When will the Minecraft End Update actually arrive and what will it bring? - A Brief Analysis

Will the End Update Actually Happen?

The Minecraft "End Update" (referring to the "End dimension" of Minecraft) is by far the most anticipated Minecraft update ever, and one of the most anticipated updates in video game history. However, our only evidence of its coming, not confirmation, is from one main source (that I am aware of!). This source is a question asked to the Mojang team, which was something along the lines of "When will there be a new dimension?" and Mojang responds with something along the lines of "We will add a new dimension once we have updated and polished the existing ones!" Not only does this suggest there will eventually be an End Update, it also suggests after the End Update, there will eventually be a new dimension! However, there is no specific date, year or update number the End Update has officially been tied to, so how can we actually know when the End Update will happen?

When will the End Update happen? - Theories & Speculation

There are a few years I would like to point out. I don't really have many good ideas for update numbers, but that shouldn't be a problem.

• 2026 - This is by far the most likely date for the End Update, because this year is 10 years past the Combat Update, which hosted the last "major" End Update (although this wouldn't be considered an End Update, as its main focus was to change combat) and 15 years past "Minecraft 1.0", which was the very first debut of the End dimension. Also, as the community waits longer and longer for the End Update, they grow more impatient, so 2026 would be a good year to release it. However, the newest update cycle method, drops, may make this date unfeasible, or at the very least, not a traditional dimension update.
• 2030 - This is a less likely date for the End Update, as 2030 is 10 years past the Nether Update, not any End updates. However, it is the start of a new decade, and they could always (temporarily) stop the drop system to work on this. It also gives them more time to work on updating core aspects of the game before moving on to a massive update.
• 2031 - This is the least likely date for the End Update, as it is so far into the future. The only real reason this date is here is because 2026 is right around the corner, so they might not have time to make it then, and this date is 15 years past the Combat Update, and 15 years past the 1.0 Update.

What would the End Update actually be?

We know the End Update will happen, and we have a vague idea on when the End Update is happening, but what would an End Update actually look like? Mojang has a guideline to make every biome and location different and unique to encourage exploration. They also love giving identities to each location, so everything feels fresh and unique. Also, the End has its name for a reason; it is (one of) the last locations you are meant to travel, and is meant to be a very endgame location in terms of exploration. This is why I believe the End dimension will maintain its identity as a barren wasteland, with a few oasis-like biomes (almost certainly with a new wood type). I also think there will be new structures scattered about, and a few new mobs to spice things up a bit. Minecraft's dimension progression is currently similar to this - you start in the Overworld, and you spend most of your time in the Overworld, and occasionally visit the Nether for supplies and such. Then you go to the End for a bit, beat the boss and get endgame items, then go back to the Overworld and Nether cycle, almost never going to the End again. Also it doesn't make sense for 20% of the game's content to be pretty much locked behind a boss fight in a sandbox game, and when you go through the bedrock portal, the game's credits and an End poem roll, and then you go back there! It doesn't make sense - why put the game's credits down when the progression hasn't come close to ending? Also, why would strongholds with indestructible, non-replaceable portals be scattered about in two dimensions, far away from potential bases and infrastructure, be the key to 20% of the game's content? Nether portals are accessible - End portals are endgame. That is why I believe the End will remain a barren wasteland, with a small (but satisfying) amount of content tied to it.

Conclusion

The End Update is the most anticipated Minecraft update, and it definitely will come out, possibly some time between 2026–2031. It is also very likely the End will remain a barren wasteland, with pockets of content scattered about to encourage exploration. Some may not be satisfied with this, but it is important to consider the logicality of the update. Regardless of what (and when) it will be, I am sure the Minecraft community can't wait for this update to arrive.

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