Minecraft Opens Testing for Fourth 2026 Game Drop: Ice Caves, Abandoned Camps, and Concrete Variants

Testing Opens for Final 2026 Drop

Mojang has opened public testing for the fourth and final game drop of 2026, inviting players to try new features ahead of a Q4 release. The update will ship as Java Edition 26.4 and Bedrock Edition 26.70. Testing is available now in Java snapshots and Bedrock Preview builds.

Ice Caves Headline the Feature Set

The drop carries a frosty theme centered on ice caves — a new cave biome variant. Mojang's announcement leans into "icy vein" wordplay, suggesting the biome will bring distinct generation, blocks, and possibly mobs suited to a frozen underground. Details on unique mechanics or loot remain limited in the testing build.

Abandoned Camps and Concrete Variants

Two additional features are live in testing:

• Abandoned camps now generate in the world. Players can discover maps inside these structures, hinting at exploration or treasure-hunting gameplay.
• Concrete slabs and stairs have been added, giving builders long-requested variants for the vibrant concrete block family. Both features are in Java snapshots and arriving soon to Bedrock Preview.

What's Still Unclear

The full feature list for Drop 4 hasn't been finalized. Mojang typically uses the testing window to iterate on biome generation, structure rarity, and block behavior based on player feedback. The copper golem and copper chests — tested during the third drop cycle — are not part of this drop. No release candidate date has been announced beyond the Q4 2026 window.

How to Participate

Java players can enable snapshots in the launcher's installations tab. Bedrock players on Windows, Xbox, and Android can join the Preview program through their respective store apps. Console players on PlayStation and Switch do not have Preview access. Bug reports and feedback go through the official Minecraft feedback site and Discord server.