Minecraftfans already have a lot to look forward to in 2022. The Wild Update promises to introduce some compelling features, from the brand new mangrove wood type in swamps to the lurking threat of the Warden stalking the depths of the new Deep Dark biome. As exciting as the update is, though, Mojang is always looking toward the future ofMinecraft.While it prepares the Wild Update’s content, Mojang is almost certainly debating what other new features could helpMinecraftgrow. There are certainly new blocks and mob types on the horizon, but Mojang should also consider building spellcasting intoMinecraftin a future update.
Magic has a very significant presence inMinecraftalready.EnchantingMinecraft’s weapons and armoris a crucial part of getting stronger,while certain potions can save a player’s life or give them the upper hand in battle. Nonetheless, players have no way to simply cast spells inMinecraft. In an unmodded version of the game, only an inventory full of tipped arrows and splash potions can replicate the use of magic. Considering how manyMinecraftmods add wizardry to the game, there’s clearly interest in this as a coreMinecraftfeature, so hopefully, Mojang is aware of that and has started thinking about how to integrate spells intoMinecraft.
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How Spellcasting Could Work in Minecraft
Since everythingMinecraftplayers can accomplish involves the contents of their inventory, rather than special abilities or skill progression, magic inMinecraftwould inevitably require the creation of a wand or a staff that does the spellcasting for the player. Mojang would be wise to construct a wand recipe partially out of knownMinecraftitems in order to better integrate magic into the game’s established content. For instance,Blaze Rods from the Nethercould be used to make the base of the wand or staff, while gemstones like diamonds, emeralds, or amethyst shards could form the tip.
Minecraftmagic might be more practical if each wand can only cast one spell at a time, much like how bows don’t randomly choose from different arrow types in the player’s inventory. Instead, players might need to put certain materials inside the wand that determine the kind of spell it casts while also serving as a resource that the wand consumes.Minecraftplayers might cast fire spells by putting Fire Charges in the wand, whilea precious Golden Applecould charge wands with a potent healing spell. Using standardMinecraftitems as spell resources would make it feel like a more natural part of the game while encouraging established players to think differently about how they spend their resources.
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Utilizing Minecraft’s Growing World
Of course, whileMinecraftmagic would benefit from using items that already exist, it could also come with new items that serve as wand resources.The Wild Update’s Deep Dark biomecould introduce a spell component related to skulk, for instance, potentially letting players cast a spell that blinds mobs or shrouds an area in darkness to break the line of sight. The ancient cities guarded by the ominous Wardens seem like perfect places to hide rare items thatMinecraftplayers can use to cast powerful spells.
Introducing wizardry toMinecraftsounds like a drastic change, but considering the other ways in whichMinecrafthas grown, it may not be so strange after all. The Deep Dark biome’s shady environments and sound mechanics, as well asCaves and Cliffs' changesto the dimensions ofMinecraftworlds, show that Mojang is constantly overhauling the game. Spellcasting would just be the next step inMinecraft’s long history of reinventing itself by introducing new mechanics that fundamentally alter the game. The Wild Update looks like it’ll be a major hallmark of 2022 forMinecraftplayers, but ideally, Mojang has more major features like spellcasting coming down the pipeline soon.
Minecraftis available now on Mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
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