How do I install Minecraft snapshots?

Open the Minecraft Launcher, go to Installations, click New Installation, select the snapshot version from the dropdown, then create and launch. You can also use your existing launcher profile and change the version in settings.

Can I use mods with this snapshot?

Official mods aren't supported on snapshots since they're development versions. Mod loaders like Fabric may work but aren't guaranteed. Always test in a separate world first.

How do I use custom biomes in my world?

Create a data pack with a worldgen/biome folder containing your biome JSON files. Load the data pack in your world and select the custom biome when creating a new world.

Will my worlds from the previous snapshot work?

Usually yes, but snapshot worlds can occasionally have compatibility issues. Always back up your world before updating to a new snapshot.

What changed with piglin bartering?

Piglin bartering loot tables were rebalanced in this snapshot. The exact item weights and possibilities were adjusted for better game balance.

Minecraft 1.16.2 Snapshot 20w28a

Snapshot 20w28a is a major update for world customization. You can now define custom biomes, control dimension generation, tweak surface builders, and fine-tune almost every aspect of world generation through data packs. Piglin bartering got some balance changes too.

What’s New

Biome and World Generation

Custom biomes are now fully supported in data packs.
New worldgen folder system lets you define biomes, structures, features, carvers, and surface builders.
Single biome, caves, and floating islands world types now accept custom biomes.
Custom biomes work in dimension generators for complete world control.

Customization Features

Brewing stands can now be crafted with blackstone.
Villagers emit green particles when joining a village, setting a bed, or getting a job.
Totems of Undying now grant 40 seconds of fire resistance when used.
Tweaked piglin bartering loot tables.

Server Updates

Dedicated servers can rate-limit clients to prevent packet spam.
Configure with rate-limit settings in server.properties (default 0 = no limit).

Data Pack World Generation Structure

The new worldgen folder supports these customization files:

worldgen/biome – Define custom biome properties and colors.
worldgen/configured_feature – Control feature placements (trees, ores, etc).
worldgen/configured_carver – Set up cave and canyon carving.
worldgen/configured_structure_feature – Place structures like villages and temples.
worldgen/configured_surface_builder – Define surface layer generation.
worldgen/processor_list – Create block processor sets for structures.
worldgen/template_pool – Build pool definitions for jigsaw structures.

How to Install

Snapshots are installed through the vanilla Minecraft launcher:

Open Minecraft Launcher.
Go to Installations tab.
Click New Installation.
Select Version 20w28a from the dropdown.
Create and launch.

For full instructions, visit How To Download & Install Minecraft Snapshots.

Version Compatibility

This is an official snapshot for Minecraft 1.16.2. It’s compatible with the standard Minecraft launcher. Mods are not officially supported on snapshots, but some mod loaders may work depending on the mod.

Download Links

Client: Download Client

Server: Download Server

Minecraft 1.16.2 Snapshot 20w28a | Custom World Gen