Summary
As part of its 1.21 update,Minecraftmight have just laid the foundations for a game-changing item thanks to its upcoming Trial Chambers, so long as it can move beyond being exclusive to the new Overworld structures. In line with Mojang’s confirmation thatMinecraft’s 1.21 update will focus on combatadventures and tinkering, its new Trial Chamber structures have so far been front and center as content has been revealed, like two new hostile mobs and block types. Among these new blocks, however, is the Trial Vault, a dungeon-clearing reward system that is unlocked usingMinecraft’s potentially revolutionary item, the Trial Key.
Despite being an objectively common concept in the real world,Minecrafthas never officially implemented a key as an in-game item, barring exceptions like an April Fools' Day joke in 2019 or a Key Golem mob in the spin-offMinecraft Dungeons. But while in-game keys are just one of many basic items still missing from the vanilla version, the debut of Trial Keys inMinecraft’s 1.21 update might be the first step in finally adding keys. With players already demonstrating their need for keys inMinecraftwith Redstone workarounds or fan-made mods, Mojang should go much further than just implementing Trial Keys alone, finally adding an official lock and key mechanic to all versions of the game.
Minecraft is Long Overdue Official Locks and Keys
WhileMinecraftalready provides players with extensive options to secure their builds, ranging from classic button-door combos to more elaborate hidden entrances powered by Redstone and sticky pistons, they can easily be breached by those in the know. This is perhaps why someMinecraftplayers have created “keys” from blocksand various Redstone components like hoppers, dispensers, and even name tags to build item-specific or password-protected “locked” doors. Meanwhile, others have createdMinecraftmods such as “Lock and Key” to spare players from sacrificing all the space, time, and energy that goes into creating just one locked door.
Expanding Trial Keys Could Make Minecraft Simpler and More Secure
Though there may have once been a case against adding locks and keys toMinecraftsince the mechanic would potentially be too complex, this no longer appears to be an issue for Mojang followingthe reveal of 1.21’s Trial Keys. It seems straightforward to adapt the new mechanic and apply it more broadly to the rest ofMinecraft,opening up two new directions for future development to explore. One would allow players to craft and use their own keys as a simpler alternative to Redstone locks, while another would create all-new special keys much like the original Trial Key itself.
More Special Keys Could Embrace Minecraft 1.21’s Adventures
Based on what Mojang has confirmed about the 1.21 update ahead of its release,Minecraft’s new Trial Chambers' Vaults may be disappointing, as their rewards don’t appear to appeal to more experienced players. However, Mojang could take advantage of 1.21’s adventuring focus to fix this, creating new keys specifically to accessMinecraft’s other structures, mobs, and more, making the key system integral to the game. With difficulty scaled for rarer and high-value vaults, players could go solo or team up with friends to take on challenges like those below to receive even more keys, linking endgame activities together.
Minecraft
WHERE TO PLAY
Minecraft is a game made up of blocks, creatures, and community. You can 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!
