Minecraft 1.21.6 Pre-Release 3 – What’s New?
Mojang has just dropped Pre-Release 3 for Minecraft version 1.21.6, and while it’s not packed with flashy features, it introduces meaningful tweaks that will especially appeal to technical players, data pack creators, and bug-weary adventurers.
Let’s break down everything that’s new in this latest pre-release.
New UI Sound Category
One of the most noticeable updates is the addition of a new sound volume category called “UI”.
This category now handles sounds generated by user interface elements like button clicks. It separates these from the general “master” volume control, giving players more precise control over in-game audio.
Even more interesting? UI sounds will continue playing even when the game is paused, similar to how music works. This improves immersion and gives a smoother feel while navigating menus or interacting with dialogs.
Data Pack Version 80 and New Trigger
This update bumps the Data Pack version to 80, and with that comes a useful addition for advanced players:
minecraft:player_sheared_equipment Trigger
This new advancement trigger fires when a player uses shears to remove shearable equipment from an entity. It includes condition checks such as:
- item – the item used to shear
- entity – the entity from which equipment is sheared
If you’re a map maker or data pack developer, this trigger opens up new interactive possibilities for gameplay mechanics involving mobs and gear.
Command Update: /playsound
The /playsound command now includes support for the new ui category, allowing creators and developers to assign audio feedback directly to UI-related events.
This is great news for immersive interface design in custom maps or mods.
Notable Bug Fixes
Pre-Release 3 doesn’t stop at new features—it also squashes a healthy list of long-standing bugs:
These changes might seem small, but they help polish the overall experience and eliminate some frustrating edge cases.
How to Try Pre-Release 3
To try the latest Pre-Release 3 for Minecraft 1.21.6, follow these steps:
Important: Always back up your existing worlds before running any pre-release version! These builds can corrupt your saves or cause unexpected behavior.
Final Thoughts
While Minecraft 1.21.6 Pre-Release 3 isn’t a massive overhaul, it introduces small yet impactful improvements that hint at Mojang’s continued attention to quality of life and customization.
Whether you’re a technical builder, command block pro, or just want smoother gameplay, this update is worth exploring.
Stay tuned for more updates as the official 1.21.6 release draws near!
