Minecraft 1.12 Update - What's New
Added concrete, glazed terracotta in all 16 colors, parrots, the recipe book, advancements system replacing achievements, and crafting helper.
Overview
Minecraft 1.12 is a stable release for Minecraft: Java Edition, published on June 7, 2017. It is the base 1.12 release, known to the community as the World of Color Update, and it bundles 13 documented changes across 4 areas of the game.
The work in this update spans gameplay, mobs, blocks & items, and commands. On the gameplay side it brings Achievements replaced with advancements system and recipe book for guided crafting.
Within Minecraft's history, 1.12 is the update that added concrete, glazed terracotta, and the data-pack and advancement systems. Its signature additions include concrete, glazed terracotta, advancements, and the parrot, and this release is where they first arrived for everyone playing on the stable channel.
Changes
#Gameplay(4)
- Achievements replaced with advancements system
- Added recipe book for guided crafting
- Added narrator for accessibility
- Added knowledge book item for unlocking recipes
#Mobs(2)
- Added Parrot (tameable, imitates nearby mob sounds)
- Added Illusioner (unused illager mob, only via commands)
#Blocks & Items(3)
- Added concrete powder and concrete (16 colors each)
- Added glazed terracotta (16 colors with unique patterns)
- Added colored beds (16 colors)
#Commands(4)
- Added /function command for running mcfunction files
- Added /recipe command
- Added /advancement command
- Data packs foundation laid
Server Admin Migration Guide
- Advancements replace achievements - custom achievement plugins may break
- Recipe book may not work with custom recipe plugins
- Function files can be used for server-side automation
Known Issues
- Parrots can be killed by feeding them cookies (intentional, but surprising)
What This Means
For players
If you play singleplayer or on a server, 1.12 is safe to update to. New blocks and items become craftable, new mobs begin to spawn in eligible worlds, and existing worlds carry forward without resetting. Back up your save first as a habit, then load it on the new version.
For server admins
Server owners should not rush a production upgrade. Wait for your platform (Paper, Spigot, Fabric, Forge, NeoForge) and every plugin or mod to publish 1.12-compatible builds, then test the full stack on a staging copy before touching the live world. Command or datapack changes in this version can break custom map logic, so re-check those especially.
Background & Context
- 1.12 (the World of Color Update) was a major version bump, the kind of release that introduces a new theme of content to the colorful 1.12 era.
- Minecraft: Java Edition keeps full backward compatibility for worlds, so saves created on 1.12 continue to open and upgrade on later releases.
- Always keep a backup of important worlds before changing versions; the Astroworld versions database tracks client and server compatibility for 1.12.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Minecraft 1.12 released?
Minecraft 1.12 was released on June 7, 2017 as a stable release for Minecraft: Java Edition.
What does the Minecraft 1.12 update add?
Added concrete, glazed terracotta in all 16 colors, parrots, the recipe book, advancements system replacing achievements, and crafting helper. Notable entries include: Achievements replaced with advancements system; Added recipe book for guided crafting; Added narrator for accessibility. In total it documents 13 changes across 4 categories.
Is Minecraft 1.12 stable for survival worlds?
Yes. 1.12 is a stable release; existing worlds upgrade in place and the version is intended for normal singleplayer and multiplayer play. Back up your save before updating as a precaution.
Can I run 1.12 on a Minecraft server?
You can, but wait until your server software (such as Paper, Spigot, Fabric, Forge, or NeoForge) and all of your plugins or mods publish builds compatible with 1.12, then test on a staging server before upgrading the live one.
What is Minecraft 1.12 called?
Minecraft 1.12 is the World of Color Update. It is the update that added concrete, glazed terracotta, and the data-pack and advancement systems, headlined by concrete, glazed terracotta, advancements, and the parrot.
Are there known issues in 1.12?
Yes. Documented issues for this build include: Parrots can be killed by feeding them cookies (intentional, but surprising). These are typically resolved in a later point release.
Looking for version compatibility info?
Check client and server version details on our versions database.