Mojang released the Minecraft Bedrock 1.21.120.24 beta and preview update, delivering crucial visual improvements and bug fixes following The Copper Age game drop. While players anticipated content from the upcoming Mounts of Mayhem drop featuring the new Nautilus mob and spears, this update focuses on polishing existing features and addressing community-reported issues.
Table of Contents
Minecraft Update Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Version | 1.21.120.24 Beta/Preview |
| Release Focus | Bug fixes & visual improvements |
| Main Features | Copper Chest fixes, RTX filter, texture updates |
| Platforms | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, iOS |
| Experimental Changes | Water lighting overhaul |
| Next Full Update | 1.21.120 (coming soon) |
Key Visual Improvements
Copper Chest Texture Fixes
The Copper Age game drop introduced copper storage options, but initial textures contained inconsistencies. This beta addresses:
- Diagonal Glint Alignment: Double Copper Chest textures now match single chest patterns
- Bolt Shading Consistency: Uniform shading across single and double variants
- Weathered Texture Parity: Weathered Double Copper Chest bottom textures now match other variants
These refinements enhance visual coherence for builders using copper storage in their creations.
Mob Texture Updates
Several long-standing visual bugs received fixes:
- Drowned Mob: Missing body pixels restored (MCPE-169440)
- Donkey Ears: Top ear coloring corrected (MCPE-166776)
- Horse Armor: Missing pixels fixed on Copper, Iron, Gold, and Diamond variants
For more building tips and texture guides, visit our Minecraft creative hub.
Marketplace Enhancement
A new filtering system allows players to search Marketplace content by graphics capabilities:
- RTX Support: Easily find ray-tracing compatible packs
- Vibrant Visuals: Identify enhanced lighting packs
This quality-of-life improvement helps players with high-end hardware discover optimized content.
Critical Gameplay Fixes
Combat Adjustments
Two significant combat bugs received fixes:
Shield Durability Issue: Shields no longer take damage when mining while equipped (MCPE-190339). This bug frustrated players who accidentally degraded shields during resource gathering.
Shield Knockback Bug: Projectile knockback now properly negates when blocking with shields (MCPE-220733), restoring intended defensive mechanics.
Absorption Effect Fix
The Absorption Effect (Golden Hearts) now immediately clears when depleted by damage rather than lingering incorrectly (MCPE-55449). This ensures accurate health display during combat.
Experimental Water Lighting Overhaul
The most significant change appears in the experimental features:
New Light Absorption: Water now reduces light by 1 unit per block instead of 2, dramatically brightening underwater environments.
Drowned Spawn Impact: Fewer Drowned mobs spawn in shallow water and rivers due to increased light penetration.
This experimental feature (Preview only) fundamentally alters underwater exploration aesthetics and mob spawning mechanics. Community feedback will determine whether it reaches stable releases.
Explore underwater building strategies on our Minecraft survival guides.
Java-Bedrock Parity Improvements
Mojang continues bridging differences between editions:
- Chest and Saddle Textures: Llamas, Donkeys, Mules, and undead horses now display identical storage textures across Java and Bedrock (MCPE-154327)
- Underwater Ambient Sounds: Unique sound effects now play when submerged, matching Java Edition’s immersive audio (MCPE-79532)
Technical Updates for Creators
API Improvements
Several beta API features graduated to v2.3.0 stable release:
- Container Rules and Error Handling
- Item Inventory Component
- Weight properties for container systems
Editor Enhancements
The experimental Editor received substantial updates:
- Jigsaw Support: Simplified structure generation for non-technical creators
- Curve Tool: Organic shape creation for line tools with node weights
- Terrain Tool Fixes: Multiplayer conflicts resolved, mask/replace filters now function correctly
Custom Block Components
New creator features include:
alpha_masked_tintfield for material instances (requires format version ≥ 1.21.120)- Removed toggle requirements for
minecraft:embedded_visualandminecraft:flower_pottablecomponents - Custom camera animation support with spline movement
Check the official Minecraft feedback site to report bugs or suggest improvements.
PlayStation 4 Storage Update
PS4 players may need to redownload Marketplace content due to storage location changes. This backend improvement optimizes data management but requires one-time redownload.
FAQs
Q: How do I access the Minecraft Bedrock 1.21.120.24 beta? A: Windows 10/11 users can join via the Xbox Insider Hub app, selecting “Minecraft for Windows” and enrolling in the beta program. Xbox console players access it through the Xbox Insider Hub app under “Insider Content.” Android users download “Minecraft Preview” from Google Play Store (separate app). Note that beta worlds don’t sync with stable versions, so create backup copies before testing. Visit the official Minecraft website for detailed platform-specific instructions.
Q: Will the experimental water lighting changes affect my existing builds? A: Currently in Preview only, the experimental water lighting (1 light reduction vs. 2 per block) only affects worlds with experimental features enabled. Existing stable worlds remain unchanged. If implemented in stable releases, underwater structures would become brighter, potentially affecting redstone contraptions relying on specific light levels. Mob farms using Drowned spawning mechanics might require adjustment, as shallow water spawns would decrease. Test in creative mode before enabling in survival worlds.