The Minecraft: Java Edition 1.17.1 update is close to a full release

The 'Caves and Cliffs Update' is still a little buggy, and this update will help.

What you need to know

• Minecraft: Java Edition is currently testing the 1.17.1 patch update for 1.17 'Caves and Cliffs Update' Part One.
• Mojang Studios is close to releasing the update, as they've just dropped Release Candidate 1 for it.
• 1.17.1 is expected to fix a lot of bugs when it releases, but will not contain any large new features or changes.
• The 1.17.1 update for Minecraft: Java Edition will likely release within the next week or so, as long as there are no other issues.

1.17 Caves and Cliffs Update Part One just released to the world, and brought with it a ton of new features and gameplay mechanics for players to discover. However, like most major game updates, it wasn't entirely free of bugs. Mojang Studios has been testing the 1.17.1 patch update for Minecraft: Java Edition, and it looks like it may be mere days away from a full release — assuming Mojang doesn't discover any other lingering issues. Minecraft: Java Edition 1.17.1 Release Candidate 1 is now available.

1.17.1 Pre-Release 3 just released yesterday, and a Release Candidate now means Mojang is confident this update is ready for the public. As long as insiders and testers don't discover any glaring flaws, expect to see the 1.17.1 update within the next week.

Of course, this also means 1.17.1 Release Candidate 1 is quite boring, with only one additional fix under its belt versus yesterday's snapshot. Still, these builds are important to make the Caves and Cliffs Update as awesome as possible, especially before 1.18 Part Two releases later this year. If you love helping Mojang test future updates for Minecraft, you may find something else to love on our list of best Minecraft merch, toys, and gifts.

The full changelog for Minecraft: Java Edition 1.17.1 Release Candidate 1 includes:

Caves & Cliffs Update preview

• Download the latest datapack

Fixed bugs

• "death.attack.dryout" and "death.attack.dryout.player" display raw translation strings (are untranslated)