Huge ‘Minecraft’ TU31 Update Live For PlayStation And Xbox Consoles
Minecraft for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PS3, and Xbox 360 just got more bountiful. Mojang released Title Update 31 (TU31, aka Update 1.8.8) to the console versions of the popular open-world sandbox game on Friday.
There are two important things of note about the latest Minecraft update. First, the release to the PS Vita has been delayed until next week due to some last minute issue discovered during certification. Second, the newly released Minecraft: Wii U Edition will not receive the update until 2016. Mojang’s Owen Hill explained they are attempting to get new updates to Nintendo’s console synched up with the other console releases as soon as possible.
The changelog across all PlayStation and Xbox platforms is simply massive and much too large to publish here. Mojang posted a full run down on its website, but you can also find a high level overview below.
We’ve just released a ridonkulously big update for Xbox and PlayStation Editions! Read the massive changelog here: https://t.co/uot7A8wZy1
— Minecraft (@Minecraft) December 18, 2015
Update 1.8.8 brings the Minecraft: PlayStation Edition and Xbox Edition up to the equivalent of version 1.8.1 on the PC, which is known as the Bountiful Update. That’s only a single major release from the main Minecraft platform, though Mojang is still testing the 1.9 Combat Update for release in early 2016.
This update for Minecraft on consoles adds ocean temples guarded by new mobs called Guardians and Elder Guardians to the gameplay experience. There are also new biomes such as Savanna, Deep Ocean, Mesa, and others along with 20 new Technical Biomes. Meanwhile, the existing Jungle, Swamp, Plains, Extreme Hills, and Ocean biomes all have received various tweaks.
New biomes bring new blocks to Minecraft, too. The number of blocks available to use in the game has been expanded by 22 with the addition of new blocks such as Wet Sponge, Slime Blocks, Red Sandstone, and more. Meanwhile, the number of in-game items has taken a big leap, too, with spawn eggs now available for new mobs like Rabbits, Endermites, and Guardians along with different variations of Rabbit to eat.
A new Tutorial World for Minecraft console players to explore is available, as well. Developer 4J Studios filled it with many of the new additions made to the game and constructed new areas for players to explore and learn. Audio for Minecarts, Cows, and Mushrooms also got a refresh.
The pub in the new #TU31 Minecraft tutorial looks remarkably like our local pub in East Linton ? @TheCrownkitchen pic.twitter.com/rvkPa9O5Ps — 4J Studios (@4JStudios) December 18, 2015
Fishing has been given a boost with the chance to capture fish such as Salmon, Clownfish, and Pufferfish or treasure including an Enchanted Fishing Rod or even a Saddle. There’s still a chance to bring up junk, though. That list includes Rotten Flesh, String, and Leather Boots among others.
Existing mobs, both friendly and not, have received some changes, as well. Villagers received new professions and trading schemes along with the ability to harvest crops. They’ll need a little extra incentive to pop out baby villagers, though, by giving them three bread, 12 carrots, or 12 potatoes. Watch out for lightning; a villager that rides the lightning will turn into a Witch.
Other mob changes include Skeletons fleeing from Wolves, Sheep dropping Mutton, and Baby Zombies dropping XP orbs. Meanwhile, Witches can now or drop a Potion of Water Breathing while Zombie Pigmen will lose some of their aggressiveness.
To celebrate the 2nd birthday of Minecraft on Sony consoles, there’s a free 2nd Birthday Skin Pack on PS3 & PS4 ? pic.twitter.com/6sBzrf6SzN
— 4J Studios (@4JStudios) December 18, 2015
Banners are the notable absence from the Minecraft console update that were included in the Bountiful update for the PC. Banners are decorative blocks that can be customized in the PC version of the game with different colors, stripes, and patterns. Mojang plans to introduce Shield with the 1.9 PC update, which allows distinct looks with the application of Banners. It’s possible Banners will be added with the Combat Update equivalent for consoles.
What do you think of the Minecraft TU31? What about the Update 1.8.8 release for PlayStation and Xbox consoles? Sound off in the comments below.
[Image via Mojang]
