How to play Minecraft snapshots and previews
Before every game drop, Mojang releases test builds so players can try the new features early: snapshots on Java Edition and the Minecraft Preview on Bedrock.
Java Edition snapshots
Open the Minecraft Launcher, go to Installations and switch on “Snapshots”. Pick “Latest snapshot” as the version, then press Play. The launcher keeps it separate from your normal installation.
Bedrock: Minecraft Preview
On Bedrock, test builds come through Minecraft Preview, a separate app installed next to the normal game where the platform allows it.
Keep your worlds safe
Test builds can corrupt worlds, and a world opened in a newer version may not open in an older one. Play a copy of your world, never your main save.
When they come out
Java snapshots usually arrive weekly, and this hub posts each one the moment it appears in Mojang’s version list.
Are Minecraft snapshots safe?
They can break worlds. Play a copy, not your main save.
How do I play the Bedrock beta?
Through Minecraft Preview, a separate app next to the normal game.
References
- Snapshot — Minecraft Wiki
- Minecraft Preview — Minecraft Wiki
- Minecraft: Java Edition version manifest — Mojang
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- Minecraft Java vs Bedrock: the differences, and which to get
- How to play Minecraft snapshots and previews
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