For years Minecraft versions looked the same: 1.12, 1.16.5, 1.20.1, 1.21.4. Players got used to the leading "1" never changing and only the second number mattering. In 2026 Java Edition switched to a new numbering scheme, and newcomers immediately had questions: where is 1.22, why does a server say "26.3", and will my version work? Let's go through it.
Before and after
The last version under the old scheme is 1.21.11, released on 9 December 2025. The next Java Edition release was numbered 26.1.
Timeline from our version catalogue:
| Java version | Release date |
|---|---|
| 1.21.11 | 9 December 2025 |
| 26.1 | 24 March 2026 |
| 26.1.1 | 1 April 2026 |
| 26.1.2 | 9 April 2026 |
| 26.2 | 16 June 2026 |
| 26.3 | 15 September 2026 |
The latest release is now 26.3, and test snapshots are already on 26.4 (for example 26.4-snapshot-6).
Important: versions 1.22, 1.23, 1.24 and 1.25 do not exist. If you see them in a server name or a video, it's a mistake, a joke or clickbait. A "1.22" server actually runs some other version.
How to read the new number
The new scheme is year-based:
- the first number is the year:
26means 2026; - the second number is the major update ("drop") of that year: 26.1 is the first, 26.2 the second, 26.3 the third;
- the third number is a fix: 26.1.1 and 26.1.2 are small patches to 26.1.
So the number itself tells you how recent a version is: 26.3 came after 26.1, and following this logic, updates in 2027 would start with 27.
Versions from oldest to newest: … → 1.20.6 → 1.21 → … → 1.21.11 → 26.1 → 26.1.1 → 26.1.2 → 26.2 → 26.3.
What about Bedrock
Bedrock Edition (phones, consoles, Bedrock for Windows) is numbered separately from Java. In our catalogue Bedrock versions look like 1.26.x: 1.26.0, 1.26.10, 1.26.20 and so on, the latest today being 1.26.51. Some Bedrock servers report the version in short form when pinged, e.g. "26.51" or "26.52" — it's the same branch.
On a phone you usually don't pick a version: the game updates through the app store. If a Bedrock server says your client is outdated, just update Minecraft. Joining from a phone is covered in How to join a server from phone or console.
Reading versions on a server card
Every server card on Minecraft-Servera has a version line:
| What it says | What it means |
|---|---|
26.3 | the server runs one version; you need exactly that |
1.8–26.3 | any version from 1.8 to 26.3 inclusive works |
1.21.11–26.2 | late 1.21 and versions 26.1–26.2 work |
26.x | the server supports the 26 branch without a more precise version |
1.26.51 | a Bedrock server; you need a recent Bedrock version |
We build the range from what the server reports about itself when pinged and in its MOTD (the description in the server list).
Version filter
The catalogue has a "Version" filter. You can pick a specific version (such as 26.3) or a whole group: 26.x shows every server supporting at least one version of the 26 branch, 1.21 shows any 1.21.x. A server is listed when its range overlaps the selected version.
Why many servers accept several versions
A server physically runs one version. But so that players don't have to reinstall the game, many projects install compatibility plugins:
- ViaVersion lets newer clients join;
- ViaBackwards lets older clients join (together with ViaVersion);
- ViaRewind is an add-on for very old clients such as 1.8.
That's where wide ranges like 1.8–26.3 come from. The catch: if you join a new server with an old version, new blocks and items may be shown as substitutes and some mechanics may behave differently. For the best experience, pick a version near the top of the range or the one the server recommends.
Tip: PvP servers often recommend 1.8 because of its old combat without attack cooldown. If a server says so, follow the advice even if newer versions are accepted.
Modded servers: the version matters twice
Modded servers rarely have ranges: mods are built for one specific version and loader (Forge, Fabric or NeoForge). If a server runs 1.20.1 with Forge, you need exactly 1.20.1 with the same loader version and the same set of mods. Installing the server's modpack or its launcher is usually easiest. See How to install mods and modpacks.
Choosing a version in the launcher
In the official Minecraft: Java Edition launcher:
- Open the Installations tab.
- Click New installation.
- Enter any name, e.g. "Server 26.2".
- Pick the version from the Version list: 26.x releases are at the top, older 1.x below.
- Save it and select it next to the Play button.
The "Latest release" installation always updates to the newest version — currently 26.3. If a server hasn't moved to it yet but accepts older versions, create a separate installation for its version.
Common errors
"Outdated client"
Your version is older than the server supports. Pick a version from the top of the range on the card.
"Outdated server"
Your version is newer than the server supports. Create an installation with an older version from the range.
A "1.22" or "1.25" server
Those versions don't exist. Check the real range on the server's Minecraft-Servera page or test the server in the pinger, which shows what the server reports as its version.
Full connection steps: How to join a Minecraft Java server.