Poplar in the World of Cubes: What Mojang Showed at Minecraft Live

On May 30, 2026, at Minecraft Live held during TwitchCon Europe, the developers lifted the curtain a little on the year’s third drop. Among the announcements was something special for everyone who loves exploring new corners of the world and building cozy bases: a brand-new tree type — poplar.

A Forest You Instantly Want to Visit

Poplar will appear in a new biome called Dappled Forest — a «dappled» or «shaded» forest. The developers describe it as a bright, colorful forest biome with a rich palette. Poplars will define the look of the area: their silhouettes create the distinctive light-and-shadow pattern that gives the biome its name.

The atmosphere is enhanced by deep-red shrubs that do not change color depending on the biome and always remain richly red. That immediately makes Dappled Forest visually distinct and unlike any existing forest.

Abandoned Camps and the Spirit of Exploration

Besides the new vegetation, the biome is populated with abandoned camps. What exactly is hidden there and what their story is has not yet been revealed, but their very presence already suggests that Dappled Forest will be interesting not only for builders, but also for players who love exploring the world and uncovering its secrets.

This combination of scenic landscapes and mysterious structures is one of the best ways to motivate players to venture farther from home.

Warm Gray: New Wood for Builders

The main thing that sets poplar apart from other tree types is its shade. The developers called it warm gray poplar wood: a warm grayish-brown tone that sits somewhere between pale birch and more neutral woods. It is a versatile color that looks great in both modern builds and cozy village houses.

Mojang also specifically mentioned the «herringbone» pattern in connection with poplar — a clear hint that this wood will be perfect for decorative floors, accent walls, and detailed interiors.

What You’ll Be Able to Make from Poplar

There is no official full crafting list yet — the developers promised more details later. However, judging by every other wood set in Minecraft, it is reasonable to expect the standard lineup: planks, stairs, slabs, fences, fence gates, doors, trapdoors, buttons, and pressure plates. There may also be a poplar boat. But for now, that is only an assumption, not official confirmation.

Where and When to Look for It

Dappled Forest will be part of the third drop of 2026 — likely in autumn. Information about which biomes the new forest will spawn near and how often it will appear in the world has not yet been published.

So, Is It Worth the Wait?

Poplar is not just another tree type. It is part of a cohesive new biome concept that combines beautiful nature, building potential, and the spirit of exploration. Warm gray is a shade many builders have clearly been missing, while the abandoned camps promise adventure for lore fans.

Minecraft’s third drop is already on the horizon. Are you looking forward to poplar and Dappled Forest? Share your thoughts in the comments — what do you want to build first with the new wood?