For several years now, Minecraft fans have been waiting for an End update. Mojang brought major updates to the Nether and Overworld realms, but has not added anything significant to the End. The only feature they added was the End flashes, which do not mean anything in particular.
With the recent development cycle changes Mojang has implemented, an argument can be made that Minecraft might get a major End update. Rather, the developers might drip-feed new End features through various game drops.
Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer’s opinion.
Reasons why Minecraft might get End game drops instead of major End update
Recent Minecraft numbering system change hints at Mojang’s vision
Recently, Mojang dropped a massive announcement about changing Minecraft’s version numbering system. Previously, every version started with 1, followed by the major update number, then a minor update number. In Bedrock Edition, there was a fourth number indicating beta and previews.
From 2026, however, the first number of the version will denote the year, followed by the next number for the game drop. They provided a picture for reference, where they converted 2025 game drop versions to the new format.
Though this change was made to remove confusion about 1.21 shifting to 1.22, and other various disparities between Java and Bedrock, it also gave a hint that Mojang is currently committed to game drops.
This particular numbering system is perfect for game drops, but not so much for major updates. Hence, there are chances that Mojang might release several End-related game drops instead of one major End update. Of course, this is applicable if they decide to overhaul the End in the first place, which is still unknown.
Adding End features in-game drops could be implemented
Mojang has been releasing game drops for a year now, and players have gradually gotten accustomed to the new development cycle. Though there are many craving for a massive update where developers update the End realm, smaller game drops releasing End features could also work.
Mojang could pick a specific year in which they release four smaller game drops, all related to the third realm of Minecraft. Each game drop could release a structure, one mob, or a few new tools and weapons.
This way, Mojang could update the End by drip-feeding new content through game drops.
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Edited by Akshat Kabra
