Minecraft Ushers in “The Copper Age” Update, Adding new Building Blocks and Archaeological Features
Mojang Studios has released the “copper Age” update for Minecraft, introducing new gameplay centered around the titular metal and a robust archaeological system. The update, revealed at Minecraft Live 2023, fundamentally alters how players interact wiht the game’s world, offering new construction possibilities and a deeper dive into uncovering the past.
The update arrives as Minecraft continues to evolve beyond its sandbox origins, increasingly incorporating systems that encourage exploration, storytelling, and complex building. This latest addition impacts all players,from casual builders to dedicated Redstone engineers,by providing a new resource with unique properties and a compelling reason to excavate previously overlooked areas. The “Copper Age” update is now available on Java and Bedrock editions, promising a fresh experience for the game’s vast player base.
At the heart of the update is copper, a new metal resource found in underground veins. Copper blocks oxidize over time, gradually changing color from a luminous orange to a weathered green, offering a dynamic aesthetic for building. Players can utilize lightning rods crafted from copper to redirect strikes, protecting wooden structures and powering Redstone contraptions.This introduces a new layer of strategic building and protection against the game’s natural hazards.
beyond copper, the update introduces archaeology, a system that allows players to unearth relics and pottery sherds from designated “suspicious sand” and “suspicious gravel” blocks found in desert temples, trail ruins, and ancient cities. Brushing these blocks reveals hidden items, including rare decorative blocks, tools, and fragments of pottery. Assembling complete pottery sherds unlocks unique designs and provides clues about the history of the Minecraft world.
Mojang also announced improvements to bookshelves, allowing players to combine them with Redstone to create automated hotbar swapping systems. This feature streamlines inventory management and enables players to quickly switch between specialized loadouts. Additionally, the update includes visual improvements to dye icons for enhanced accessibility.
Looking ahead, Mojang previewed the holiday 2025 update, “Mounts of Mayhem,” alongside the educational “Amiable Fishing” add-on and an upcoming collaboration with Dragon Ball Z.These announcements signal a continued commitment to expanding Minecraft’s content and appeal to a diverse audience.
