Minecraft Bedrock Update 1.21.80.20: Key Features and Patch Notes
The developers behind Minecraft Bedrock have shifted their focus from the Spring Drop 2025 update to the upcoming version 1.21.80. With the recent release of the Beta and Preview variants—specifically 1.21.80.20—players are introduced to a notable new feature that will enhance the multiplayer experience.
Introducing the Locator Bar Feature
A significant addition in the 1.21.80.20 update is the Locator Bar. This feature is designed to help players on multiplayer servers easily locate their friends. Navigating in multiplayer can sometimes be tricky, and this new UI addition aims to streamline that process.
For those who prefer stealth, it’s worth noting that using an invisibility potion or crouching will effectively hide your position from the Locator Bar, allowing players to creep up on their friends undetected.
Patch Notes: What’s New in Minecraft Bedrock 1.21.80.20
Let’s delve into the extensive patch notes to explore the functionality of the Locator Bar, as well as various other updates and bug fixes associated with this Beta and Preview version.
Experimental Features Overview
Locator Bar Details
The Locator Bar, when activated, replaces the traditional Experience Bar on a player’s HUD and indicates the direction of nearby players. This bar appears whenever multiple players are in the same world. Although the player level remains visible above the Locator Bar, the colored indicators will only show when players are within a 120-degree view.
Additionally, if the player’s camera is tilted more than 30 degrees vertically relative to another player, arrows indicating whether the player is above or below will be displayed. Crouching or wearing specific items, such as a Mob Head or Carved Pumpkin, will keep players off the Locator Bar for others. Moreover, players in Spectator Mode remain hidden from this feature.
Developers have noted the intention to enable players to toggle the Locator Bar once it is fully released:
“When the Locator Bar moves out of experimental, we plan on making it a feature that Players can toggle on and off.”
Known Issues to Consider
- It is advised to test the Locator Bar with a Simulation Distance setting of 4 chunks to avoid performance issues.
- Setting the Simulation Distance above 4 chunks may result in player indicators not appearing correctly.
Additional Features and Fixes
Block Enhancements
- Fixed an issue where Sapling growth attempts would incorrectly trigger nearby Observers (MCPE-190286).
Gameplay Improvements
- Players will no longer be able to pass through blocks placed along x or z coordinates that are powers of 2 (e.g., 256, 512, 1024) (MCPE-173843).
Item Adjustments
- Resolved an issue where players couldn’t use items while targeting a Mob Spawner (MCPE-58999).
- Players can now use Mangrove Roots as fuel in Furnaces (MCPE-155605).
- Fixed a bug related to items disappearing when added to a Chest updated by a Hopper (MCPE-166390).
Mobs Fixes
- Named Slimes and Magma Cubes will now retain their names when they split (MCPE-14975).
- Creakings will no longer despawn upon world reload (MCPE-190845).
- Parrots can imitate various mobs including Phantoms and Blazes (MCPE-164404).
Sound and Stability Fixes
- Resolved sound issues affecting gameplay in Windows (MCPE-175138).
- Fixed an error that occasionally occurred when creating a Realm (MCPE-150000).
UI Enhancements
- Improved main menu responsiveness after server transfer cancellations (MCPE-189096).
- Touch Controls have received updates for clearer icons and customization options (MCPE-186584).
Moving Towards Future Updates
Minecraft Bedrock’s progress on version 1.21.80.20 exemplifies the ongoing commitment to enhancing player experiences. With developers already working on subsequent game drops, players can anticipate further features and announcements, possibly during the upcoming Minecraft Live 2025 event. To explore the detailed technical elements of this update, the official patch notes are recommended for deeper insights.