Minecraft releases new snapshot featuring Ice Caves and Frostbite zombies

Mojang Studios has released Snapshot 3 for Minecraft Java Edition (version 26.4), introducing the fourth major game drop of the year. The update features the new ‘Ice Caves’ biome, which generates beneath cold surface biomes and is primarily composed of packed ice and calcite blocks.

Key environmental additions include ‘Icicles,’ which hang from ceilings and can fall if exposed to light sources, potentially damaging entities below. Additionally, ‘Ice Crystals’ have been added as a natural light source on the cave floors.

The update also introduces new hostile mobs, specifically the ‘Frostbite’ zombie variant. This creature can perform melee attacks that inflict a freezing effect and throw ‘Ice balls’ for ranged combat. Players can use these ice balls to craft freezing potions, which slow movement and deal continuous damage to mobs.

Other changes include a redesigned friend list for the Java Edition and various bug fixes. Similar content has already been made available via Preview 26.60.29 for Bedrock Edition players.