Summary
The reveal ofMinecraft’s upcoming vault block was warmly received—not only for it giving trial keys a use but also due to how it solves a real problem that exists in multiplayer servers. However, on closer inspection, the vault block needs some tweaks before it can bring its best toMinecraft.
Late January brought news ofMinecraft’s vault block. The new block provides a keyhole for the elusive trial keys, which had no known use prior to the vault’s reveal. It consumes a trial key and spits out some loot, much of which is more valuable than anything else in the chamber (such as enchanted golden apples and enchanted diamond armor). The main selling point of the vault is that it can spit out random loot multiple times; each player on the server can use the vault once. This lets new players on a server find a looted trial chamber and still get some goods, which fits in perfectly with the trial spawner’s regenerating loot table.
Minecraft’s Vault Block Is Nice But Could Do More
The vault block will fit in nicely withMinecraft’s recent wind charge reveal. It’s another valuable addition to the game, offering an entirely new mechanic that answers an existing problem. On the other hand, there are a couple of issues with the vault block. Some of these problems are more symptoms ofMinecraft’s game design flaws, but there are areas where Mojang could do more with the concept.
What The Vault Block Has Going For It
In terms of the vault block’s upsides, there’s obviously its main goal. Ensuring that every player can lootMinecraft’s upcoming trial chambersis a great goal that will improve multiplayer servers. In addition, there’s good loot up for grabs.
The vault has an astronomical 10% chance of spitting out an enchanted golden apple, which in most circumstances (such as in desert temples and dungeons) only has a 2–3% chance of showing up. Even the chests of ancient cities, the fearsome warden’s habitat, have an 8% chance of containing one. Enchanted golden apples are among the most powerful buff items in the game, so this is a huge boon.
Minecraft’s New Vault Block Needs To Go Bigger
The issue with the vault block is that it’s framed as the major loot center forMinecraft’s trial chamber structure. With all the hype around the trial chamber, with most of 1.21’s reveals being focused around it, the vault has no new items to offer.
In addition, it’s stuffed with filler loot like saddles, horse armor, and books with niche enchantments like Bane of Arthropods. Whilst possible diamond armor and enchanted golden apples are great, it may just be another collection of nebulous loot for players who would prefer a unique drop. That’s without mentioning the enchanted iron armor, which is likely to be useless if the trial chamber is encountered too late in progression.
What the trial chamber needs is to be married to more levels ofMinecraftprogression, such as a new boss. There are few options for non-linear progression, with only crossbows and tridents as major alternative weapons. The wither, ancient cities, and bastions also sit safely at the top ofMinecraft’s challenges. The trial chamber should provide new tools to help fight more challenging foes.
Other Structures Could Use Their Own Loot-Per-Player Mechanic
The vault’s core concept, ensuring that structures can be looted by multiple players even with long periods between, should be expanded beyond the trial chamber.Minecraft’s other structures could usesomething similar to vault blocks. Not every structure should get one, but it’d be nice for any future sites of exploration to have a way to stay fresh.
Minecraft
WHERE TO PLAY
Minecraft is a game made up of blocks, creatures, and community. you may survive the night or build a work of art – the choice is all yours. But if the thought of exploring a vast new world all on your own feels overwhelming, then fear not!Minecraft has no set goal and can be played however you’d like! This is why it’s sometimes called a “sandbox game” – there are lots of things for you to do, and lots of ways that you can play. If you like being creative, then you can use the blocks to build things from your imagination. If you’re feeling brave, you can explore the world and face daring challenges. Blocks can be broken, crafted, placed to reshape the landscape, or used to build fantastical creations.Creatures can be battled or befriended, depending on how you play. The world of Minecraft allows for epic adventures, quiet meditations, and everything in between. You can even share your creations with other players, or play in community worlds!
