Summary

  • Minecraft's modern oceans are smaller due to the updated generation system, leading to debates over the loss of a sense of exploration.
  • Some players suggest data packs like Continents and Lithosphere for a middle ground between old and new oceans.
  • The Minecraft community remains divided over the new ocean generation system, potentially prompting Mojang to reconsider.

It appears that Minecraft players are still on the fence, trying to decide if new or old oceans are better and sharing their thoughts on the matter in quite a lengthy discussion. The revised ocean generation system has been a part of Minecraft since Update Aquatic.

Update Aquatic landed in both Java and Bedrock Editions of Minecraft in 2018, introducing numerous new features and enriching marine exploration. The most notable additions included unique new blocks and items, as well as new mobs and explorable structures scattered across deeply revised oceans. But while Minecraft oceans did become livelier and more packed with content, they also became smaller because of the updated generation system, ultimately turning into landlocked seas instead of endless masses of water.

minecraft-minecarts-chains-fan-concept
Minecraft Fan Concept Would Make Minecarts Even Better

A clever gamer online shares a fun concept for Minecraft that would make minecarts much better, with an update to the feature on the way from Mojang.

1

Reddit user endlessmessenger ignited quite an enthusiastic conversation by suggesting that since the release of Update Aquatic in Minecraft, the oceans haven’t been the same, sacrificing the sense of discovery and isolation for a more content-dense layout of biomes. To prove their point, they’ve uploaded a comparison of two maps, showing previously huge oceans with islands and modern environments consisting of landmasses with occasional seas between them. As reasonably noticed by several Redditors, biome generation seemingly shifted from one extreme to the other. This idea implies that truly epic Minecraft oceans lie somewhere between the two versions of the game: with oceans huge enough for players to feel the excitement of exploration but not absurdly gigantic for fans to avoid getting bored from observing endless water.

Minecraft Fans Still Not Sure if New or Old Oceans Were Better

Some players suggest a couple of data packs for a more immersive experience, namely Continents and Lithosphere, pointing out that they offer exactly what endlessmessenger is asking for: the middle ground between gigantic oceans from the pre-Aquatic era and modern “puddles.” While it’s indeed a working solution, many fans would like to have the suggested experience in vanilla Minecraft rather than rely on third-party content to get what they desire. That being said, data packs are powerful tools to enhance the game and make it more cinematic. For instance, there’s a feature-rich and diverse data pack that adds about 85 biomes to Minecraft, including a volcanic environment.

As a constantly evolving game, Minecraft has come through countless iterations to offer players more content and features. Not every update is met with the same level of enthusiasm, though, which is understandable, considering that it’s virtually impossible to please everyone. However, it seems like modern in-game oceans are still causing heated debates in the Minecraft community, which may eventually force Mojang to revise ocean generation or, at the very least, offer a few preset options for players to choose from to satisfy their desire for nautical exploration.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Minecraft Tag Page Cover Art
Display card tags widget
Sandbox
Survival
Display card system widget
Systems
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget
Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 84%
Display card main info widget
Released
November 18, 2011
ESRB
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
Developer(s)
Mojang
Publisher(s)
Mojang
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start
Minecraft In Game Screenshot 6
Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Minecraft is a game made up of blocks, creatures, and community. You can survive the night or build a work of art – the choice is all yours. But if the thought of exploring a vast new world all on your own feels overwhelming, then fear not!

Minecraft has no set goal and can be played however you’d like! This is why it’s sometimes called a “sandbox game” – there are lots of things for you to do, and lots of ways that you can play. If you like being creative, then you can use the blocks to build things from your imagination. If you’re feeling brave, you can explore the world and face daring challenges. Blocks can be broken, crafted, placed to reshape the landscape, or used to build fantastical creations. 

Creatures can be battled or befriended, depending on how you play. The world of Minecraft allows for epic adventures, quiet meditations, and everything in between. You can even share your creations with other players, or play in community worlds!

Engine
LWJGL, PROPRIETARY ENGINE
Multiplayer
Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
Franchise
Minecraft
Number of Players
1-4
Split Screen Orientation
Vertical or Horizontal
Genre(s)
Sandbox, Survival
How Long To Beat
129 Hours
File Size Xbox Series
1.42 GB (August 2024)