The console version of Minecraft is about to get even more beautiful – in its unique, blocky way – with the announcement of a new expansion pack tapping into Chinese mythology.
The Chinese Mythology Mash-Up Pack was revealed at Minecon 2016, the annual fan gathering devoted to developer Mojang’s sandbox phenomenon, and is set to offer a new world to explore, fresh creatures to encounter, dangerous monsters to battle, and a host of skins and music choices.
The main attraction? A colossal pre-built environment full of castles, enormous sculptures, and hidden secrets. Mojang describes it as “an exquisitely crafted world inspired by the myths of the far East”.
You can take a look at the new expansion in action, below.
n total, the latest Minecraft pack introduces 41 new skins for gamers to play around with. The music gets an overhaul too, with 13 new tracks themed to the mythological Chinese setting.
The new location also serves as arena, as the pack adds a map to the competitive Battle Mode. The multiplayer mode, introduced in June, allows Minecraft players to face off in deathmatch combat. Unlike the existing maps though, there’ll be dragons to contend with here (not to be confused with another dragon prominent in Minecraft’s own lore).
Minecraft expansion packs add Chinese Mythology
MOJANG
The Chinese Mythology Mash-up Pack follows shortly in the wake of Minecraft expanding its presence in China itself. Mojang partnered with major service provider NetEase in May to officially launch the game on PC and mobile.
The pack will set you back $5 “or local equivalent”. Given other mash-up packs, such as those based on Halo and Greek Mythology currently cost £3.19, expect similar for Chinese Mythology.
Minecraft expansion packs add Chinese Mythology
MOJANG
Minecraft: Console Edition will also be getting a host of free updates. Wander around a frozen biome and you may now encounter polar bears and cubs, or igloos may be generated as part of the terrain. You’ll be able to craft banners to decorate and identify your structures. Fossils can be excavated from the ground below, while the introduction of beetroot adds a farmable crop that can be crafted into a “restorative soup”.
There are also new blocks set for the update, offering new ways to build in the world. Mojang says these will be: End Bricks, Grass Path, Frosted Ice, Magma, Nether Wart Block, Red Nether Brick and Bone Block.
The update arrives on Xbox 360 and Xbox One on October 4, and other consoles the next day. Bad news for Wii U owners though – the update appears to be US only on that format.
