Update 1.21.40 (Patch 1.005 for PS5) for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition introduces a highly anticipated Hardcore Mode, providing players with a new and high-stakes gameplay experience. In this mode, players are locked into the highest difficulty setting, where death is permanent. Once a player dies, the game ends, and they can only spectate the world they created. This feature emphasizes survival and strategic gameplay, appealing to those seeking a more intense challenge. Additionally, players can now use Bundles, a new inventory item that allows them to stack different blocks and items together. This optimizes inventory space and enhances item organization.
The update also includes several accessibility features, such as the reintroduction of left-handed mode for touch devices and text-to-speech voiceover for the Marketplace and Realms content tabs. Numerous bug fixes and improvements enhance the overall gameplay experience. The Creative Inventory has been reorganized for more intuitive sorting, and various gameplay adjustments have been made, including improvements to mob behaviors and enhancements to the user interface. Notably, the update includes changes to compatibility with virtual reality and mixed reality devices, indicating that support for these devices will end in March 2025.
Complete Patch Notes for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition 1.21.40 (PS5 Update 1.005)
- Hardcore Mode
- New game mode introduced.
- Locked to highest difficulty.
- No respawns; players become spectators upon death.
- Bundles
- New item type for stacking different blocks/items together in one inventory slot.
- Packs a maximum of one stack (usually 64 items) of various item types.
- Bundles can be crafted with one String above one Leather.
- Accessibility Features
- Left-handed mode re-implemented for touch devices.
- Added text-to-speech voiceover for items in Marketplace Pass and Realms Content tabs.
- Gameplay Changes
- Wind Charges can no longer be hit shortly after throwing.
- Interacting with beds sets respawn points regardless of nearby enemies.
- Hardcore mode is now fully released, locking game mode to Survival and difficulty to Hard.
- Players maintain velocity when hitting the edge of the generated world.
- Various fixes to mob attacks and behaviors.
- Creative Inventory Changes
- Reorganized items for intuitive sorting.
- Specific item groups moved to match logical categories.
- Block Changes
- New block instances created for various items (e.g., mushroom_stem).
- Fixes to visibility issues with vines and spawner sounds.
- Commands
- ShowRecipeMessages game rule no longer considered a cheat.
- New ‘entity_offset’ parameter added to camera command.
- User Interface Updates
- Armor HUD updates correctly when equipped armor breaks.
- Various improvements to menu interactions and tooltips.
- Mobs
- Adjustments to mob drops and behaviors (e.g., Polar Bears drop Cooked Fish).
- Wolves and other pets can now teleport to their owner more effectively.
- General Bug Fixes
- Fixed numerous bugs impacting gameplay, mob behavior, and commands.
- Known Issues
- Certain visual and placement bugs still in existence, especially in slow connection scenarios.
- VR / MR Support
- Support for VR/MR devices will end in March 2025, with a final update released then.
Complete details on the patch notes can be seen on the official support website.
Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is a sandbox game that enables players to build, explore, and survive in a blocky, procedurally generated 3D world. With its versatile gameplay mechanics and extensive crafting system, it offers a myriad of possibilities for creativity and adventure.
