Minecraft 1.20.5 pre-release 3 patch notes: What's changing?

Minecraft is a sandbox video game that allows players to explore, build, and create in a pixelated, procedurally generated 3D world, and has become one of the best-selling video games all time. With the release of the next update of Minecraft, version 1.20.5, developers have begun rolling out pre-release snapshot updates for the Java Edition. These early snapshots offer a sneak peek at the finalised features and bug fixes planned for the upcoming update.

In the world of Minecraft, updates are essential for introducing new content, fixing bugs, and improving gameplay mechanics. The 1.20.5 pre-release 3 update, while not introducing any new features, focuses primarily on addressing bugs to enhance the overall gaming experience.

One notable technical change in this pre-release is the update to Data Pack version 41. This update replaces the entity type tag "minecraft:punchable_projectiles" with "minecraft:redirectable_projectile" for projectiles that can be redirected by player attacks.

Bug Fixes in 1.20.5 Pre-Release 3

The 1.20.5 pre-release 3 update includes several bug fixes aimed at resolving issues encountered by players:

1. Panorama no longer spins quickly when exiting the world.
2. A crash caused by setting an out-of-range amplifier with the "set_ominous_bottle_amplifier" item modifier has been fixed.
3. Screen flashing no longer occurs when changing render distance and biome blend settings.
4. Projectiles can once again deflect ghast fireballs.
5. Players can sprint or walk across one-block gaps as they could before the previous pre-release.

These bug fixes address various issues, ranging from gameplay disruptions to performance optimisations, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience for players.

The efforts of the developers are evident in the rapid release of pre-release updates, with the second iteration of the 1.20.5 pre-release. This proactive approach demonstrates the commitment of the development team to promptly address and resolve issues, hinting at a forthcoming release date for the official update.

To test the latest snapshot, players can enable the "Snapshots" option in the Minecraft launcher and download the update directly. However, it's important to note that snapshots may contain instability, bugs, or performance issues on some systems. These early releases serve as an opportunity for players to preview new features and report any issues they encounter, contributing to the refinement of the final update.