Minecraft: Java Edition gets Pre-Release 2 and 3 for 'the Nether Update's' 1.16.2 update

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By Zachary Boddy
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The next stage of the Nether Update is upon us.

Minecraft Nether Update Java Image
Minecraft Nether Update Java Image (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • The Nether Update for Minecraft has been out for a while, but isn't perfect.
  • To address some of the biggest complaints, as well as add new features and enhancements, 1.16.2 is coming soon.
  • This update is currently in testing, but has recently entered Pre-Release for Minecraft: Java Edition.
  • Pre-Release 2 and 3 are both coming out today, featuring more bug fixes for the upcoming release.

The Nether Update was a massive update for Minecraft, and as such there's still plenty of work for Mojang Studios to do in order to make the release as polished as possible. This means a smaller update underneath the Nether Update branch, bringing bug fixes, enhancements, and even a new feature or two. Enter: 1.16.2, the next update for Minecraft (no, not the Mountain Update).

According to Minecraft's blog, Pre-Release 2 and 3 are both rolling out to players of the Java Edition, bringing further bug changes right before the update comes out. Now that 1.16.2 is in Pre-Release, I only expect it to be a few more weeks before everyone gets to taste the numerous changes in store. These Pre-Releases are only for small tweaks and improvements, however, so don't expect anything wild.

Pre-Release 2 brought a decent list of changes, as well as making it so crimson and warped roots no longer require shears to be mined. Pre-Release 3 built on top of this with more bug fixes, with an apparent focus on overall stability in comparison to Pre-Release 2. This isn't very exciting, of course, but 1.16.2 will bring the new piglin brute mob to Minecraft, as well as make some improvements to netherite, chain blocks, and much more. Hopefully it won't be too much longer now!

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Zachary Boddy
Zachary Boddy
Staff Writer

Zachary Boddy (They / Them) is a Staff Writer for Windows Central, primarily focused on covering the latest news in tech and gaming, the best Xbox and PC games, and the most interesting Windows and Xbox hardware. They have been gaming and writing for most of their life starting with the original Xbox, and started out as a freelancer for Windows Central and its sister sites in 2019. Now a full-fledged Staff Writer, Zachary has expanded from only writing about all things Minecraft to covering practically everything on which Windows Central is an expert, especially when it comes to Microsoft. You can find Zachary on Twitter @BoddyZachary.