Snapshot 25w33a Introduces Key Minecraft Enhancements

The latest Minecraft Java Edition update, Snapshot 25w33a, introduces notable improvements and features that enhance the game’s dynamic experience. One significant update deals with a persistent issue players have faced—losing chat drafts. This version ensures that unsent messages are preserved as chat drafts when the chat window closes unexpectedly, such as during interruptions from dying or when a dialog opens. The option to save drafts can be enabled in Chat Settings, helping protect against unexpected chat disruptions. Drafts appear grayed out and can be restored by typing, using arrow keys, clicking, or highlighting, enabling smoother communication for players.

Additionally, typing in a chat box while standing inside a Nether Portal will no longer result in interruptions, adding to the seamless gameplay experience. Feedback from the community has also led to adjustments to the new shelf block, ensuring items render more aesthetically by centering them, which adds to the visual appeal of player-built environments.

Introducing the Copper Golem and Changes in The End

Snapshot 25w33a also introduces creative updates like the interaction between Iron Golems and the new Copper Golems. The unintended charm of Iron Golems occasionally planting decorative flowers on Copper Golems has been a delightful enhancement. These flowers, which can be removed with shears, drop if the Copper Golem transforms into a statue block, adding an unexpected layer of interaction and strategic opportunity for players.

Another area of improvement is The End. A redesigned skybox and sporadic dramatic purple lightning illuminate the Ender Dragon’s environment, giving a new atmospheric depth to this dimension. These changes aim to captivate players and heighten the sense of adventure as they explore this otherworldly terrain.

This Snapshot represents part of the final testing phase for features anticipated in next year’s third major update, now available for exploratory use on the Java Edition. For those on the Bedrock version, early access is provided through Minecraft Preview, allowing broader participation ahead of the official release. Meanwhile, full patch notes from the Minecraft team outline comprehensive technical touchpoints and command tweaks, guiding players through the nuanced changes introduced.

Update: 26 Aug 2025