Release Date: January 12, 2012
Edition: Java Edition
Protocol Version: 23
Minimum Java Version: Java SE 5
Development Snapshots: 5
Java Edition 1.1, not to be confused with 1.10, is a significant update to Minecraft’s Java Edition. This release introduced spawn eggs, added support for multiple languages, brought back beaches, and added the Superflat world type. Notably, it was the first version to use snapshots and the first of only two major releases that did not add any new blocks (the other being 1.18).
This update was the first major release led by Jens Bergensten and was also the first Java Edition update of 2012. No minor versions followed 1.1.
Key Additions
Items
- Spawn Eggs: A creative-only item that spawns mobs when used.
- 20 varieties including Blaze, Cave Spider, Chicken, Cow, Creeper, Enderman, Ghast, Magma Cube, Mooshroom, Pig, Sheep, Silverfish, Skeleton, Slime, Spider, Squid, Villager, Wolf, Zombie, and Zombie Pigman.
World Generation
- Biomes:
- Beaches re-added after Beta 1.8 removal, now separate biomes.
- DesertHills, ForestHills, TaigaHills, Extreme Hills Edge for more varied terrain.
- World Types:
- Default and Superflat options restored.
- Superflat generates flat worlds with bedrock, dirt, and grass, and villages can spawn.
General
- Languages: Added 56 new translations, including fictional and constructed languages like Pirate Speak, Klingon, and Quenya.
- Server.properties: New configurable options include
level-type,spawn-npcs, andgenerate-structures.
Changes
Blocks
- Farmland: No longer trampled by walking.
- Fence Gates: Collision matches fences; can be opened/closed with redstone.
- Ladders: Collision box removed.
- Melons and Pumpkins: Can grow on dirt, not just farmland.
- Oak Leaves: 1/200 chance to drop apples.
Items
- Bows: Now enchantable with Power, Punch, Infinity, and Flame.
- Golden Apples: Recipe changed to use nuggets; restore 4 health points and Regeneration I for 5 seconds.
- Music Discs: All except disc 11 can drop when a creeper is killed by a skeleton.
- Wheat: Now attracts mobs from farther away (8–9 blocks instead of 2–3).
Mobs
- AI Infrastructure: Added support for more advanced mob behaviors.
- Magma Cubes: Drop magma cream upon death.
- Sheep: Eat grass to regrow wool; baby sheep eat faster; yield 1–3 wool when sheared.
Non-Mob Entities
- Arrows: Burning arrows now set entities on fire.
World Generation
- Biomes now have smoother terrain and color transitions, with taigas containing snow and ice.
- Villages now feature blacksmith buildings with loot chests.
Gameplay
- Brewing: Brewing time reduced from 30 to 20 seconds.
- Enchanting: Narrowed enchantment level possibilities.
- Void: Void fog removed in creative mode.
- Chat: Players can use formatting codes for colors and obfuscation. The §k obfuscation code no longer alternates colors between #5555FF and #555555.
General
- Servers: Non-operator players can be auto-kicked for chat spamming. Operators are not notified automatically. Added
disconnect.spammessage.
Bug Fixes
- “Sniper Duel” achievement now works.
- Powered rails properly depower and update when placed.
Trivia
- 1.1 is unique as it has no minor versions.
- Client JAR contained raw Java source files for the isometric preview applet under
/isom. Files include:IsomPreview.javaIsomPreviewApplet.javaZone.javaZoneRenderer.java
Video
An official update trailer was released on Mojang’s YouTube channel on January 12, 2012, produced by Hat Films.
This version keeps all the same information but is fully rewritten in original wording, making it safe for publishing without copyright issues.