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  • Experimental Gameplay

Experimental Gameplay

The disclaimer that appears when toggling Experimental Gameplay in the world settings.

Experimentaltagexample

Example of a world with the experimental tag on Bedrock Edition.

Experimental Gameplay (also known in-game as Experiments ) is a game option exclusive to Bedrock Edition . In Java Edition , experimental features are available behind separate data packs . When enabled, it allows players to test some unfinished or work-in-progress features that will eventually be released in future updates.

1

Example of a world with the experimental tag on Java Edition .

  • 3.1 Additional content
  • 3.2 Gameplay
  • 3.3 Internal Testing (Developer Edition only)
  • 4 Features (Java Edition)
  • 6 References

Toggling [ ]

Experimental Gameplay is found in the world options when creating or editing a world. When turning the option on in an existing world, a copy of the world will be created automatically. Turning the option on disables achievements after the world is created. Once the experimental world is created, it cannot be turned off again. Worlds with the experimental on will have an "Experimental" tag right next to the game mode name in the world menu.

Warnings [ ]

Experimental Gameplay Load

The warning message when attempting to play on an experimental world.

The point of Experimental Gameplay is for the player to look at some not-quite-finished features, which could crash, break, or stop working at any point in future updates. When the player attempts to load the experimental world, it will show a warning message before loading it. Attempting to disable experimental gameplay toggle via external tools could also crash and break the world.

Experiments screen on Java Edition.

The experiment selection screen on Java Edition.

It is recommended to create back up copies of the world when playing on experimental, or not enabling experimental toggle on to avoid breaking the world and having issues in future updates.

Features (Bedrock Edition) [ ]

There are 8 different toggles of Experimental Gameplay on Bedrock Edition. [1] [2] These are:

Additional content [ ]

  • Enables add-ons features added on the holiday update and some further updates that include the creation of custom blocks and items, Molang enhancements and the run_command method. This toggle will soon be removed from Bedrock Edition entirely, thus breaking add-ons using these features, mostly block and item events.
  • Enables custom biomes by using add-ons.
  • Used for Volume Driven Fog and entity properties and permutations.
  • Enables the usage for "-beta" versions of API modules in add-on packs.
  • Enables experimental Molang features.
  • Enables the / camera command and its features.
  • Introducing new experimental cross-platform graphics features for creators

Gameplay [ ]

  • Overhauled trades for Villager and Wandering Trader
  • Internal (staff only) experimental features (NON_LOC)
  • Enables the experimental bundle item.

Internal Testing ( Developer Edition only) [ ]

  • loc_description MISSING FROM EXPERIMENTS JSON!
  • the next big update
  • just a test for whether text is working
  • Allow changing seed
  • Load Blocks generated by the Minecraft Explorer (NON_LOC)

Features (Java Edition) [ ]

There are two data packs of experimental features on Java Edition:

  • While this data pack is selectable during world creation, it will not be found within the datapacks folder of the save.

History [ ]

References [ ].

  • ↑ "Experimental Features Toggle in Minecraft Bedrock Edition" – feedback.minecraft.net.
  • ↑ "Experimental Features in Minecraft: Bedrock Edition" – docs.microsoft.com.
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Experimental Features in Minecraft: Bedrock Edition

  • 5 contributors

To see full documentation about experimental features and APIs, select the Minecraft Bedrock Experimental APIs option or use this link .

image showing the Document Versions Dropdown.

With each retail version of Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, there are a few features that are currently in an experimental state. Experimental Features can be toggled on for creators who are interested in testing the latest features offered in the preview, and retail versions of Minecraft.

The Experiments toggle list is subject to frequent changes and could have entirely different options from the ones in your own version of Minecraft. Also, the screen shots shown here might look different.

Experimental Features available in Minecraft: Bedrock Edition

There are two sets of experimental features available, depending on whether you are using a retail version of Minecraft or the latest version of Minecraft Preview.

These are the currently available Experimental toggles in the 1.21.20 retail build at the time of this writing.

GAMEPLAY - Change the way your world works

ADD-ON CREATORS - For creators of game packs and other add-ons

These are the currently available Experimental toggles in the 1.21.20.23 preview build at the time of this writing.

How do I activate an Experimental Features toggle for my world?

You can activate an experimental toggle for any of your new or existing worlds.

Activating experimental features that are still under development means that your world might crash, break, or not work with future updates.

If you're planning to build content that you want to share with the community, it would be best to do it in a non-experimental world.

Toggle Experimental Features in a New World

If you are building a new world from scratch to test experimental features, you can toggle which features you want enabled in the Game Settings.

Under Game settings, navigate down to Experiments and select a toggle to enable the feature.

Image showcasing 4 toggles for experimental features available in Minecraft

When you get the popup asking if you're sure, select Turn on Experiments anyway .

image showing a pop up to confirm if you want to activate experimental features in Minecraft.

Toggle Experimental Features in an Existing World

If you want to add experimental features to an existing world, open that world's game settings and activate the toggles just like you would for a new world.

A copy of your world will be generated automatically after you activate an experimental feature toggle. You can also manually create copies of your world as an extra precaution, in case something goes wrong.

After you select Activate Experiments , a copy of your existing world will be created. The copy will have the same name as the original world with "Copy of..." added in front of it.

image showing a duplicated world

Verify that the World has Experimental Features Enabled

After you've created a world that has an experimental feature toggle enabled, your world will get a tag next to the game mode in your Worlds list that says Experimental .

image showcasing a survival world that has the Experimental tag applied

Another way to identify if your world is using experimental toggles is to visit the settings for your world. In the Game world settings, scroll down to the Experiments section to see which experiments are enabled.

Worlds that use experimental features cannot be restored to a non-experimental state.

What's Next?

If you like experimenting and testing things in Minecraft, you could learn more about the GameTest Framework.

Introduction to the GameTest Framework

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How to enable 1.20 Experimental Features in Minecraft Java Edition

This Minecraft tutorial explains how to enable Minecraft 1.20 Experimental Features in Java Edition with screenshots and step-by-step instructions.

Let's explore how to turn on the new 1.20 Features in Java Edition, so that you can try them early.

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Steps to turn on the Java 1.20 Experimental Features

How do you turn on the Minecraft 1.20 experimental features in Java Edition?

Starting in 22w42a snapshot, you can access the new 1.20 Experimental Features ( such as camels, bamboo wood set, chiseled bookshelf, and hanging signs ). However, these new features do not install automatically. They are included in a data pack that you can access through the game.

1. Open the Game

First, you need to launch Minecraft Java Edition so that you can create a new world. In this tutorial, we have chosen Java Edition 1.19.3 from the Launcher which was released after snapshot 22w42a ( you can launch any version since snapshot 22w42a ).

Next, choose the Data Packs option in the Create New World menu.

how to enable minecraft 1.20 features in java edition

2. Select the Data Pack

Next, select the Data Pack called "update_1_20" which should be found under the Available data packs section.

how to enable minecraft 1.20 features in java edition

Once you have selected this data pack, it should appear under Selected ( on the right hand side ). Click on the Done option in the menu.

3. Create the World

Now, you can finish creating your world, just like normal. And once your Minecraft world loads, you will be able to use the new 1.20 Experimental Features ( including camels and hanging signs ).

how to enable minecraft 1.20 features in java edition

Be sure to find a Desert Village and check out the new camels. Two players can ride on the same camel at the same time!

Congratulations, you just learned how to turn on the new 1.20 Experimental Features in Java Edition!

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TESTING NEW MINECRAFT FEATURES

Wanna help us make Minecraft? Help us test our latest unreleased features!

Most weeks we release early versions of Minecraft updates to test out new features, shake out the wrinkles and squish the bugs before they reach a wider audience. It’s a cool way for players such as yourself to check out the new stuff that we’re working on before it officially releases!

If the prospect of seeing new things first has you excited, and you don’t mind potentially running into a few bugs along the way, then take a look at your preferred platform here below !

But be aware : 

These versions are by their nature a bit unstable, and things are likely to be weird, wonky, or just plain wrong.  

The game may crash and things you build might get corrupted. It’s a small risk, but a risk nonetheless!

These versions do not have access to Realms or Featured Servers, and can only play in multiplayer worlds with other players on the same version of the game.

Windows 10/11

macOS & Linux

Disclaimer: You need to own the original Minecraft game to try out upcoming Minecraft features on Android.

Android has a Beta program that you can join at any time. Please note that by joining this Beta you replace your standard version of Minecraft with the Beta version. 

To join the Android Beta, find the official Minecraft app in the Google Play store. Scroll down to the “Join the Beta” section and click on “Join”. Wait a few minutes and launch your regular Minecraft app. Note that this may take a while, but eventually your app will switch to the beta version. If you later decide to leave the Beta, simply go back to the Google Play store and scroll down to “You’re a beta tester” and click “Leave”. Your app will eventually switch back to the regular Minecraft version.

Additionally, you may need to activate experimental features in the game to test the latest Minecraft features.

Enter the “Create New World” or “Edit World” setting. If you are creating a new world, go to the “Game” setting, scroll down to “Experiments” and click on the toggle you want to activate. You will get a popup asking if you want to "Activate Experimental Gameplay?". Click on "Activate Experiments". If you are using an existing world, this will create a copy of your world that will get the same name as the original world with “Copy of...” added in front of it.

You can find more information about feature toggles for Bedrock Edition here .

WINDOWS 10 & 11

Disclaimer: You need to own the original Minecraft game, subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass to try out upcoming Minecraft features on Windows. 

Java Edition

In the Java Edition, we put out regular test versions known as Snapshots. In the Minecraft Launcher, select the latest snapshot by clicking the arrow next to the Play button on the main tab and then click the Play button.

You may need to activate experimental features in the game to test the latest Minecraft features. 

Enter the “Create New World” setting. Click on “Data Packs” and select the data pack you want to play. Click on “Done” and when you get to the next screen, click on “Create New World”.

You can find more information about feature toggles for Java Edition here .

Bedrock Edition

In the Bedrock Edition, test versions are regularly put out in Minecraft Preview. You can download and access Minecraft Preview by selecting the “Minecraft Preview” tab in the Minecraft Launcher and clicking the “Install” or “Play” button. 

Disclaimer: You need to own the digital version of the Minecraft game to try out upcoming Minecraft features on Xbox, it is included in Xbox Game Pass. Unfortunately, Preview is not available to use for Disc owners. 

In the Bedrock Edition, test versions are regularly put out in Minecraft Preview. Search for Minecraft Preview in the Microsoft Store and click Install on the resulting product page. Now you can open Minecraft Preview and click “Play Preview” to get started. 

You may need to activate experimental features in the game to test the latest Minecraft features.

iPhones and iPads now have Minecraft Preview, which players can opt into via this link , download and install the Testflight app and follow the instructions when slots are available. While the slots are limited, we will open more up periodically, and we’ll remove inactive players to let new folks in.

When a slot becomes available, make sure you have installed the Testflight app and click on “Start Testing” under Step 2: Join the Beta. This will open the Testflight app, where a menu for Minecraft Preview will open automatically. Click on “Accept” and then “Install”. When it is finished installing, click on “Open”. Sign in with your Microsoft Account and click on “Play Preview”.

MACOS & LINUX

Disclaimer: You need to own the original Minecraft game to try out upcoming Minecraft features on MacOS and Linux.

In the Java Edition, we put out regular test versions known as Snapshots. In the Minecraft Launcher, select the latest snapshot by clicking the arrow next to the Play button on the main tab and the click the Play button.

You can find more information about feature toggles for Java Edition  here .

FEEDBACK AND BUGS

Please report all your bugs at bugs.mojang.com & please let us know what you think about the beta by pressing the feedback button in the game or visiting feedback.minecraft.net .

That’s it! Have fun and test away!

Learn more about Minecraft Bedrock Preview version on the Minecraft Preview FAQ !

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COMMENTS

  1. Experimental Gameplay – Minecraft Wiki

    Experimental Gameplay (also known in-game as Experiments) is a game option exclusive to Bedrock Edition. In Java Edition, experimental features are available behind separate data packs. When enabled, it allows players to test some unfinished or work-in-progress features that will eventually be...

  2. what are experimental settings and how do i disable them?

    Experimental settings is something that allows you to use some features that are not fully developed, they include: "holiday creator features", "custom biomes", "upcoming creator features", "gametest framework" and "molang features".

  3. Feature Toggles in Java Edition - Minecraft

    Feature Toggles will be available in Minecraft: Java Edition starting with the 22w42a snapshot. These toggles allow players to opt-in to experimental, and potentially unstable, features that may not be released for some time, but are ready for early community testing and feedback.

  4. Experiments - Minecraft Wiki

    Experiments (also known as Experimental Gameplay or Experimental Features in Bedrock Edition) are data packs in Java Edition or game options in Bedrock Edition. When an experiment is enabled, it allows players to test some experimental, unfinished or work-in-progress features that may or may not eventually be released in future updates.

  5. Experimental Features in Minecraft: Bedrock Edition

    If you are building a new world from scratch to test experimental features, you can toggle which features you want enabled in the Game Settings. Under Game settings, navigate down to Experiments and select a toggle to enable the feature.

  6. How to enable 1.20 Experimental Features in Minecraft Java ...

    This Minecraft tutorial explains how to enable Minecraft 1.20 Experimental Features in Java Edition with screenshots and step-by-step instructions. Let's explore how to turn on the new 1.20 Features in Java Edition, so that you can try them early.

  7. How To Access Experimental Features in Minecraft Java Edition

    If you want to know how to access experimental features in Minecraft Java Edition, this is the video for you! We show you exactly how to use all of the exper...

  8. How to turn on experimental gameplay in Minecraft - Sportskeeda

    Experimental settings are baked into each of Minecraft's many different versions, meaning that no new profiles need to be set up. Simply open the launcher, select Bedrock, and hit play.

  9. How to enable experimental features (Minecraft: Java Edition)

    In newer snapshot versions and some releases of Minecraft Java Edition, new features must now be manually activated via datapacks. For example, the new Crafter can be enabled as part of the "Update 1.21" datapack. At Aternos, we offer you an easy way to activate them.

  10. TESTING NEW MINECRAFT FEATURES

    You may need to activate experimental features in the game to test the latest Minecraft features. Enter the “Create New World” or “Edit World” setting. If you are creating a new world, go to the “Game” setting, scroll down to “Experiments” and click on the toggle you want to activate.