Minecraft 26.1, 26.2…: playing on a server with the new version numbers

Since 2026, Mojang no longer numbers Minecraft versions as 1.21.x: each update carries the year followed by its rank. 26.1 is the first update of 2026, then come 26.2, 26.3… A hotfix adds a third number (for example 26.1.1). Nothing changes in the way you play: only the version names.

1. Which version should I pick in the launcher?

By default, the Minecraft Java launcher runs the latest release ("Latest release" in the Installations tab). To join a server that needs a specific version:

1. open the Installations tab and click New installation;
2. in the version list, pick the server's version: 26.1, 26.2… or an older one such as 1.21.4 or 1.8.9;
3. launch that installation, then add the server in Multiplayer.

The full walkthrough is in the guide how to join a Minecraft server.

2. My game is on 26.x, the server is on 1.21: does it work?

• Yes, if the server uses ViaVersion: this plugin accepts players coming from newer versions. Many servers showing, for example, "1.8 - 26.1" do this.
• Otherwise, the game shows "Incompatible server version" or "Outdated server": create an installation with the version shown on the server's page.
• The other way round, a game older than the server (for example 1.21 on a 26.1 server) cannot connect, unless the server also uses ViaBackwards.

The accepted version is shown on every server page, and you can filter servers on the Minecraft servers by version page.

3. What about Bedrock (mobile, consoles)?

On Bedrock, the game updates itself from the store: you always play the latest version. Bedrock servers and cross-play servers (through Geyser) usually follow new versions within a few days. If you cannot connect right after an update, wait a little: the server is often waiting for its tools to be compatible.

4. You run a server: what should you do?

• Before moving to 26.x, check that your server software (Paper, Purpur, Fabric…) and your plugins have released a compatible version, and install the Java version they ask for: the latest Minecraft versions need a recent Java.
• To accept several versions, install ViaVersion (and ViaBackwards for older games).
• Write the new version on your page: in "Edit", "Version(s)" field, write for example 1.8 - 26.1 or 26.1. Your server then shows up automatically on the page of each version covered, including the new 26.x pages.
• Tell your players with a news post or an event, especially if the update comes with a new season.

5. Summary

• 26.1 = the first update of 2026, 26.2 the next one, and so on; 1.21.x was the last series of the old numbering.
• To play on a server, use the same version as the server, or a recent one if it has ViaVersion.
• Find the servers that work with your version on the by-version page.