Minecraft's biggest graphical update officially unveiled along with release date

The next generation update for Minecraft is finally here, with Microsoft and Mojang showcasing the new Vibrant Visuals graphical overhaul and how it drastically improves the world of Minecraft while retaining the charm players love.

In a new blog post on the Minecraft website, along with a new YouTube video on the Minecraft channel, developer Mojang explains what Vibrant Visuals will be bringing to Minecraft and how it will change the way players play the game.

Firstly, anyone who doesn't like Vibrant Visuals has the choice of turning it off in the settings, which reverts it back to the vanilla version of the game. As for what Vibrant Visuals will bring, Mojang explains it will improve in-game elements with directional lighting, meaning players will be able to see the Sun's rays move across the Overworld.

4

Volumetric and directional lighting also adds shadows to each block, and the shadow will appear in a location relative to the sun. Additionally, light will now shine through windows, reflections will appear in the water and on the surface of metallic blocks, while another technology called subsurface scattering will implement a gentle glow to leaves and grass, making them pop more.

4

These significant graphical improvements are just that, graphical, meaning gameplay and how mobs react to light, such as what enemies burn, or crop growth, will remain exactly the same.

4

Vibrant Visuals is slated for release on Tuesday, 17th June for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, with Mojang writing it is currently working on bringing the new visual overhaul to the Java Edition of the game.