release
Minecraft 1.18 Update - What's New
World generation overhaul expanding build height from -64 to 320. New cave biomes (Lush Caves, Dripstone Caves), larger caves, taller mountains, and revamped ore distribution.
Changes
#Gameplay(8)
- World height expanded: Y -64 to Y 320 (384 total blocks)
- New terrain generation with 3D biome blending
- Huge cave systems with aquifer water levels
- Taller mountains reaching Y 256+
- Ore distribution reworked (ores generate at different levels)
- Added Lush Caves biome (underground, with azalea trees above)
- Added Dripstone Caves biome (underground)
- Bedrock layer replaced with deepslate gradient
#Blocks & Items(3)
- Added music disc otherside
- Deepslate now generates below Y 0
- New ore textures for accessibility
#Performance(3)
- Optimized world generation
- Improved chunk loading with blending for old/new chunks
- New random number generator for terrain (faster)
Server Admin Migration Guide
- MAJOR: World height change from 0-255 to -64 to 319
- Existing chunks will be extended downward with new terrain below Y 0
- World conversion takes significant time for large worlds
- Ore distribution changes affect mining strategies and economies
- Diamond now most common around Y -59
- Back up world before upgrading
- Increase server RAM for larger chunk data
Known Issues
- Old chunk blending may create visual seams at chunk borders
- Increased memory usage due to taller chunks
- World conversion can be slow for very large worlds
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