Minecraft Dungeons 2 launches today with The Sift, first new dimension in 14 years

Minecraft Dungeons 2 launches today on September 29, 2026, and with it comes The Sift: the first major new dimension added to the Minecraft universe in over 14 years. It joins the Overworld, the Nether, and the End as the franchise's fourth distinct realm.

What Is The Sift?

The Sift is unlike anything currently in Minecraft. It features pinkish stone formations, blue-green alien vegetation, and a color palette that Creative Director Mans Olson described as serene and almost peaceful. That is a deliberate contrast to the hellish reds of the Nether and the void-black austerity of the End. Despite its tranquil look, Mojang has confirmed the Sift remains a dangerous place, with Illagers and other threats present throughout.

The dimension includes distinct areas: the Meadow and the Carapace, each with unique environments. Unlike the End or Nether, the Sift is designed to feel like a living space rather than a zone of pure hostility.

Dungeons 2 First, Main Game in 2027

Players can explore The Sift today in Minecraft Dungeons 2, the sequel to 2020's dungeon-crawler spin-off, available on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. Mojang is treating the game as a proving ground for the new dimension, which will arrive in the main Minecraft Java and Bedrock editions in 2027. CCO Jens Bergensten said the two development teams collaborated closely to ensure The Sift fits the broader Minecraft universe.

The Longest Gap in Minecraft History

The last time Minecraft added a new dimension was with the End, which launched in the game's version 1.0 release in November 2011. Nearly 15 years of updates reshaped the existing three dimensions substantially, but none added a fourth. The Nether overhaul in 1.16, Caves and Cliffs in 1.18, and Trails and Tales in 1.20 all brought major changes, but the dimensional structure of Minecraft remained unchanged until now.

With Minecraft still commanding one of the largest player bases in gaming history, the announcement at Minecraft LIVE drew immediate attention. The 2027 main-game update bringing The Sift to Java and Bedrock is expected to be one of the most anticipated Minecraft releases in the franchise's history.