- Minecraft Dungeons II launches September 29, with preorders ending September 28 and bonus items like the Twisted Chicken pet.
- Java Edition 26.3 release candidate 1 is out, fixing shield and ender pearl bugs.
- A 9-year-old YouTuber racked up $118,000 in YouTube ads using his dad's company credit card.
- Scientists' fruit fly brain experiment in Minecraft led to a spider that suffocated itself.
The Minecraft universe is buzzing with fresh news this week, from the upcoming release of a highly anticipated spin-off to a major Java Edition update and a bizarre real-world incident. Fans have plenty to digest, whether they’re planning to preorder the next big adventure or just curious about the latest patch notes.
We’ve gathered the top stories that are making waves, covering everything from new game drops to a young player’s expensive mistake. Here’s what’s happening in the blocky world.
Minecraft Dungeons II: Preorders Open with Sweet Bonuses
Minecraft Dungeons II is set to hit shelves on September 29, and digital preorders are now live. Developers Mojang Studios and Double Eleven are taking players on a brand-new journey across the Overworld and beyond, fighting evil mobs and building legendary gear. The game supports solo play, local couch co-op, and online cross-play with up to four players.
If you grab a copy before September 28, you’ll snag some exclusive digital extras: two hero skins, a Twisted Cape, and a mischievous Twisted Chicken pet. The Standard Edition costs $29.99, while the Deluxe Edition at $49.99 throws in two future DLC packs, a Soul Cape, an aquatic Blub Pet, and four Deluxe hero skins. It’s a solid deal for those planning to grind hours into the game, but the preorder deadline is tight, so act fast.
Java Edition 26.3 Release Candidate 1: What’s Fixed
The Java Edition crew has rolled out the first release candidate for version 26.3, dubbed the Wilderness Boundgame drop. If no critical issues pop up, this will be the full release. It addresses several annoying bugs, like items with certain weapon components no longer disabling other items, axes no longer disabling shields, and a fix for the match_block loot predicate. Also, throwing ender pearls at specific angles won’t let you see through blocks anymore.
For those eager to test, the release candidate is available in the Minecraft Launcher under snapshots. Remember to back up your worlds, as testing versions can corrupt data. The team also wants player feedback, so report any issues you encounter.
A Nine-Year-Old’s $118,000 Ad Bill
In a story that went viral, a 9-year-old Minecraft YouTuber named Mike inadvertently spent $118,000 on YouTube ads using his dad’s company credit card. His father, David Sarkisyan, explained in a video that he’d set up a small $20 campaign for his son’s channel but forgot to remove the card details. The kid then ran his own larger campaigns, believing more money meant more views.
David discovered the damage during a tense corporate meeting, and he still might have to pay it back personally. He’s joked about punishing his son with lawn-mowing duty until age 18, but he also stresses that Mike didn’t fully grasp the consequences. The family is waiting to see how the company will respond.
Fruit Fly Brain Uploaded to Minecraft: A Quirky Experiment
On a lighter note, YouTuber Ro0oney claims to have uploaded a fruit fly’s consciousness into Minecraft, creating a spider that immediately suffocated itself. He worked with a simplified brain map from Princeton, but experts note the tool oversimplifies biophysics. The digital fly can react to hunger and fear, but it’s not truly conscious—just a fun, entertaining simulation that’s sparked philosophical debates.
Despite the scientific limitations, the video has captured attention, blending tech with gaming in a way only Minecraft can.
From preorder incentives to patch fixes and real-world drama, it’s been a busy week for the Minecraft community. Whether you’re gearing up for Dungeons II or just curious about the latest Java update, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. And that kid? He’s definitely grounded.
