A Minecraft update that lets players on Xbox and Windows PCs team up with friends on Apple and Google devices has been released as a beta.
The Better Together Update has been rolled out as a beta on Windows 10 and Android, with Xbox One beta access to follow soon.
New features for the popular block-building game include stained glass, fireworks, parrots, armour stands, coarse dirt, ravines, recipe books, jukeboxes, plus much more. There are also new scenarios, such as Bonus Chest and Starting Map, as well as updated game rules, player permissions, host options and tips.
The update also increases the number of players using higher-end devices who can join a world, so more fans can build together.
The Better Together Update brings together the console, mobile and Windows 10 versions of the game in a single edition. This means people can work together to create worlds in the popular block-building game regardless of which operating system they are using – Windows, iOS or Android. The update also applies to Nintendo Switch players and those using virtual reality devices.
Gamers playing Minecraft on a mobile or VR device will get a free update; those who own Minecraft: Xbox One Edition or Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition will receive the new version free of charge, with their existing worlds and downloadable content moving over, too.
Any downloadable content, such as skin packs, bought on one of the operating systems will now be available on all of them. So, buying the Greek Mythology pack on Nintendo Switch means you can also use it in the mobile, Xbox One and Windows 10 editions as well.
Everything you need to know about Minecraft
The Better Together Update will also create a server browser in the Minecraft start menu, allowing players to easily find worlds they would like to join. There will initially be four servers – Lifeboat, Mineplex, InPVP and CubeCraft – with more added in the future. All servers featured in the browser will have parental controls to ensure everyone can enjoy Minecraft safely.
The servers are not part of the beta but will be added as they become ready.
Marketplace, where players can buy maps and skin and texture packs from professional “content creators”, is in the Android and Windows 10 beta, but is yet to be confirmed for the Xbox One beta.
Minecraft is one of the most popular computer games of all time, with more than 106 million copies sold to date – including four to people in Antarctica. Since the beginning of 2016, more than 53,000 copies have been sold every day, and more than 40 million people play Minecraft every month.
How to download the Minecraft Better Together Update beta on Xbox One and Windows 10
Note: You will need to own the digital version of the game.
1. Go to the Store app on Xbox One or a Windows 10 PC.
2. Search for the Xbox Insider Hub app.
3. Download and install Xbox Insider Hub.
4. Launch the Xbox Insider Hub.
5. Navigate to Insider content > Minecraft Beta.
6. Select Join.
7. Have fun!
