Mojang has released a surprise "Minecraft" update that overhauls one of the game's most universal yet neglected materials: copper.
The update, now live in Bedrock beta and preview builds with a Java edition on the way, not only redesigns copper's use in crafting but also adds a much-anticipated new mob: the copper golem.
Copper Gets a Crafting Upgrade
Copper has been ubiquitous but not often necessary for years. That ends with this update, which adds a completely new level of equipment—tools, weapons, and armor made of copper. With the strength and toughness between that of stone and iron, copper gear offers early-game players an intelligent stepping stone.
As noted by Mojang, copper pickaxes, for instance, provide increased durability but can't mine materials as advanced as iron tools. This balance with care provides even more depth to advancement without derailing the game's established pace.
Meet the Copper Golem, Your New Best Friend
The highlight of this news is the much-awaited addition of the copper golem, a fan favorite that was defeated in Minecraft's 2021 mob vote. Although it didn't win at the time, it quickly became a meme and a fan favorite, particularly with Mojang's developers.
And now, the copper golem has officially joined the squad, and it's not merely a delightful pet. This useful little mob provides real utility: it regulates your inventory.
According to Windows Central, calling up a copper golem gives you a copper chest, a new item created by refining a standard chest with copper ingots. You can make more of these chests to expand the system.
Put your items into a copper chest, and the golem will sort and put them into proper storage containers in your base automatically. It also sorts stacks, basically doing your own in-game inventory management for you. For long-time players who are sick of disorganized storage systems, this is a game-saver.
Community-Inspired Addition
Mojang attributes this patch to community conversations and designer feedback. Coming from senior gameplay engineer Matthew Clohessy,"
"The new functionality comes a lot from talking with the community and talking with creators. Inventory management has become a bigger and bigger thing in Minecraft as more items have been added, so being able to have something that goes around and moves things in your base and helps organize things is a big bonus."
Though the update is so far only available for Minecraft's Bedrock beta and preview builds, Java Edition players can look forward to the same. The copper golem and increased copper use not only infuse a new lease of life into a formerly underused material. Simply put, Mojang is willing to continue building the game based on player input.
So if you've been stockpiling copper without a clear use, now's the time to dig it out. Between the new gear and your new golem buddy, copper just became one of Minecraft's most useful resources.
