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Minecraft’s latest Java and Bedrock test builds add Ice Caves, a hostile Frostbite zombie, Ice Balls, and new ice blocks. The features are available to test in Java Edition 26.4 Snapshot 3, published October 6, 2026, and Bedrock Edition Preview 26.60.29, published September 30, 2026. They are still in development, and Mojang has not confirmed a stable-release date.
Which Minecraft previews have Ice Caves?
The features are in Java Edition 26.4 Snapshot 3 and Bedrock Edition Preview 26.60.29. Mojang groups them with the upcoming final game drop of 2026 and invites players to test them, but that framing is not a confirmed release schedule. Behavior and appearance may change before a stable release. Java Snapshot 3 notes and Bedrock Preview 26.60.29 notes describe the build-specific changes; Mojang’s overview explains the testing context.
Use the Java snapshot track or Bedrock Preview/beta to try the content. Mojang’s overview encourages players to send feedback and bug reports. It does not give complete platform-by-platform access instructions, so consult the official channel for your edition and platform.
Where do Ice Caves generate, and what is inside?
Ice Caves are a new cave biome that generates beneath colder or low-temperature Overworld biomes. Their main blocks are Packed Ice and Calcite, with icicles on the ceilings and occasional snow patches. Ores appear embedded in Stone and Deepslate pockets, while Ice Crystals may generate on the ground. Glow Lichen does not generate in this biome.
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Strays and Frostbites can spawn in Ice Caves alongside the mobs normally found in caves. The combination of hostile mobs and dangerous overhead icicles makes the biome more than a visual variation: watch the ceiling as well as the tunnels ahead.
Ice Crystals
Ice Crystals are crystal-like blocks with an Amethyst Cluster-style appearance. They emit light and can be placed in any direction, but they break if their supporting block is removed. Bedrock’s current preview notes that the crystals are smaller than intended, so their test-build size should not be taken as final.
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Icicles
Icicles are speleothem-like blocks that appear throughout Ice Cave ceilings. In Java Snapshot 3, downward-pointing icicles can grow naturally to five blocks long in dark areas outside the Nether. They can fall and damage entities, with additional damage if an entity lands on one. Nearby light or placement in the Nether breaks pointed icicles.
What does the Frostbite zombie do?
Frostbite is a hostile zombie variant that spawns in cold or icy biomes. It chooses between melee and ranged attacks according to its distance from a target and whether it has Ice Balls. At close range, its melee attack applies the Freezing effect; at range, it throws Ice Balls.
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Frostbites can stand on Powder Snow and are immune to freezing and its slowing effects. If they remain underwater long enough, they transform into Zombies. They drop Rotten Flesh and Ice Balls. Zombies and Husks that enter Powder Snow transform into Frostbites, making Powder Snow a source of the threat as well as terrain to navigate.
How do Freezing and Ice Balls work?
Freezing gradually makes affected entities look frozen and can eventually damage players. Leather armor offers protection similar to its protection against Powder Snow, but the Java snapshot notes an important distinction: leather does not prevent the Freezing effect from being applied or remove an effect that is already active.
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Mobs vulnerable to freezing take five times damage while affected. Ice Balls deal up to four damage, with damage reduced by projectile velocity, and apply knockback. These are test-build mechanics and may be adjusted.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should players keep in mind while testing?
- Check above you: icicles can fall and hurt entities below them.
- Do not rely on leather to cancel Freezing: it protects against the effect’s danger but does not stop or clear the effect in the Java snapshot.
- Watch Powder Snow: Zombies and Husks can transform into Frostbites there.
- Expect changes: the features are in previews and snapshots, not a confirmed stable release.
Mojang asks players to explore the new biome, fight the Frostbite, use Ice Balls, build with Ice Crystals and icicles, and report bugs or share feedback through its testing channels.
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