During “Minecraft LIVE,” which aired on September 27, 2026 (Japan Time), Mojang Studios announced that it will implement the new dimension “The Sift” in the Java Edition and Bedrock Edition of *Minecraft* in 2027.
"The Sift": The Fourth Dimension Following the Nether and The End
“The Sift” is the fourth dimension in *Minecraft*, following the Overworld, the Nether, and The End. This marks the first addition of a new dimension in over 14 years; during the stream, the team revealed what “The Sift” looks like in the vanilla version of the game, as well as some of the mobs that inhabit it.
Shift was originally announced at gamescom 2026 as a new dimension in *Minecraft Dungeons II*. It has now been revealed that it will be implemented not only in the spin-off but also in the main series.
Ahead of its implementation in the main series, you’ll be able to explore the Shift a little earlier in *Minecraft Dungeons II*, which launches on September 29.
The next Game Drop will introduce the “Ice Caves” underground biome
The next game drop (update) will add a new cave biome called “Ice Caves.”
Like Stalactite Caves and Lush Caves, this is an underground biome where, in addition to ice and calcite, the new blocks “Icicles” and “Ice Crystals” will generate.Icicles grow naturally from the ceiling, while Ice Crystals grow from the ground; the latter emit a faint glow. It’s also reported that dangerous icicles will appear—ones that fall when exposed to strong light.
During the post-show segment, attendees explored the Ice Caves and participated in a mini-game featuring Frozen Zombies and icicles.
A new mob, a new variant of the zombie called the “Frozen Zombie” (official name TBD), will also make its debut. When attacked, it inflicts damage and applies a freezing effect; there are also individuals that throw ice balls from a distance.
Additionally, “Ice Balls” as an item and “Freeze Potions,” which slow down the target when thrown, will be added and are scheduled to be released in a snapshot (test version) soon.
At the start of the stream, Game Director Agnes Larsson explained that “adventure” is a key focus area in the long-term vision for *Minecraft*. She noted that this latest game drop aligns with that vision.
*Minecraft Dungeons II* Finally Launches on September 29
A live gameplay demo was also shown for *Minecraft Dungeons II*, which is set to launch on September 29. In the world following the defeat of the “Evil Villager King” and the “Orb of Domination” in the previous game, the ecological balance has been disrupted, and a new crisis has emerged with the formation of the “High Council of Evil Villagers.”
In this installment, the game has evolved from the mission-based structure of the previous title to an “Interconnected World” where each area is seamlessly linked. New features include the ability to jump and perform jump attacks, while the build system has also been refined with more specialized armor slots and the addition of “Talisman” slots that allow players to specialize their playstyle.
When you enter the rifts that appear around the world, you’ll be transported to the Shifts. The Shifts are vibrant dimensions filled with souls and the liquid “Ikor,” featuring areas such as “Meadows” and “Carapace.”
During the post-main-story “After Show,” a live co-op gameplay demo was showcased. Footage was revealed of players setting out from the base “Brave Haven” to battle the boss “Monarch.”
The Nintendo Switch 2 version launches on October 27, along with a sound effects pack
"Minecraft" for Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on October 27. It will also support the "Vibrant Visuals" feature.
A “Sound Effect Pack,” which allows players to customize in-game sound effects to their liking, is scheduled to arrive on the Marketplace later this year.Additionally, Jens Bergenström, CCO of Mojang Studios, discussed the “Creator Platform” initiative, which aims to lower the barrier to entry so that more players can become creators by improving tools and systems that make creating, managing, and sharing content easier.
In other news, “Minecraft Education” is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
“Minecraft World” Theme Park in London to Open in 2027
Merlin Entertainments and Mojang Studios have released further details on “Minecraft World,” a theme park area scheduled to open in 2027 at Chessington World of Adventures Resort in London, UK.
“Escape the Nether,” set to be the world’s first “Minecraft” roller coaster, will feature a track that winds through both indoor and outdoor sections. Additionally, the world’s first “Minecraft World Hotel” will open, offering a deep-sea-themed diner and themed guest rooms.
In the pre-show preceding the main “Minecraft LIVE” broadcast, creators and communities from around the world were featured. The global community was highlighted, including the five-member Japanese group Dozuru-sha.
“Minecraft Dungeons II,” which lets players get an early look at the new “Shift” dimension, is scheduled for release on September 29, 2026, for PC (Steam/Microsoft Store), XBOX Series X|S, PS5, and Nintendo Switch 2 (listed as September 30 on Steam, Japan Time). It is also compatible with Game Pass.
*UPDATE (October 17, 2026, 6:11 PM): The main text has been corrected.
