Minecraft 26.3 Snapshot 2

The second snapshot for version 26.3 is now available — and it brings quite a few interesting changes. The developers focused on transparency rendering, mob behavior optimization, and technical improvements for datapack creators. Here’s what changed.

The new OIT transparency algorithm — the snapshot’s main feature

The most significant change in this patch is the replacement of the old «Improved Transparency» system with the new Order-independent Transparency (OIT) algorithm. Previously, the game tried to solve transparent object issues by rendering them into separate textures and then combining them. This gave partial results, but also introduced new visual artifacts.

OIT approaches the problem differently: transparent objects can now be rendered in any order, without the need for pre-sorting. This fixes most long-standing bugs — for example, objects disappearing behind glass or water displaying incorrectly through semi-transparent blocks.

One important detail: the algorithm works as an approximation, so in some situations, such as when several transparent layers overlap, cloud colors may appear slightly inaccurate. Performance with OIT enabled is also somewhat lower than with the previous solution.

New block_transformer component for datapacks

A new minecraft:block_transformer component has been added for datapack authors. It allows items to transform blocks during player interaction — setting a new block state, playing sounds, spawning particles, specifying which faces cannot be touched, and even controlling loot drops. It is a powerful tool for custom mechanics and more unusual gameplay experiences.

Expanded world generation tools

The snapshot significantly expands the toolkit for world generation:

• minecraft:copy_properties_provider — a new provider that copies block properties from one position to another.
• minecraft:overlay — places a set of objects in the same location regardless of whether individual placements succeed.
• minecraft:projected_random_patchy_square — generates a square area with decreasing block placement probability toward the edges and support for downward projection.
• Older object types were renamed: basalt_columns > stepped_column_cluster, basalt_pillar > single_block_pillar, glowstone_blob > random_neighbor_spread. All three also received new configurable parameters.

Also, Cave Air no longer generates in Nether caves — a small but important improvement for creators of custom dimensions.

Gameplay changes

Mob behavior has been optimized. Persistent mobs now stop wandering and swimming randomly when no players are nearby — exactly the same way this already worked for regular mobs. This should improve performance on populated servers.

Shield priority over tools. If a player is holding both a shield and a hoe or shovel, raising the shield now takes priority over tilling soil or making paths. No more accidental block interactions in the middle of combat.

Drowned behavior. Drowned carrying tridents now switch to melee combat if the player is within three blocks. Logical and convenient.

Server settings. The white-list property now defaults to true. Be careful when setting up new servers.

Bug fixes

Most of the fixes are related to transparency — which is exactly why OIT was introduced. Among the most noticeable:

• Many transparent objects did not render behind slimes, shulker bullets, or wind charges.
• Particles made other particles invisible.
• Blocks inside boats rendered incorrectly when viewed through glass.

In addition, a number of bugs related to new blocks and plants were fixed: carpets can be crafted again, poplar saplings are now destroyed by water and can be used as fuel, and wandering traders once again sell poplar logs.

Is it worth installing?

Snapshot 26.3.2 is serious technical work under the hood of Minecraft Java. OIT fixes problems that have bothered players for years, while the new tools for datapacks open up interesting opportunities for the community.

Have you tried this snapshot yet? Did you notice a difference in how transparent blocks are displayed? Share your thoughts in the comments!