Minecraft is set to introduce a significant quality of life enhancement in its upcoming update, as announced by Mojang Studios through their social media and blog platforms. A new user interface feature, the locator bar, will replace the traditional XP bar in multiplayer sessions, assisting players in finding each other within the expansive game world.
While the concept may appear straightforward, players familiar with the game know that locating friends can be quite challenging, particularly in moments of confusion or when maps are unavailable. The locator bar is designed to function like a compass, directing players towards their teammates.
Understanding the Locator Bar in Minecraft
When you initiate a multiplayer game, you’ll first notice the locator bar where the XP bar traditionally resides. Keep in mind that the details shared here are based on current information and might undergo changes before the final version is launched.
The locator bar includes colored square icons, each representing players in your party. As you navigate the game world, these icons will shift in relation to your position and orientation, essentially redirecting you to each friend like a customized compass.
If a player is located within 120 degrees of your camera’s viewpoint, the locator bar will display their colored icon, suggesting they are within your immediate line of sight. For players positioned vertically above or below your view, up or down arrows will indicate their exact vertical orientation.
There are also several notable elements regarding the functionality of the locator bar. Players wishing to remain hidden can simply crouch or wear a mob head or carved pumpkin to disappear from the bar’s display. Additionally, consuming a Potion of Invisibility will remove them from the locator grid. Players in Spectator Mode, meanwhile, will not be tracked by the locator bar.
However, it’s important to note that the experimental version currently has limitations, specifically that it may not function correctly when the simulation distance exceeds four chunks.
For those eager to experience this feature firsthand, the latest Beta and Preview versions are available for download through the Minecraft Launcher app. Moreover, a Java Snapshot will be released shortly by Mojang Studios.
Once officially launched, the locator bar will include a toggle option, allowing players to enable or disable the feature according to their preference. Be sure to mark your calendars; Minecraft Live is set for March 22, 2025, where developers are expected to provide further insights on the release date and functionality of this exciting new feature.