The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →To play Minecraft’s April Fools update for 2026, launch Minecraft: Java Edition using the Latest Snapshot profile. In the official Minecraft Launcher, go to Installations, enable snapshots, and select Latest Snapshot. Back up any world you care about or use a separate game folder first: Mojang warns that snapshots can corrupt worlds.
Which Minecraft April Fools update is current?
The current April Fools update is The Herdcraft Update, published by Minecraft on April 1, 2026. It is a snapshot for Minecraft: Java Edition, not a Bedrock or console update. Mojang also says it can be played on Java Realms.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Minecraft: Switch Edition | $32.65 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Minecraft Legends Deluxe Edition | $49.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Minecraft | Standard Edition | XBOX Digital Code | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Minecraft | Java & Bedrock Deluxe Collection | Windows Digital Code | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Herdcraft turns the usual inventory idea into its joke premise: blocks and items follow the player as “spirits,” and the world becomes the inventory. You can direct blocks into a crafting grid placed in the world and order weapons to attack enemies. These are features of this April Fools snapshot, not changes to the regular release game.
How to enable the Herdcraft snapshot
- Use Java Edition. Herdcraft is Java-only; the snapshot toggle does not provide access to this update in Bedrock Edition or on consoles.
- Protect your worlds. Back up any valuable world, or configure the launcher to use a separate game directory so the snapshot stays apart from your normal saves. Mojang warns that snapshot versions can corrupt worlds.
- Open the official Minecraft Launcher and select Installations.
- Enable snapshots in the Installations view.
- Select Latest Snapshot and launch the game.
The launcher wording or availability may change. Mojang’s Herdcraft announcement is the official reference for the current snapshot instructions.
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- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
How to return to the regular Minecraft release
In the launcher, choose Latest Release instead of Latest Snapshot to start the regular release version. Keep in mind that worlds opened or changed in a snapshot may not be safe to use in another version; use your backup or separate game folder rather than relying on switching profiles to undo changes.
Can you play an older April Fools update?
Older April Fools snapshots are separate historical versions, so selecting Latest Snapshot will not necessarily load one. They may require choosing a specific historical version in the launcher. The current official Herdcraft instructions do not establish the complete archive procedure, so follow the relevant version’s official guidance rather than assuming the 2026 steps apply unchanged.
Rank #2
- Explore randomly-generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in Creative Mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armour to fend off the dangerous mobs
Do you need to download or buy anything extra?
If you already own Java Edition, the official launcher is the route to the snapshot; the how-to does not require a mod, add-on, or unofficial download. The official Minecraft download page lists Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC for people who do not own the game. Owning that PC edition provides Java Edition access; it does not make Herdcraft available in Bedrock.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- DELUXE COLLECTION — Includes Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition, three Bedrock add-ons, three exclusive Character Creator items, and 700 Minecoins.
- CREATE YOUR WORLD — Build whatever you imagine in an infinite world that’s unique in every playthrough.
- EXPLORE AND CRAFT — Discover biomes, resources, and mobs, then craft your way through a sandbox world filled with surprises.
- SURVIVE THE ADVENTURE — Face mysterious foes, travel across exciting landscapes, and venture into perilous dimensions.
- PLAY TOGETHER — Play cross-platform with friends in Bedrock Edition on console, mobile, and PC, or join community servers in Java Edition on PC, Mac, and Linux. Online console multiplayer requires a platform-specific subscription (sold separately).
Rank #4
- CREATE YOUR WORLD — Build whatever you imagine in an infinite world that is unique in every playthrough.
- EXPLORE AND CRAFT — Discover biomes, resources, and mobs, then craft your way through a sandbox world full of surprises.
- SURVIVAL ADVENTURES — Face mysterious foes, travel across varied landscapes, and venture into perilous dimensions.
- PLAY TOGETHER — Play solo or join friends in local split-screen and cross-platform play across console, mobile, and PC. Online multiplayer supports up to 8 players.
- COMMUNITY PLAY — Connect with players on community servers, or subscribe to Realms Plus (sold separately) to play with up to 10 friends on a private server.
Rank #3
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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