobile devices.
Shortly after Microsoft acquired Mojang, a version of Minecraft based on the Pocket Edition got released for Windows 10, called the Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta. The Gear VR Edition has been around since 2014. Microsoft launched official Oculus Rift support earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Minecraft on consoles got an update today. It features three new Battle mode maps (Invasion, Castle and Shipyard) and the first mini game for console platforms called Tumble. The patch came a day after Mojang’s announcement of updates for other platforms.
It’s available for all users on PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, and Vita.
What does the Boss update bring to Minecraft?
It features several new bosses including the Elder Guardian and the Wither, hence the update’s name. This patch, version 0.16, will also add 20 Slash commands to summon mobs, change the time of day, control the weather, and distribute items to other players.
The Boss Update further includes ocean monuments and the trinkets to explore them as well as new blocks and beacons to accompany what Mojang’s describes as the most ferocious mobs seen so far in Minecraft.
Players will now encounter laser-shooting boss Elder Guardian and his army of minions, and three-headed boss Wither, a beast that shoots blue skulls. These two and all other bosses yet to be revealed will drop rare loots like Nether Stars and sponges.
The Boss update beta and release date
Hill said the update would arrive soon without giving any further details on Mojang’s website. However, Android gamers can sign up for the patch’s beta and provide Mojang with their feedback.
Beta testers who want to enter Realms will need to go back to Minecraft’s 0.15.6 version, though.
Mojang will provide additional information about The Boss Update during Minecon 2016. The Minecraft convention will take place between September 24 and 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.
The patch will likely hit Pocket Windows 10 and Gear VR editions during said gathering or later in October.
Source: Mojang