Minecraft is getting its fourth dimension, but players will see it first in Minecraft Dungeons II. The action RPG launches on 29 September 2026, while The Sift is planned for Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition in 2027.
The Sift is Minecraft’s first new dimension in more than 14 years, joining the Overworld, Nether and End. Dungeons II will provide the first playable look at its mobs, blocks, biomes and environmental rules before the dimension reaches the main game.
For Java and Bedrock, Mojang has so far shown only a brief in-development glimpse of The Sift running in Minecraft itself.
The Sift adds shifting conditions and two revealed biomes
In Dungeons II, rifts connect the Overworld to The Sift. The dimension has unique mobs, new environmental rules and shifting conditions that can affect the player and nearby creatures. Hazardous blocks also change how some areas are approached.
Two named biomes, Meadows and Carapace, have been shown, while Mojang is keeping other regions secret until launch.
Dungeons II opens The Sift on 29 September 2026
Minecraft Dungeons II launches 29 September 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Steam, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, and is included with Game Pass.
The sequel also changes the structure of the original Minecraft Dungeons. Instead of choosing isolated missions from a camp, players can move through large connected regions containing settlements, structures, narrative events, caves, ruins and fast-travel points. Main and side quests span both the Overworld and The Sift as players investigate a destabilized ecosystem and a returning Illager threat.
Players can also jump for the first time, opening routes to hidden areas and allowing attacks from above.
Dungeons II doubles combat slots and rebuilds enchanting
- Gear: Combat equipment slots increase from six to 12. Armor is split into helmet, chestplate, leggings and boots, while talismans add passive bonuses. Gear can also roll randomized effects.
- Ranged combat: Projectile ammunition is unlimited and recharges over time instead of depending on arrow pickups.
- Enchanting: Enchantment books are collected in a personal library, applied through the Enchantsmith and upgraded over time.
- Co-op: Up to four players can use couch co-op, online cross-play or mixed local-and-online play, with matchmaking and party codes also supported.
Ice Caves are coming to the Overworld separately
Ice Caves are a separate addition to the main game rather than part of The Sift. Mojang showed the new cave biome as part of an upcoming Minecraft game drop.
Ice Caves contain ice and calcite alongside new icicles and ice crystals. Icicles grow from cave ceilings, while ice crystals form on the ground and emit light. The biome also introduces an unnamed frozen zombie variant whose attacks can apply a freezing effect. Some frozen zombies can also throw ice balls at the player.
Game director Agnes Larsson tied the drop to Mojang’s longer-term focus on adventure. Ice Caves expand the existing Overworld, while The Sift follows a separate release path and is planned for Java and Bedrock in 2027.
For another recent Java Edition development, our Minecraft 26.3 Snapshot 4 report covers the move to SDL3 and native Wayland on Linux.
Creator tools, Switch 2 and Minecraft World round out the show
- Creator tools: Mojang outlined a Creator Platform initiative aimed at making Minecraft content easier to create, manage and share. Sound Effects Packs are also coming to the Marketplace.
- Nintendo Switch 2: The native version launches 27 October 2026 with Vibrant Visuals, an updated Super Mario Mash-Up and an upgrade path for existing Switch owners.
- Minecraft World: The Chessington World of Adventures project is planned for 2027 and will include a Minecraft World Hotel and the Escape the Nether roller coaster.
The Sift has a 2027 window, not a release date
For Java and Bedrock, Mojang has only committed to 2027. The exact timing and access method remain unannounced, and the studio has not detailed which Dungeons II biomes, mobs, blocks or shifting conditions will carry over. Mojang says future Minecraft Live events will provide more information.
Sources: Minecraft LIVE recap, Xbox Wire — The Sift, and Minecraft Dungeons II gameplay systems.