Minecraft 1.7.2 just released and it’s massive. This version combines 1.7 and 1.7.1 into one update, bringing a ton of new content. If you’ve been holding off upgrading, this is the release to jump on.
What’s New in 1.7.2
Completely New Biome Generation
World generation got a complete overhaul. There are way more biomes now, forests are more varied, and oceans have been reshaped. The new AMPLIFIED world type creates wild, extreme terrain with massive mountains and dramatic drops if you want something more intense than normal worlds.
New Blocks and Building Materials
Acacia and Dark Oak wood types give you more building options. You can craft stained glass in 16 different colors now. There’s also packed ice, red sand, podzol, and tons of new flowers including double-height variants. The block variety makes building way more interesting.
Better Fishing and Rod Enchanting
Fishing got a real upgrade. You can catch more types of fish now, and fishing rods can be enchanted. It’s actually worth doing instead of just a novelty activity.
Multiplayer and Chat Improvements
Chat links are now clickable. Click someone’s username to send them a private message directly. Servers can display custom icons in the server list. Hover over the player count to see who’s online before you join. When someone gets an achievement, it announces to the whole server now.
New Commands and Automation
The /summon command lets you spawn entities. Command block minecarts open up more automation possibilities. Achievements are now tracked per world instead of being global.
Graphics, Shaders, and Resource Packs
More graphics options for tweaking performance. There’s experimental shader tests hidden in the Super Secret Settings (click it a few times in settings). You can load multiple resource packs at the same time now. Servers can recommend resource packs to players, and packs can include custom sound effects.
Technical Improvements
Network code and the sound manager were completely rewritten for better stability. Nether portals can have different shapes. Maps in item frames display larger. The achievement screen is zoomable. Lots of bug fixes across the board.
System Requirements
Minecraft 1.7.2 runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. You just need Java installed. The launcher handles the rest.
Installation Instructions
Windows Installation
Download
This file is part of Minecraft 1.7.2 Download | Update That Changed the World. Visit the main page for features, installation guide, screenshots, and more download options.
Mac Installation
Download Minecraft.dmg, open the disk image, and drag Minecraft to your Applications folder. Run it from there.
Linux and Other Systems
Download
This file is part of Minecraft 1.7.2 Download | Update That Changed the World. Visit the main page for features, installation guide, screenshots, and more download options.
java -Xmx1024M -Xms512M -cp minecraft.jar net.minecraft.LauncherFrame
Use Sun’s JVM for best compatibility.
Running a Multiplayer Server
Windows is easy: download
This file is part of Minecraft 1.7.2 Download | Update That Changed the World. Visit the main page for features, installation guide, screenshots, and more download options.
For Linux, Mac, or running without a GUI, use the command line. First make sure Java works from your terminal. Download
This file is part of Minecraft 1.7.2 Download | Update That Changed the World. Visit the main page for features, installation guide, screenshots, and more download options.
java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui
Adjust the memory values depending on how many players you plan to support.