During the latest Minecraft Live event, fans got an exciting sneak peek at what’s next for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition. Released later this year on selected platforms, the update—dubbed Vibrant Visuals—promises to revolutionize the game’s graphics. This transformation will include enhanced features like directional lighting and volumetric fog, all easily accessible through a simple toggle in the menu. Players can seamlessly switch between the classic and the new looks whenever they like.
Mojang’s team describes Vibrant Visuals as bringing Minecraft to life as you’ve always imagined it in your mind. It’s not about a complete overhaul or a radical shift in style; rather, it’s a richer, more intense rendering of what makes Minecraft iconic.
The brain behind this project, Art Director Jasper Boerstra, revealed that the inspiration came from observing the Minecraft community, particularly streamers. “Seeing how they used shaders sparked an idea,” Boerstra said. “Players often switch shaders off to get a clearer view while building, so I thought, why not create visuals that needn’t be turned off—ones that are user-friendly during construction? We wanted a look that’s simple yet impactful for players.”
I had the privilege of visiting Mojang Studios in Stockholm to witness these Vibrant Visuals firsthand. From the get-go, the philosophy shaping this update was evident. Two specially crafted maps showcased the substantial work poured into this visual upgrade. While screenshots or videos might impress, playing the game is truly the best way to grasp Vibrant Visuals’ impact.
In the first scenario, I found myself in a cave, greeted by a dramatic sunset through a stairway. Outside light cascaded over stone walls and vines, creating mesmerising patterns, while fireflies cast playful reflections across nearby water. Emerging from the cave, I met a sprawling desert where the setting sun painted long shadows throughout the landscape—a visual depth that classic Minecraft never achieved.
The second map plunged me into a lush, sunlit valley dotted with cherry blossom trees. Thanks to the Spring to Life update, petals drifted down, forming delicate shadows. Diving into a pool, I noticed sunbeams piercing the water—light now interacts with every block and creature, fundamentally altering the world.
Boerstra further explained that Vibrant Visuals stays true to Minecraft’s roots. “Shadows and reflections are intentionally pixelated, retaining that essential Minecraft feeling,” he noted. “We wanted to blend familiar elements with fresh features to create something immersive and true to the game.”
The true testament to Vibrant Visuals’ success lies in its seamless integration. Soon, I forgot about the enhanced visuals altogether; they fit so naturally into the game. A simple hotkey allowed me to compare the new and original aesthetics, highlighting just how significantly the visuals have evolved.
With the original graphics, mountains appeared as massive blocks, but now with volumetric fog, they fade into a mist, introducing a sense of scale and intrigue. Vibrant Visuals not only looks superior, but also makes the world feel more expansive.
This update marks a new chapter for Minecraft, aiming to continually elevate the game’s aesthetics while preserving its beloved essence. “Vibrant Visuals is just the start,” said Executive Producer Ingela Garneij. “We’re committed to further refining visuals to make Minecraft accessible and visually appealing across platforms, all while maintaining the art style that fans love.”
Players will appreciate the option to easily revert to the original look, with plans to introduce Vibrant Visuals to Minecraft: Java Edition in the future. This initiative doesn’t intend to replace community mods or RTX maps but offers a straightforward way for players to enhance their game’s appearance.
This enhancement meets the aspirations of long-time players who have imagined Minecraft’s growth, modernizing it while keeping its charm intact. For new players, it’s a chance to step into a world that feels fresh and familiar simultaneously. Accessing Vibrant Visuals is as simple as downloading the update when it becomes available later in the year for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition.
While Minecraft’s expansions typically focus on new blocks, mobs, or mechanics, Vibrant Visuals offers a refreshing new angle, heralding a new era for the game.
