26.1

Minecraft 26.1 is where the version numbers changed: after fifteen years of 1.x the game moved to a number that starts with the year. In the registries the release is small, adding the Golden Dandelion and its potted form. It was released on March 24, 2026 as one of the game's numbered feature updates.

At its heart, 26.1 is the first release under the new version numbers. The standout addition is minecraft moved from 1.21.x to a year-based number. The first release after 1.21.11 and the first of the 26 series.

This page breaks 26.1 down into 2 headline features, 1 notable gameplay or technical change, and a plain-language summary of why the update matters. Java Edition is the original PC version of Minecraft, available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

The most talked-about part of the Golden Dandelion update is minecraft moved from 1.21.x to a year-based number.

In full, 26.1 adds Golden Dandelion and Potted Golden Dandelion and the first release numbered 26.1 instead of 1.22. Together these are what make Golden Dandelion worth updating to, and each appears in the Major Features list on this page.

Beyond new content, 26.1 reworks how parts of the game behave. The notable changes include protocol 775, data pack 101, resource pack 84. Adjustments of this kind reshape day-to-day play for existing worlds as much as new ones.

To play Minecraft 26.1 on Java Edition, open the official Minecraft Launcher, select the Java Edition tab, and use the version dropdown beside the Play button to choose 26.1. As a full release it appears in the standard release list by default.

Before updating an existing world to 26.1, it is good practice to copy the save folder first. Worlds from 1.21.11 upgrade in place, but newly generated chunks will use 26.1's world generation while older chunks keep their original terrain.