THE SHORT ANSWER
Minecraft Preview 1.21.100.23 (version 26.4) is now available, giving Java and Bedrock players first access to the copper golem and copper chests ahead of the next game drop. The copper golem presses copper buttons and oxidizes over time; copper chests show oxidation state visually and can be waxed to lock their appearance.
- Preview build 1.21.100.23 (version 26.4) released for testing
- Copper golem added — presses copper buttons, oxidizes through four stages, can be waxed
- Copper chests added — storage blocks that visually display oxidation level, waxable
- Both features originated from past community mob votes
- Available in Minecraft Preview on Windows, Xbox, and mobile; Java via snapshot
Mojang has pushed the first public preview for the next Minecraft game drop, giving players a hands-on look at two features that have been in the community spotlight for years. Preview build 1.21.100.23 — labeled version 26.4 — went live this week on Windows, Xbox, and mobile via the Minecraft Preview program, with a corresponding Java snapshot available through the launcher.
Copper golem finally arrives
The copper golem, a finalist in the 2021 mob vote, is now spawnable in creative inventory and via command. The small construct wanders aimlessly but has a distinct behavior: it seeks out and presses copper buttons, making it the first mob that can directly interact with redstone components without player input. Like other copper blocks, the golem oxidizes through four stages — from shiny orange to weathered green — over roughly 50–82 in-game days per stage. Players can apply honeycomb to wax the golem at any stage, freezing its appearance and preventing further oxidation.
Copper chests add visual storage state
Copper chests function as standard 27-slot containers but with a twist: their texture changes to match the four oxidation stages, letting players gauge how long a chest has sat untouched. They can be crafted from copper blocks and waxed with honeycomb to lock their current look. Breaking a copper chest drops its contents and the chest itself, same as a regular chest. The block also emits a comparator signal proportional to fill level, so oxidation state doesn't affect redstone behavior.
How to access the preview
Bedrock players on Windows 10/11, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Android/iOS can install "Minecraft Preview" from their respective stores — it sits alongside the main game and does not overwrite existing worlds. Java players select "Latest snapshot" in the launcher's installations tab. Worlds opened in the preview cannot be downgraded; back up saves before loading.
What remains unclear
Mojang has not confirmed a release window for the full game drop, nor whether additional features — such as copper-button variants or new oxidation mechanics — will ship alongside the golem and chests. The preview changelog notes "experimental features" toggles for both additions, suggesting further iteration is likely. Performance on lower-end mobile devices with large numbers of oxidizing entities is also untested at scale.
Context: game drops replace traditional updates
Since 2024, Mojang has moved away from monolithic annual updates toward smaller, more frequent "game drops" delivered throughout the year. This drop follows the mid-2026 release that added trial chambers and the breeze. The copper golem and copper chests were originally teased during Minecraft Live 2021; their arrival in testing marks the first time vote runners-up have been implemented years later.
Players encountering bugs — particularly around golem pathfinding near copper buttons or chest oxidation desync in multiplayer — are directed to the official bug tracker. Feedback on feel and balance can be posted in the Preview section of the Minecraft Discord.