26.1 Release Candidate 1 (known as 26.1-rc-1 in the launcher) is the first release candidate for Java Edition 26.1, released on March 19, 2026. This is the first release candidate released in 2026 and the first release candidate to be released with only an unobfuscated build. Full changelog: https://minecraft.wiki/Java_Edition_26.1-rc-1

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[ GAMEPLAY ]

• Reloading has been refactored to encourage more careful consideration of the use of ammo. When you reload a magazine-fed weapon, all remaining ammo in the magazine is discarded and a new, full magazine is taken from the reserves.
• Reserve ammunition is now represented either as number of magazines, shells, or bullets, depending on the weapon.
• The fill-level of the current weapon is now displayed below the ammo count.
• Tuned reserve magazine counts per-weapon.

[ MAP GUIDES ]

• Limited map guides are now available in Competitive and Retakes (first 5 rounds of the half, 30 node max).
• sv_allow_annotations_access_level supports 3 values: 0 – disabled. 1 – limited view. 2 – full and editable.
• sv_annotation_limits_max_rounds_per_half (default 5) determines how many rounds into the half guides are allowed. -1 for unlimited.
• Minimal starter map guides have been added for all Active Duty maps.

[ WORKSHOP MAPS ]

• Friends playing a Practice or Workshop map can be joined through the friends menu if they have Open Party set.