Minecraft 26.1 Snapshot 3 Adds World Clocks and Pause Menu Tools

Mojang released Minecraft 26.1 Snapshot 3 this week for Java Edition players. The update adds a way to reach game rules from the pause screen and brings in World Clocks for data packs. These changes aim to make it easier to adjust worlds and handle time in custom content.

Background

Minecraft snapshots come out often to test new features before full updates. Snapshot 3 for version 26.1 follows two earlier ones from this series. The first snapshot started work on baby mob looks and sounds, making them more detailed. The second added craftable name tags with paper and metal nuggets, plus tweaks to mob behaviors and default memory use up to 4 GB from 2 GB.

This third snapshot shifts focus to tools inside the game. Players can now open game rules without leaving the pause menu. Data pack creators get World Clocks, which build on last year's timeline work. These clocks track time separately, letting modders control day-night cycles or events in new ways.

The 26.1 update fits into Mojang's spring plans, often called a 'drop' with smaller feature sets. Past patterns point to a full release by late March. Snapshots like this one let the team fix issues early based on player tests.

Key Details

Pause Menu and UI Changes

The pause menu now has a World Options button instead of just difficulty. This screen holds the difficulty setting and a link to game rules. Operators on servers can change rules here, while others see it grayed out. A search bar sits at the top of the game rules screen for quick finds, both in pause and world creation.

Debug screen updates split day count from local difficulty. Tripwire blocks use a new texture render for better looks.

World Clocks and Time Commands

World Clocks are new files in data packs under world_clock registry. Each clock runs its own time that ticks forward unless paused. Commands like /time can set, add, query, or change these clocks. Without a clock named, it uses the dimension's default, often minecraft:overworld.

Time commands now return total ticks elapsed, not just time of day. Loot predicates and game tests update to use clock IDs. Timelines tie to a clock and add time markers for events.

Technical Updates and Fixes

Data pack version rises to 97, resource packs to 78. New block and fluid tags control vegetation support, bubble columns, and more. Examples include tags for frogspawn blocks or cactus flowers on non-sturdy surfaces.

Bugs fixed cover Z-fighting on debug crosshairs, item giving with default components, and spear animations during swings.

"We're back in action with another Snapshot! In this week's release we're making it possible to access game rules from the in-game pause screen, through the new world options button." – Mojang development team

JVM config sees more tweaks for better performance.

What This Means

Players gain quick access to settings without world reloads or commands. This helps during play, especially on multiplayer servers where operators adjust rules on the fly. Search in game rules speeds up finding options like mob griefing or weather cycles.

For data pack makers, World Clocks open doors to complex mods. Custom time systems could drive adventure maps with unique days or paused zones. Linking timelines to clocks lets events trigger at exact ticks across dimensions.

The snapshot tests these for the 26.1 full release. Early fixes show Mojang responds to reports fast. Java players install via launcher with snapshots enabled, but backups are key as tests can affect worlds.

Spring updates like this build on baby mob overhauls from prior snapshots. Craftable tags fit pet themes, while time tools expand creation options. Feedback sites and Discord see heavy use for bug reports and ideas.

Server jars update too, so hosts match client versions. Resource changes mean packs may need tweaks for full support. Overall, Snapshot 3 makes Minecraft more flexible for casual play and deep mods alike.