Some elements ofMinecraft’s future combat rework have been described by Mojang, including sword changes and a greater role for axes in PvP and PvE. However, details remain mostly sparse, and a release window has yet to be confirmed. The next combat update has the ability to revolutionize the way the game is played, while simultaneously adding new content; for instance, it could offer a new dragon boss.
Mojang has shown interest in dredging up the past when it comes to adding content toMinecraft. One of the more recent examples is the addition of the crying obsidian block, a block found inMinecraft’s texture files as far back as 2011. But when it comes to a combat update, nothing would make a greater addition than a fresh boss mob to test the new combat system on. It may be time for the red dragon to make an appearance inMinecraft.
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The Case for the Red Dragon
Similar to crying obsidian, the red dragon has existed as a concept since 2011. It was originally teased by Notch,Minecraft’s original creator, but he would later leave Mojang in 2014. Since his departure, the red dragon concept has remained largely untouched, aside from a few mentions by some of the original developers. However, Mojang has made a habit of giving old concepts a second chance. With a combat update on the horizon, the opportunity to add the red dragon is greater than ever.
Minecrafthas not added a proper boss since the Wither, which came out in 2012. Since then, player have only had the two bosses to contend with. Over time, this has led to the boss scene ofMinecraftto become somewhat stale, as players are more than accustomed to the mechanics of the current bosses. The addition of the red dragon would be the perfect opportunity to touch up on some ofMinecraft’s most iconic aspects.
With the potential of a new combat system on the way, players might have the rethink the way they approach combat, including boss enemies like the Ender Dragon and Wither, but the red dragon could be more than just are-skinned overworld Ender Dragon. It could serve as a difficult challenge for players trying to master new combat mechanics. Similar to how MMOs employ combat mechanics into boss fights, the red dragon could be molded to fit the new combat system. This includes being particularly vulnerable or strong against specific techniques, pushing players to master the new system. More complex boss mechanics would be in-line with Mojang’s recent direction with bosses. For example, the Bedrock version of the Wither is significantly more difficult than the Java version, having a diverse range of mechanics for players to contend with.
The red dragon would also add a certain amount of depth when it comes to exploring the world. One ofMinecraft’s greatest strengths is its exploration. Discoveringmassive caverns containingMinecraft’s new ancient cities, a woodland mansion brimming with hostile mobs, or endless field of protruding ice spikes are just a few of the iconic moments that can be had when exploring the world. Adding the red dragon would compliment that feeling of exploration. Happening upon a red dragon might lead to an intense moment where the player must sneak past them to survive, or it might be the beginning of an epic battle.
The red dragon has the opportunity to be more than just a boss, but an integral part of the world players can look forward to. ThepotentialMinecraftcombat updatehas the opportunity to revitalize parts of the game that have gone long untouched. While the likelihood of the red dragon getting to join the game isn’t high, its potential cannot be ignored.
Minecraftis available now for Mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
