On June 23rd, Minecraft launched it's highly anticipated Nether update. This region has been a part of the game's world almost as long as it's inception a decade ago, and has terrified players with it's treacherous lava landscapes and powerful monsters. For many years, it's been a very hostile environment that is hard to adapt to. Important resources like food and water were nowhere to be found, and danger lurked around every corner. But with the advent of this year's Nether update, that all changes; and it's the new Nether biomes that are to thank for it.
Biomes are different environment types generated throughout the Minecraft world. From snowy peaks to dense jungles, they all have their own unique qualities and ecosystems. The Nether has always had only one biome, but this update changes that, creating 5 in total. This guide will look at each new Nether biome, and examine what players can expect to find.
The Nether Wastes and Soul Sand Valley
The first of the new biomes is the Nether Wastes, which are the remains of the original Nether biome that have been in the game for years. Red netherrack blocks in place of stone, oceans and lakes of lava instead of water; it’s just as treacherous as it’s always been. While it is mostly familiar, there are many new additions to liven it up a bit. Piglins are the most notable inhabitant, a species of pig-like people. These new occupants are normally hostile, but will get along with the player so long as they don gold armor. Said armor may not be the most durable, but players exploring the Nether ought to bring some to commune with it's inhabitants. Piglins will also trade players items in exchange for gold ingots, such as Ender Pearls and the new Crying Obsidian. Sometimes, Piglins can be found in the remains of their bastions. These strongholds hide many treasures, but the pig people will attack those who steal from them. Piglins and their Bastion Remnants are not exclusive to Nether Wastes; they are the main differences to Minecraft’s longstanding netherworld. Other structures, like broken Nether Portals, are scattered about all the new biomes, so be on the lookout for them and the loot they contain.
Much like how the Nether Wastes are a repurposed version of the original Nether biome, the Soul Sand Valley is a more developed version of the original patches of soul sand scattered throughout the realm. They’re filled with hard to traverse soul sand, which lowers the player’s movement speed. Thankfully, a new enchantment, Soul Speed, can negate this detriment, so keep an eye out for it. Alongside the soul sand is the new soul soil, which will produce the glowing blue ‘Soul Fire’ when lit. The new Piglins are afraid of soul fire, so the soul soil can be put to use making special Soul Fire torches. Scattered about the Soul Sand valley are the remains of once forgotten beasts, which appear as Nether Fossils. These giant skeletal formations are made of bone blocks, which can be broken down into bone meal for crop growth. Skeletons, which drop bones, already spawn in the Nether, but these Nether Fossils yield a more substantial amount of bone meal. Outside of that use, these bone blocks are for aesthetics; for decorating bases or changing the note block instrument to a Xylophone.
The Nether’s Two Forests, and the Basalt Delta
Two different forests have been added to the Nether: the Crimson Forest, and the Warped Forest. Both are filled with large fungus structures that tower over the player, the Nether’s new plant life. Huge Crimson Fungus and Huge Warped Fungus, found in the two new forests respectively, are the only source of wood in the Nether. They function the same, so which one is used is down to player preference. Tools, like swords and pickaxes, require sticks to craft, and these new forests can provide them to players. Also growing in these forests are the smaller native Fungus, which have different uses. Players can ride a new mob that’s been added, the Strider, so long as they have a Warped Fungus. After saddling them, they can be lead like a pig and carrot rod normally are in Minecraft. Striders swim through lava, so players can finally traverse the Nether oceans as if on boat! These Warped Funguses also influence another entity, the new Hoglins. This normally aggressive boar beast will pacify when in the vicinity of this Fungus, allowing players to breed them as they would any other cattle in Minecraft. To do so, they need to feed them the other forests fungus, the Crimson Fungus. Hoglins are primarily used as a food source, dropping porckchops when slain, so they can keep the player fed and healthy while on their Nether excursions. These two forests are the most bountiful biomes in the Nether, and their inclusion provides the player with much needed resources in a once harsh environment.
Basalt Deltas are the final biome introduced that features striking structures made of basalt (of course). These natural formations are mountainous and can be difficult to traverse. Simply building stairs out of blocks can do the trick, but ladders can offer more permanent navigation. This biome’s most useful asset is the basalt itself. They’re durable, and have blast resistance allowing them to endure explosions; a common occurrence due to the fireballs shot by the menacing Ghast demons. This biome’s natural resource is the perfect building material for the Nether, and will ensure the player has a safe place to rest. Outside of that, pools of lava litter the biome like a volcano. Not nearly as much as other locations in the Nether, but still something to watch out for.
Minecraft is available for Windows, IOS, Android, Switch, Xbox One, and Playstation 4