The gaming landscape for Minecraft virtual reality enthusiasts has changed significantly with the latest update. Mojang has officially ended support for VR and mixed reality devices in Minecraft's Bedrock Edition, a move that was announced last year but has now been implemented with the release of version 1.21.80.
The End of Official VR Support
As detailed in the latest Minecraft: Bedrock Edition 1.21.80 Update patch notes, Mojang has officially removed support for virtual reality and mixed reality devices. This change follows the company's announcement from October last year, where they stated that VR support would cease after March 2025. According to Mojang's original statement, the reasoning behind this decision was that our ability to support VR/MR devices has come to an end. While players can still receive updates on their PC and continue building worlds or using Marketplace purchases, the immersive VR experience through official channels is no longer available.
Alternative Options for VR Enthusiasts
Despite the removal of official support, Minecraft players still have options to experience the game in virtual reality. Those who own the Java version of Minecraft for PC can utilize mods such as Vivecraft, which works across many VR platforms, or QuestCraft, a port specifically designed for Meta Quest headsets. These community-developed solutions provide a way for players to continue enjoying Minecraft in VR, albeit without official support or guarantees of compatibility with future game updates.
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| Despite the removal of official VR support, players can still immerse themselves in Minecraft through community mods and experiences |
Major Features in Bedrock Edition 1.21.80
Beyond the VR support removal, the 1.21.80 update introduces several significant features to Minecraft Bedrock Edition. One of the most notable additions is the implementation of Flat World Presets, allowing players to create worlds with various flat terrain options including Classic Flat, Tunnelers' Dream, Water World, and more. This feature gives builders more control over their creative environments and provides specialized terrain for different gameplay styles.
Experimental Features and Future Content
The update also includes numerous experimental features that hint at future content coming to Minecraft. Under the Drop 2 2025 experimental toggle, players can test new features like the Dried Ghast block, which can spawn a new mob called the Ghastling when waterlogged. The Ghastling eventually grows into a Happy Ghast, a new flying mount that can carry up to four players. These additions suggest a focus on expanding transportation and mob interaction mechanics in future updates.
Vibrant Visuals Experimental Feature
Another experimental feature introduced in this update is Vibrant Visuals, which enhances Minecraft's graphical presentation on supported devices. This rendering mode is available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4/5, select Android and iOS devices, and PC with DirectX 12. The feature offers presets for balancing between visual quality and performance, allowing players to customize their experience based on their hardware capabilities.
Bug Fixes and Quality of Life Improvements
The 1.21.80 update addresses numerous bugs and technical issues that players have encountered. Fixes include resolving problems with sound on Android Fire Tablets, correcting Wolf spawning sounds, fixing issues with players passing through blocks at specific coordinates, and addressing client-server desynchronization during portal travel on Realms. These improvements aim to create a more stable and consistent gameplay experience across all platforms.
Java Edition Updates
Alongside the Bedrock Edition update, Mojang has also released Minecraft: Java Edition 1.21.5, titled Spring to Life. This update brings new mob variants, ambient sounds, and decorative plants to the Overworld. Players can discover fluffy pigs, firefly bushes, and experience a revamped world with enhanced ambiance. The Java Edition update represents a parallel development path that often introduces features that may eventually make their way to Bedrock Edition.
Looking Forward
As Minecraft continues to evolve across its different editions, the removal of VR support marks a significant change in the game's development direction. While some players may be disappointed by this decision, the introduction of new features and experimental content demonstrates Mojang's ongoing commitment to expanding and improving the Minecraft experience. The gaming community will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how these experimental features develop and what new additions might appear in future updates.