Source: Windows Central
What you need to know
- Minecraft is back from the holidays with a new snapshot for Minecraft: Java Edition.
- 1.16.5 Release Candidate 1 resolves two critical stability issues with the Nether Update.
- If all goes well, 1.16.5 should release to the general public as soon as Friday.
- Mojang Studios is hoping to release a proper Caves and Cliffs Update snapshot sometime next week.
Minecraft is officially back from the holidays with the 1.16.5 snapshot for Minecraft: Java Edition, which aims to be a minor release that resolves two critical stability issues with Minecraft. This update is still part of the Nether Update, but could very well be the final update we see in the 1.16 branch before Mojang Studios firmly shifts their focus to the wildly anticipated and positively massive Caves and Cliffs Update coming in Summer 2021.
If everything goes well with this 1.16.5 Release Candidate snapshot, this update could be released to everyone as soon as Friday. If you want to help Mojang Studios with their testing, be sure to read up on how to test Minecraft: Java Edition snapshots first. Mojang Studios also mentioned that they'd like to release a Caves and Cliffs Update snapshot sometime next week.
We've already seen Caves and Cliffs Update features in snapshots, but it'll be nice to see testing begin more in earnest in the months leading up to a final release of this massive update. While you're waiting for the Caves and Cliffs Update to drop, check out some of the Best Minecraft Merch, Toys, and Gifts that's perfect for any Minecraft fan.
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

We're going to see tons of game delays this year and that's OK
We'll be seeing a lot of games delayed throughout 2021, more than were delayed in 2020. Right now, you should only depend on playing things that were originally supposed to release last year. Here's why that's OK.

AMD's Radeon RX 6000 GPUs have arrived. Here's where to find them.
AMD's Radeon RX 6000 GPUs aren't easy to find, and you might be wondering which models are available where. Check out the retailers and models you can expect to buy when stock normalizes.

These are the biggest PC announcements from CES 2021
CES 2021 was different in that it wasn't held at a physical location. Instead, companies relied on press kits and virtual presentations to showcase all the new products. We've rounded up the best PC-related announcements in case you happened to miss the show.

These great PC survival games will have you hooked in no time
Survival games task players with navigating harsh environments by gathering resources, building tools, and crafting shelters. These are the best representatives of the genre you can play on your PC.