Mojang Studios revealed The Sift at Minecraft Live on September 26, 2026. It is a new dimension coming to Minecraft Java and Bedrock Edition in 2027. The Minecraft Sift is the first new dimension added to the game in more than 14 years. It joins the Overworld, the Nether and the End.
The Sift was the main announcement of Minecraft Live, but not the only one. Mojang also showed the next game drop, confirmed a Nintendo Switch 2 release date, shared details about the Minecraft World theme park, and gave a final look at Minecraft Dungeons II before launch.
For what was rumored before the stream, see our Minecraft Live September 2026 preview.
Everything announced at Minecraft Live
| Announcement | Details | Release |
|---|---|---|
| The Sift | New fourth dimension for Minecraft | 2027 (Java and Bedrock) |
| Minecraft Dungeons II | Sequel that features The Sift first | September 29, 2026 |
| Next game drop | Ice Caves biome and frozen zombie variant | Date not announced |
| Minecraft on Switch 2 | Better performance and visuals | October 27, 2026 |
| Minecraft World | Theme park with a hotel and rollercoaster | 2027, London |
| Sound Effects Packs | New Minecraft Marketplace content | Later in 2026 |
| Creator platform | Tools to make creating and sharing easier | No date given |
Minecraft Live The Sift reveal: what we know
Mojang did not share much about how The Sift will work in the main game. Here is what has been confirmed so far:
- It will be the fourth dimension in Minecraft, after the Overworld, the Nether and the End.
- It releases in Minecraft Java and Bedrock Edition in 2027.
- It has its own areas, mobs and hazards.
- Two areas have been named so far: the Meadow and the Carapace.
- The broadcast showed a portal to The Sift inside Minecraft, as well as blue bunnies living in the dimension.
Minecraft Sift release date
| Game | Sift Availability |
|---|---|
| Minecraft Dungeons II | September 29, 2026 |
| Minecraft Java Edition | 2027 |
| Minecraft Bedrock Edition | 2027 |
Mojang has not given a month for the 2027 release. It also has not said which game drop will add The Sift.
Minecraft dimensions timeline
| Dimension | Year Added |
|---|---|
| Overworld | 2009 |
| The Nether | 2010 |
| The End | 2011 |
| The Sift | 2027 (planned) |
How to play The Sift early
The Minecraft Sift can first be explored in Minecraft Dungeons II, which launches on September 29, 2026. In that game, rifts open throughout the world, and entering one takes players to The Sift. Mojang has not said how players will reach it in the main game.
Minecraft Dungeons II will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Game Pass. Minecraft Live covered these changes to the sequel:
- One interconnected world replaces the first game’s separate missions.
- Players can jump for the first time in the series.
- Armor is split into four pieces, and talismans give passive bonuses.
- In the story, a group of illagers has formed the Illager High Council.
Up to four players can play in co-op. Mojang explains each system on its Minecraft Dungeons II gameplay page. The full platform list and PC specs are in our Minecraft Dungeons II release date guide.
Next game drop: Ice Caves and the frozen zombie
Minecraft Live also gave a first look at the next game drop. It does not have a name or release date yet.
Ice Caves are a rare underground biome that generates beneath cold surface biomes. They contain ice, calcite, icicles on the ceiling and glowing ice crystals on the ground. Ice crystals can be placed vertically or horizontally and work as a light source.
The frozen zombie is a new zombie variant that does not have an official name yet. Its melee attacks freeze players, and some frozen zombies throw ice balls. Regular zombies turn into frozen zombies when exposed to powder snow.
Ice balls drop from frozen zombies and can also be crafted. Players can throw them or brew them into a new Freezing Potion.
To test these features in a creative world once they reach preview, use our Minecraft commands guide to set the time, weather and game mode.
Minecraft on Nintendo Switch 2
Minecraft launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27, 2026. Mojang says it runs better and looks better than the original Switch version.
Minecraft World hotel and rollercoaster
Minecraft World opens in 2027 at Chessington World of Adventures Resort in London. Mojang and Merlin Entertainments confirmed two attractions:
- Minecraft World Hotel: themed rooms and a deep-sea diner.
- Escape the Nether: the first Minecraft rollercoaster, with both indoor and outdoor sections.
Creator platform and Sound Effects Packs
Jens Bergenström, Chief Creative Officer at Mojang Studios, described a creator platform. It aims to make creating, managing and sharing Minecraft content easier for both new and experienced creators.
Mojang also announced Sound Effects Packs for the Minecraft Marketplace. They let players change the sounds in their worlds and arrive later in 2026.
Other Minecraft Live news
- Minecraft Education turned 10 years old.
- Mojang redesigned its feedback site for player suggestions.
- A new community challenge asks players to place 50 million straw beds and 200 million cushions across the Overworld.
Mojang’s full summary is in the official Minecraft Live recap. The Minecraft Wiki event page will track new Sift details as Mojang releases them.
FAQs
What was announced at Minecraft Live?
The Sift dimension, Ice Caves, a frozen zombie, a Switch 2 release date, Minecraft World details, Sound Effects Packs and a new creator platform.
What is The Sift in Minecraft?
The Sift is a new dimension revealed at Minecraft Live. It will be the fourth dimension in Minecraft.
When is the Minecraft Sift coming out?
The Sift arrives in Minecraft Java and Bedrock Edition in 2027. No exact date has been announced.
Can I play The Sift now?
Not in Minecraft yet. It can be explored in Minecraft Dungeons II starting September 29, 2026.
When was Minecraft Live September 2026?
It aired on September 26, 2026, at 5 PM UTC (10:30 PM IST).
