Trails & Tales Update
The Trails & Tales Update (1.20) breathed new life into Minecraft by focusing on player expression, creativity, and exploration. This update introduced several new features, including new mobs, decorative blocks, and mechanics that encourage players to tell their own stories within the game world. This guide will delve into the key additions of the Trails & Tales Update.
A central theme of the update is **archaeology**. You can now use the new **Brush** tool to excavate suspicious sand and suspicious gravel blocks found in desert temples and new ocean ruins. These blocks may contain pottery shards, which can be combined to create decorative pottery with unique patterns. Additionally, You can find Sniffer eggs and Torchflower seeds through archaeology, leading to the discovery of ancient mobs and plants.
The **Sniffer** is a new passive mob introduced in this update, won through the archaeological process. This gentle giant is the oldest mob in Minecraft and can sniff out and dig up rare seeds, including the seeds for the **Torchflower** and the **Pitcher Plant**. These new plants add decorative variety to the game and can be used for crafting dyes and other items. The Sniffer itself is a charming addition, capable of hatching from eggs found in suspicious blocks.
- New Mobs:
- Sniffer: Ancient mob that sniffs out seeds.
- Camel: Rideable mob, can carry two players.
- New Mechanics:
- Archaeology: Excavate suspicious blocks with a Brush.
- Pottery Shards: Combine to create decorative pottery.
- Armor Trims: Customize armor appearance.
Another sificant addition is the **Camel**. These tall, desert-dwelling creatures can be tamed and ridden, with the unique ability to carry two players at once. Camels are found in desert villages and offer a new way to traverse arid biomes. Their "dashing" ability allows them to quickly cover ground, making them excellent for exploration and travel.
The update also introduced **Armor Trims**, allowing players to customize the appearance of their armor. By finding Smithing Templates in various generated structures and combining them with a piece of armor and a chosen material (like iron, gold, or diamond), You can apply unique patterns and dess to their gear. This feature greatly enhances player expression and personalization.
| Feature | Description | Location/Source | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archaeology | Excavating suspicious blocks. | Desert Temples, Ocean Ruins | Find pottery shards, seeds, eggs. |
| Sniffer | Ancient mob, digs up seeds. | Hatched from eggs found via archaeology. | Discover new plants. |
| Camel | Rideable mob for two players. | Desert Villages | Fast desert traversal. |
| Armor Trims | Customizable armor patterns. | Found in generated structures (Smithing Templates). | Player expression and personalization. |
Finally, the update added several new decorative blocks, including **Chiseled Bookshelves**, which can store books and even stacks of written books, and **Hanging Ss**, which can be placed beneath blocks or attached to the sides of surfaces. These additions provide more options for builders and decorators, further enriching the creative possibilities within Minecraft.