Minecraft Partially Ditches Its Classic Blocky Look In A New Xbox One X Graphical Update

When you think of Minecraft, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Blocks, right? Piles and [...]

When you think of Minecraft, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Blocks, right? Piles and piles of blocks! You either love or hate Minecraft's intentionally low-fi look, but there's no denying it's a huge part of the personality of the most successful game of all time.

Well, that's about to change. Minecraft overlords Microsoft have announced the game is getting an Xbox One X 4K visual update that adds much more advanced lighting, and, yes, realistic, non-blocky foliage. Here's how the folks at developer Mojang describe the new "Super Duper Graphics Pack":

"We're be releasing a free update that allows you to boost Minecraft's graphics. Minecraft will get 4K HDR graphics which include improved lighting, shadows, water effects... basically, it'll be like giving your eyes a luxury massage. This'll be available to folks playing on Xbox One, Windows 10, iOS, mobile, and VR - essentially every platform that gets our Better Together update.

We'll also be releasing new DLC, the Super Duper Graphics Pack. On top of the free 4K update, the Super Duper Graphics Pack introduces features like dynamic shadows, lighting that streams through fog, movement in leaves and grass, new textures for mobs and villagers, directional lighting, edge highlighting and more! This Pack will be available on Xbox One and Windows 10, performing best on high-end PCs and the Xbox One X.

Keep in mind that these are entirely optional. We wanted to take advantage of 4K gaming and give players a whole new way to see the game. But only if you want!"

This all kind of seems to be missing the point of Minecraft, but what do I know? Maybe Minecraft superfans have been longing to hit pigs with pickaxes for in 4K ultra HD for years.

You can check out a trailer featuring the newly upgraded visuals, above.

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