When is the release date for Minecraft's 'Caves and Cliffs Update'?

Minecraft Caves And Cliffs Update Copper Source: Mojang Studios

Months ago, back during Minecon 2019, Mojang Studios was laying out a busy year ahead for the global gaming phenomenon known as Minecraft. The Buzzy Bees Update added a cute, fuzzy new mob and mechanics, followed by the absolutely massive Nether Update. Now we're on to the next stage of Minecraft after Minecraft Live 2020, and Mojang Studios is setting out for an even bigger year with the Caves and Cliffs Update.

Instead of its usual tik/tok cadence for updates, Minecraft is putting all their cards down for one huge update that's coming next year, skipping the minor update usually slated for the Holiday season. So when does the Caves and Cliffs Update release? We have all the information you need right here.

VPN Deals: Lifetime license for $16, monthly plans at $1 & more

When is the release date for the Caves and Cliffs Update in Minecraft?

Source: Mojang Studios

Mojang Studios hasn't confirmed an exact release date for the Caves and Cliffs Update, and is keeping its cards close to the chest. Right now, all hands are on deck to make the Nether Update as awesome as can be, with continued patch updates and bug fixes rolling out all the time. We do know that the Caves and Cliffs Update won't be arriving in 2020, and that Mojang Studios will be skipping its usual minor update for the Holiday Season.

What was previously rumored to be "the Mountain Update" for the second half of 2020 is instead being rolled into the colossal and much more impressive Caves and Cliffs Update, which will take Mojang Studios a considerable amount of time to develop and roll out to players. This means we're going to be waiting longer than usual for this particular release, but the wait will be well worth it, judging solely from the features we already know about.

What does this mean? According to Mojang Studios at Minecraft Live 2020, the Caves and Cliffs Update will release sometime during the summer of 2021, which indicates a June-August release window. There's some wiggle room there if Mojang Studios needs extra time (or if they're ahead of schedule, which I don't expect). If I had to guess, I would speculate an early July 2021 release date, with early beta and insider builds beginning either right at the end of 2020 or the beginning of 2021.

Of course, most of this is pure speculation, beyond a vague release window, so we'll be sure to keep our eyes peeled for definitive information, and update this post any time we learn more. The closer we get to the actual release of the Caves and Cliffs Update, the more we'll be able to narrow it down. For now, a release in the summer months of 2021 is the most likely.

If you're interested in bringing a little bit of Minecraft into the real world, be sure to check out some of the best Minecraft toys, especially if you're in the market for some Minecraft-themed gifts.

When do you think the Caves and Cliffs Update will release? Do you think Mojang Studios will do something smaller in the interim, even if it's as simple as a single new mob? Let us know in the comments below!

A gaming masterpiece

Minecraft

Available everywhere you play.

Minecraft is an inarguable and complete success. It has sold copies in the hundreds of millions, has a huge following of dedicated players, and lets you unlock your every creative desire. It's also available on every platform imaginable, including Xbox One, Windows 10, Playstation 4, and Nintendo Switch. Play with anyone, and play anywhere.