Minecraft 1.22: The missing update fans waited for but never got

Minecraft updates are among the most anticipated segments of the year, bringing an array of new features and changes. With 1.21 nearing its end, gamers were eagerly awaiting the transition to 1.22, which would signal a new era for the title. However, the latest change to the update numbering system has doomed the arrival of 1.22 and turned it into the update that never came.

Here's everything you need to know about the change in Minecraft update and the death of the 1.22 update.

New Minecraft update numbering dooms much-awaited switch to 1.22 series

Mojang's new update to the numbering system dooms the 1.22 series (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Mojang Studios)

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Minecraft 1.21 has offered players an array of new features and changes that introduced many new mobs, items, and biomes to the block-shaped world. With the era coming to a close, gamers awaited the transition to 1.22, which was expected in 2026.

However, Mojang's latest change to the update numbering system has put the possibility of 1.22 deeper into the ground than ancient debris. Moving forward, the developers have announced that they will be numbering the versions based on the year. This means, all updates for both Bedrock and Java in 2026 will begin with 26 (for example: 26.1.1, 26.1.2).

This essentially means that after the upcoming Mounts of Mayhem drop, the developers will move on to the 26 series instead of transitioning to 1.22. Similar to the recent changes in Apple's update format, the developers will now follow the calendar year as the prefix. This essentially kills the much-awaited transition, which had become an anticipated change in the community, similar to the clock going to 12 AM after 11:59 PM.

Apart from releases, the developers have also confirmed that future snapshots will receive an overhaul in terms of naming as well. The upcoming builds will include the intended version in the name, making it easier for gamers to understand. This change streamlines the update process and makes it easier for players to track changes.

While the Minecraft 1.22 update series is as lost as a wandering trader without his llamas, players will still get their hands on the planned updates and changes. The upcoming year is set to introduce massive new changes and overhauls to the title, so it comes as no surprise that players are excited about what's next.

Also read: Snapshot adds new splash text to honor YouTuber who walked to the Far Lands

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Edited by Sayendra Basu