In early December 2024, Mojang Studios released the latestMinecraftupdate in the form of The Garden Awakens for both Bedrock and Java Edition. Here, players worldwide on multiple platforms were finally able to explore the latest biome in the form of the Pale Garden and encounter its creepy inhabitants, the Creaking. While this tree-like mob is very distinctive compared toMinecraft’s other creatures, the 15-year-old blocky game has long been known for creating unique and interesting monsters beyond those commonly seen in fantasy concepts. The Creaking, with its connection to the creaking heart and ability to freeze at a player’s sight, is just the latest example of Mojang’s creature creativity.
An Exploration Into Minecraft’s Diverse Bestiary
FromMinecraft’s early days, its cubic landscapes have been filled with all kinds of wild and monstrous creatures. Players would encounter common animals by day, such as Cows, Pigs, and Chickens, but by night, hostile mobs would hunt players in the form ofSkeletons, Zombies, and Spiders. While these mobs are not new to fantasy concepts, Skeletons and Zombies being similar to Norse draugr in particular,Minecraft’s mascot was an entirely new design that would shape how new mobs were created going forward: the Creeper. This rectangular, hissing, green monstrosity went on to haunt players' dreams in fear that one day it may sneak up on them and explode, killing the player and possibly destroying structures and items.
Since then, Mojang has gone on to add dozens of new hostile and passive mobs toMinecraft,with many being based on real-world animals but several being original creations like the Creeper. This was first seen with the introduction of the underworld-like dimension, the Nether, which was inhabited only by Zombie Pigmen and Ghasts initially. From there, Mojang would createEndermen based on the creepypasta Slenderman, the slinky-like Slime and Magma Cubes, and the fireball-throwing Blazes. Not every new, original mob was hostile to the player, however, as Villagers, Snow Golems, and Iron Golems would remain primarily passive toward players unless attacked in the Iron Golem’s case.
Minecraft Creature’s Post-Microsoft Acquisition
In the decade since Mojang was acquired by Microsoft, a treasure trove of new, original mobs have been added, particularly through the now-defunct mob vote. While several mobs were designed for the mob votes, only a handful were officially added toMinecraft, including thePhantom, Glow Squid, Allay, Sniffer, and Armadillo. Other original mobs were added beyond the mob votes in expansive updates, such as the Bountiful Update introducing the water-temple dwelling Guardians, the Wild Update introducing the hulking Warden, and Tricky Trials introducing the cloud-like Breezes. Mojang further added new variations of older, original mobs, such as the Zombie Pigmen becoming Piglins and Villagers becoming Illagers and Ravagers.
The Creeper’s designwas initially made by accident when a glitched Pig had all four of its legs appear at the end of its body standing up.
Minecraft’s Future With New, Original Mobs
One ofMinecraft’s greatest strengths is how it’s able to continuously update, expand, and evolve over the years compared to games with stagnant features.Minecrafttoday is largely different from the relatively barren blocky landscape created in 2009 thanks to Mojang’s consistent updates and additions. While new biomes and gameplay mechanics can entice some players to come back toMinecraft, the allure of new mobs is a more appealing way to bring players back to the game to view and interact with the game’s newest mob. Based on this past success with additions such as Endermen and the Nether mobs, Mojang will likely continue to diversify its worlds with new, original mobs for years to come.
What these new mobs will be remains to be seen. Many fans hope that a new, third dimension will eventually be added to go alongside the End and Nether and feature a whole collection of new mobs. Some players suspect a central structure in ancient cities may eventually be used as a portal to a new dimension based onthe Warden’s shadowy characteristics. Meanwhile, others desire to see more new mobs inhabit the End to go alongside the Endermen, Ender Dragon, Endermites, and Shulkers to compete against the Nether and overworld’s varied populaces. If the Creaking is anything, it’s a sign that Mojang’s creativity in creature design forMinecraftis still fresh and will continue to intrigue players with new mobs in the future.
Minecraft
WHERE TO PLAY
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!
