How Do I Get the Minecraft 1.20 Datapack?

Eager Minecraft players can gain early access to the highly anticipated 1.20 "Trails & Tales" update experimental features and content by installing the official 1.20 datapack. This guide will cover everything you need to know to add the datapack to your Java Edition game.

What Does the 1.20 Datapack Include?

Mojang releases datapacks during major Minecraft updates to let players test out features that are still under development for the next release. The 1.20 datapack specifically contains the new and experimental content planned for 2023‘s "Trails & Tales" update.

Based on what‘s available so far, some highlighted elements players can preview with the 1.20 datapack include:

These are just a handful of the additions that have been previously showcased. As Mojang continues developing features for the update into 2023, we can expect even more experimental content to appear in the 1.20 datapack.

Comparing Editions: Java vs. Bedrock

It‘s important to note that the 1.20 datapack with these early version features is only available for Java Edition currently. The datapack does not work for Minecraft on other platforms like Bedrock (mobile, Windows 10, console).

This highlights some key differences between the two editions:

Java Edition

• Receives major update snapshots and datapacks first
• Players can manually install mods, texture packs, and datapacks
• Supports hardcore community creations like custom launchers

Bedrock Edition

• Multiplatform (mobile, console, Windows 10)
• Built-in Marketplace for community content
• Optimized gameplay for touchscreens and controllers

So for now, Java Edition is the only way to gain datapack access. But Bedrock players shouldn‘t feel totally left out…

How to Install the 1.20 Datapack (Java Edition)

Installing the 1.20 datapack only takes a few quick steps:

1. Launch Minecraft Java Edition and create a new world
2. On the world creation menu, select Datapack Settings
3. Under Available Datapacks choose the file called "1.20 Experiments"
4. Click Done and confirm datapack is now active
5. Click Create New World to load in with the datapack

Once loaded, you‘ll immediately have access to all the new wood types, items, mobs and features as you play.

Tips for Smooth Datapack Installation

• For existing worlds: Upload the 1.20 datapack zip file into the worldname/datapacks folder
• Disable incompatible mods/plugins that could interfere
• Create datapack backup worlds before loading into long-term survival worlds

Overall the process is very quick and easy—you just select it on world creation and the content automatically generates.

The Importance of Snapshots and Early Testing

Mojang utilizes snapshots, betas, and datapacks to experiment with new features safely without disrupting the main live game. Why is early testing so critical for monumental updates like 1.20?

• Allows Mojang developers to rapidly add, tweak, and polish content based on real feedback
• Gives players a way to preview changes coming to their favorite game
• Surfaces crucial bugs and issues on a small scale before wide release
• Creates an ongoing dialogue between devs and the community

This exchange ultimately leads to better updates rolled out more smoothly to the full playerbase. So early adopters play an important role in shaping that future!

What Else Could Come in 1.20 Based on the Datapack?

As a passionate Minecraft gamer and content creator myself, scoping out these experimental datapacks allows me to make some educated guesses on what else 1.20 may have in store.

I speculate we could see additions like:

• More wood types beyond cherry (redwood, palm, etc)
• Crafting ingredients from the new Sniffer mob
• Unique camel saddles and gear
• Special backpack enchantments
• Expanded hangable sign functionality

Based on the breadth of features already teased, this promises to be one of Minecraft’s most ambitious and content-rich updates ever. As the full vision comes into focus over 2023, the community excitement will continue building.

The Monumental Popularity of Minecraft

With over 140 million monthly active players spanning ages 6 to 96+, Minecraft stands as nothing short of a global gaming phenomenon. To put its popularity into perspective:

These mind-blowing statistics make it easy to see why an update as big as 1.20 generates palpable excitement and curiosity throughout the fan community. Players cannot wait to experience Minecraft’s next evolution!

Don‘t Miss Out on the Future

As we look ahead to all the new adventures, self-expression and storytelling that awaits in the Trails & Tales update, I strongly recommend all eager Java Edition Minecraft explorers jump in now with the 1.20 datapack. Not only will you get a head start on the latest features, but you’ll be actively contributing to a better overall launch down the road.

To quickly recap: you can install the 1.20 datapack by creating a fresh Java Edition world, heading to Datapack Settings, selecting 1.20 Experiments, and then launching the world.

I hope this guide serves as revelation on the world of possibilities to come. See you on the frontier trailblazers! The journey begins now…

Let me know in the comments what epic tales you hope to experience in the Minecraft 1.20 update. And what discoveries have you unearthed in the datapack so far? I’m dying to hear first reactions from fellow block artisans and adventurers!