Minecraft 26.1: Snapshot 2 – Updated Baby Mobs

The new year for Minecraft begins with updated numbering and a fresh snapshot 2 for version 26.1. Development has only just begun, but even now you can already see the direction the developers are moving in.

New snapshot and command system

One of the first changes was the /swing command, which allows you to force selected entities to play the arm swing animation. In addition trading with villagers is now deterministic, making the worlds seeds more transparent and predictable.

Complete redesign of animal cubs

The most noticeable change is the new mob cub models. Previously, they were smaller copies of adult creatures with disproportionaly large heads. Now each species has its own model, and sometimes several variants depending on the biome.

Pigs and cows got three variants each, chickens became more compact and neat, and rabbits recieved not only new models but also full-fledged jump animations. This is especially noticeable with cubs.

Controversial decisions

Not all changes in Minecraft 26.1 Snapshot 2 turned out to be succesful. Some mobs, especially sheep and some cows, have eyes that look too empty and unnatural. This creates an uncanny valley effect, that not everyone likes. Such decisions will clearly be refined further.

Wolves, cats, and attention to detail

Wolves have been given many variants, and almost every one of them now has a cub. Overall they look great, but there are some bugs, such as in Minecraft 26.1 with collars on tamed wolf cubs. Cats have become one of the most elaborate mobs, with unique models and textures for each variant.

Crafting tags and new sounds

The ability to craft paper and metal tags makes them available in regular Minecraft Java 26. This is a logical and long-awaited change. New sounds for mob cubs help complete the picture. The first and second snapshots of 26.1 show that the developers are seriously working on the visual side of mobs and their animations. Some decisions seem controversial but this is only the beginning, and there are many changes ahead.