The next update to the PC version of Minecraft has been a while coming, and players will still have a while to wait before they can download the patch. Along with the usual bug-squishing and performance improvements, we can look forward to a new adventure mode, NPC trading and many more additions.
Minecraft 1.3 will be released on August 1, 2012; with a pre-release version available a week prior to that date.
One of the more notable features of 1.3 is the ‘merge’ of single-player and multiplayer, which allows single-player worlds to be opened up to others on your local area network. Multiplayer commands (/gamemode, /give etc.) will also be usable in single-player, provided that cheats are enabled.
Emeralds and emerald ore are in, the former being used as a currency to trade with NPCs. Also added are tripwires, writeable books, experience from mining ores, new terrain features, cocoa plants, improved enchanting and a new creative mode inventory.
Mojang warn players that the resource requirements for single-player worlds are likely to increase as a result of the ‘merge’ with multiplayer; but multiplayer stability will increase and other performance improvements may offset the extra work your CPU is having to put in. There are also lighting issues, and adventure mode is far from complete.
For a full list of expected changes, check this Reddit post.
Photo: Mojang/Vareide, Official Minecraft Trailer