Java Edition 1.16

1.16, the first release of the Nether Update, is an upcoming major update to Java Edition which will overhaul the Nether. This update was announced at MINECON Live 2019.

Blocks

 * Blue fire
 * Acts the same as regular fire.
 * Fire lit on soul sand will turn blue.
 * Generates naturally in the soulsand valley biome in the Nether.


 * Nether fungi
 * At least two new types of fungi will be added to the Netherwart Forests. One is teal with orange spots and the other is pinkish red in a brain-like pattern.


 * Blue nether wart block
 * A variation of the nether wart block.
 * Generates in the Blue Netherwart Forest.


 * Nether grass
 * Generates in the Red and Blue Netherwart Forest.


 * Target Block
 * Emits a redstone signal when shot with an arrow.
 * Signal is stronger depending on how close the arrow is to the center of the block.

Mobs

 * Piglins
 * Found in the Nether.
 * Are naturally hostile towards the player, unless the player is wearing gold armor.
 * Even if the player wears gold armor, piglins will become aggravated towards the player if they open a chest containing any item crafted with or related to gold near the piglin.
 * Can spawn wielding gold swords or crossbows.
 * Will be able to barter with the player.
 * Will attack wither skeletons and the new piglin beast.


 * Piglin beasts
 * Found in the Nether.
 * Are naturally hostile towards the player.
 * Appear to have a higher melee range than most mobs.
 * Can be bred and used as a source of food in the Nether.
 * Appear to drop raw beef, though this is likely a placeholder.
 * Name is not yet finalized and will be decided on by the community.

World generation

 * Biomes
 * The Nether will get at least three new biomes:
 * The Soulsand Valley includes uncovered fossils, soul sands, large speleothems, blue fog, and blue fire.
 * The Netherwart Forest Red is a dense forest with trees made of nether wart blocks.
 * The Netherwart Forest Blue is a variation of the red netherwart forest, with nether fungi found on the ground.


 * Generated structures
 * Bastions
 * Fortifications built by piglins that are found in the Nether.

Mobs

 * Zombie pigmen
 * Will be renamed to zombified piglins.

Gameplay

 * Respawning
 * Players will be able to respawn in specific parts of the Nether. Although leaving will be randomized.