Minecraft Xbox 360 update 1.8.2 is almost upon us, a "week or two" away from Microsoft certification testing at the last count. This is the grandest, most ambitious Minecraft update yet, transforming the game into something that's both deeper and more dangerous, and we've rounded up the pick of currently known information below, along with the latest Minecraft Xbox 360 screenshots and videos.
This isn't a complete list of alterations - 4J continues to dribble out new details, and while all eventualities can theoretically be predicted by way of the Minecraft PC wiki, the developer has jumped the gun in certain respects, adding bits and pieces from later updates ahead of time. We'll keep our ears to the ground and refresh this article as we go. For more of a long-term outlook, peruse this round-up of forthcoming game-changers.
World options
Superflat Worlds
Want to assemble a to-scale model of the London Olympics stadium, but can't be bothered levelling all the hills and mountains first? The Superflat world option is your friend. It generates an environment consisting of one layer of grass, two layers of dirt and a layer of bedrock. Bear in mind that you'll miss out on buried structures like Strongholds as a consequence, and that it'll be easier for enemies to find you. Unlike in Minecraft on PC, choosing Superflat will also result in an entirely level Nether too.
Creative Mode
By far the biggest new feature, though one that's pleasantly easy to explain, Creative Mode equips you with the power of flight, access to infinite blocks of any variety and an enemy-free world to sculpt to your satisfaction. The Xbox 360 version features a redesigned interface that's easier on the thumbs, dividing materials into tabbed categories. While there's no switching between modes in-game, you can always build a world in Creative, then back out and load it up in Survival (there are separate player leaderboards for each Minecraft mode).
Tutorial World
All hail Minecraft, the only Xbox Live Arcade release where revisiting the tutorial is actually a worthwhile experience. Minecraft Xbox 360 update 1.8.2 replaces all existing Tutorial World secrets and Easter eggs, so make sure you've seen the lot before downloading. The revamped Tutorial World makes room for all the new structures, terrain types and mechanics, and there are 12 additional hidden chests to uncover. Keep those peepers peeled.
New Achievements
4J hasn't specified what these are yet, but we imagine they'll relate to the new mechanics.
16 comments so far...
RyanGowran on 24 Sep '12 said:
a week or 2 away from cert testing?
does that mean its 2 or 3 weeks away from being released then
Bezza89 on 24 Sep '12 said:
I'd say a month, just to be safe.
Hope those new achievements encourage you to keep playing, like spending 100 hours in minecraft or something as I have literally no reason to play it as my imagination runs out and I get bored. Give me a carrot on a stick!
Clanger67 on 24 Sep '12 said:
Whatever they can't release this fast enough for me.While not bothered too much by Creative and super flat the rest are great.
Plus with the Cave spiders just make sure you have a few buckets of milk for the poison.
Plamsa wing on 24 Sep '12 said:
Speaking of cakes, do they still use up the bucket by any chance? If they don't, then it's pirate cakes ahoy!
I wonder if they add anything they're keeping secret.
I'd say about mid-late October.
RyanGowran on 24 Sep '12 said:
what you gonna do with it
OXM ETboy on 24 Sep '12 said:
I haven't played this for a while. Might reintroduce myself to it by crafting a world composed entirely of pressure plate traps, then inviting friends round for dinner. Oh, for a massive rolling boulder or ten.
Bezza89 on 24 Sep '12 said:
Hunt bugs bunny somehow, it's wabbit season.
GHOSTY05 on 24 Sep '12 said:
Not played this in a long time.
Will wait for this update then i am going to make a new world and have a fresh start
Clanger67 on 24 Sep '12 said:
According to the 360 Wiki they are including some other stuff.Like proper glass panes instaed of blocks,Swamp Biome,stone bricks,etc.Also sounds promising with them reckoning it is close to being submitted to MS.
http://www.minecraftwiki.net/wiki/Xbox_ ... g_features
Clanger67 on 25 Sep '12 said:
It's come up on Wiki Sept. 28th Confirmed.I take it that is before it goes to MS which hopefully won't take a month.Only three more days then.
CrIsPy4u on 27 Sep '12 said:
One question is there going to be bigger maps because the ones on the xbox are quite puny compared to on pc
Joelpeps on 29 Sep '12 said:
Will all these new items and changes be on maps we have currently made or will we have to start another new map, once again ?
FEEDxMExCOOKIES on 1 Oct '12 said:
it is being sent this week around today or tommoro http://www.facebook.com/pages/Minecraft ... ref=stream
Mr Derpingtons on 1 Oct '12 said:
Unfortunately, the update doesn't work on maps already made so you have to start a new world altogether.
SK11PPY on 7 Oct '12 said:
ryan its already being tested by microsoft its 1 or 2 weeks from being released to public
SK11PPY on 7 Oct '12 said:
its already being tested its a a week from being released