Exploration Update
Exploration Update introduced woodland mansions and new rewards for exploring. It released for Java Edition 1.11 on November 14, 2016.
World Generation
Woodland Mansions
Woodland Mansions introduced large, room-filled structures in Roofed Forests. Explorer Maps from Cartographers help players find distant Mansions and Ocean Monuments, connecting trading with exploration.
Mobs
Illagers
Evoker
Vindicators threaten players at close range, while Evokers use magical attacks and summon Vexes. Defeating an Evoker provides a Totem of Undying, making Mansion expeditions a way to earn protection from a fatal hit.
Llamas
Llamas introduced pack-animal caravans. Equip them with Chests for supplies and Carpets for decoration; a caravan follows a leashed leader, allowing players to move several animals together.
Items and Storage
Shulker Boxes
Shulker Boxes retain their contents when broken. Crafted with Shulker Shells and a Chest, they give End expeditions a practical reward for transporting equipment and building materials. Their color variants help organize collections.
Totem of Undying
Totem of Undying
A held Totem can save its owner from an otherwise fatal event, consuming itself in the process. It must be held in the main hand or offhand rather than simply sitting in the inventory.
Redstone
Observers detect block changes and send a short redstone pulse. Their compact design supports automated farms and mechanisms that react to nearby activity.
Other Highlights
The update strengthened exploration at both ends of progression: Cartographers guide players toward new encounters, while portable storage and Totems make the journey’s rewards useful beyond the structure itself.
Gallery
Official Artwork
