Minecraft 24w05a Update - What's New
A 1.20.5 snapshot that added the vault and the trial key to the experimental trial chamber content. Region compression got a third option, operators could open the server TPS chart, and data packs learned about a body armor slot.
Overview
Minecraft 24w05a is a weekly development snapshot for Minecraft: Java Edition, published on January 31, 2024. Snapshots are Mojang's weekly previews of in-progress features (development week 5 of 2024), shipped early so the community can test and report problems before anything is finalized. This one logs 7 changes you can try in a throwaway test world.
The work in this update spans experimental features, servers, and technical. On the experimental features side it brings new vault block that hands out loot once per player when unlocked and new trial key, the item that opens a vault.
This build is part of the development cycle leading to 1.20.5 (the Armored Paws update, on the road to 1.21). Treat it as a preview rather than a destination: features can change, be renamed, or be cut entirely before they reach the stable release, so it is meant for testing and feedback, not for your main world or a live server.
Changes
#Experimental Features(2)
- New vault block that hands out loot once per player when unlocked
- New trial key, the item that opens a vault
#Servers(3)
- Region file compression can now be set to none
- Compression id 127 is reserved for third-party compression formats
- Operators can view the TPS chart of a dedicated server
#Technical(2)
- New body_armor_item field and armor.body slot for mobs that wear body armor
- Data pack version 30 and resource pack version 25
Server Admin Migration Guide
- Snapshot only, not for a live server: keep production on the current release
- Vaults are experimental and only exist in worlds with the 1.21 experiment on
Known Issues
- Development snapshot for 1.20.5, features could still change before the release
What This Means
For players
Snapshots are opt-in through the official launcher. Always make a copy of any world before opening it in 24w05a, because development builds can corrupt saves and there is no guarantee the world will open in a later version. Use a fresh test world to try the new content safely.
For server admins
Do not run 24w05a on a public server. Snapshots are unsupported by server software and most plugins. Spin up a private staging instance, confirm your plugins load, and report regressions while there is still time to fix them before release.
Background & Context
- Snapshots ship roughly once a week during active development and are enabled through the "Latest snapshot" toggle in the official launcher.
- The content here was being developed toward 1.20.5 (the Armored Paws update, on the road to 1.21); individual features may have been adjusted, renamed, or removed before that version shipped.
- Always keep a backup of important worlds before changing versions; the Astroworld versions database tracks client and server compatibility for 24w05a.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Minecraft 24w05a released?
Minecraft 24w05a was released on January 31, 2024 as a weekly development snapshot for Minecraft: Java Edition.
What is new in 24w05a?
A 1.20.5 snapshot that added the vault and the trial key to the experimental trial chamber content. Region compression got a third option, operators could open the server TPS chart, and data packs learned about a body armor slot. Notable entries include: New vault block that hands out loot once per player when unlocked; New trial key, the item that opens a vault. In total it documents 7 changes across 3 categories.
Should I use 24w05a on my main world?
No. 24w05a is a weekly development snapshot meant for testing. Keep your main world on the latest stable release and only open a backup copy in a separate test world to try the new content.
Can I run 24w05a on a Minecraft server?
It is not recommended for a public server. Snapshot only, not for a live server: keep production on the current release. Use a private staging instance to test plugins and mods, not to host players.
Which Minecraft version is 24w05a a preview of?
24w05a is part of the development cycle for 1.20.5 (the Armored Paws update, on the road to 1.21). Features shown here are still in progress and may change before the final release.
Are there known issues in 24w05a?
Yes. Documented issues for this build include: Development snapshot for 1.20.5, features could still change before the release. Development builds are expected to have rough edges that get fixed before release.
Looking for version compatibility info?
Check client and server version details on our versions database.