Have you ever wanted to bend Minecraft’s rules to create the impossible? Update skipping allows you to defy restrictions and build beyond limits. Learn how this controversial exploit gives technical players superpowers.
What is Update Skipping?
Brief History of Update Suppression and Skipping in Minecraft
Update suppression has been a key technique used by technical Minecraft players for years. It originated as a bug, allowing players to prevent block updates from occurring. This enabled obtaining block combinations that were not normally possible.
In version 1.13, Mojang began intentionally breaking many update suppression designs. But players continued finding new methods that worked, often based on meticulous timing and order of operations.
Suppression remained possible, if more difficult, through 1.18. But in version 1.19 Mojang completely reworked the game’s update order system, switching from a stack to a queue. This effectively patched the last update suppression designs.
However, creative players soon discovered update skipping – a new form of exploiting update order to achieve similar results. While not as versatile as classic suppression, skipping still offers some powerful utility.
How Update Skipping Works
The key to update skipping is understanding how Minecraft handles processing different types of block updates:
- Immediate – Lighting, observers, BUDs
- Ticked – Pistons, saplings growing, crops, etc
- Deferred – Block placements, breaks, explosions
Normally deferred updates will wait for immediate and ticked updates to process before executing.
But using carefully timed pistons, players can now force deferred updates to skip the queue and execute early. By skipping ahead, they apply before other pending updates.
For example, breaking a block next to an update suppressor piston. Done fast enough, the deferred break update will skip immediate and ticked updates and remove the block before they can process.
This is the core concept that enables manipulating states through update skipping. While not as flexible as full suppression, it still offers powerful utility for technical players.
Uses and Limitations
Key strengths of update skipping include:
- Obtaining blocks and items from newer versions in older worlds
- Creating multi-block structures not normally possible
- Building contraptions that rely on deprecated mechanics
However, there are limitations:
- Only works reliably on certain game versions
- Can cause performance and lag issues if abused
- Considered by some to be a cheat / exploit
Overall, update skipping represents the latest evolution in Minecraft’s ongoing battle between developers trying to patch exploits and technical players finding new techniques. It provides a way for creative builders to innovate outside what Mojang intends. But also requires care and understanding to use properly.
Why Use Update Skipping?
While update skipping may seem like a niche trick, it actually has quite powerful utility for technical Minecraft players. Here are some of the main reasons to use update skipping:
Obtain Blocks and Items Not Available in Current Version
One of the most straightforward uses of update skipping is obtaining new blocks and items added in newer versions while playing on an older world.
For example, if you have a long-running 1.18 survival world, update skipping lets you generate sculk sensors, mangrove wood, and other 1.19 blocks. You can build with these new materials without having to start over in a new world.
Here are some of the cool new items obtainable through update skipping:
- Sculk blocks from 1.19
- Goat horns from 1.17
- Candle blocks from 1.17
- Bundles from 1.17 snapshots
- New wood types like mangrove and azalea from 1.18/1.19
Being able to seamlessly integrate new items keeps older worlds feeling fresh. And you can get a head start with new building materials before their full features are even implemented.
Create Multi-Block Structures and Complex Redstone Circuits
Update skipping also lets you create multi-block structures that are not normally possible. Using skipping techniques, you can generate unique block combinations.
For example, you can create:
- Floating tile entities like chests, furnaces, droppers
- Doubled chests with trapped chests mixed in
- Temporary air blocks in liquid source blocks
- Rails embedded diagonally in solid blocks
- Multi-block arrays by duplicating falling block entities
These weird block assemblies open up complex redstone and contraption possibilities. You can engineer new types of quarries, flying machines, mob farms, and other sci-fi style machinery.
Build Farms and Contraptions That Use Game Mechanics from Older Versions
Certain farming and contraption designs once relied on game mechanics that have since been patched. But using update skipping, you can replicate those conditions in newer versions.
Notable examples include:
- 0-tick farms for sugarcane, cactus, etc.
- TNT item duping mechanisms
- Duplication of gravity affected blocks like sand/gravel/concrete
- “Ghost” item transportation using water streams
- Breaking bedrock
- Sand generators from dragon eggs
Reviving these older techniques lets you construct perimeter clearing quarries, highly efficient farms, hidden storage systems, and other complex machines no longer possible through normal play.
Update skipping serves as a toolbox for replicating useful mechanics that have been patched out of current Minecraft versions. This flexibility and customization is a large part of what makes Minecraft such an enduring and appealing open world game.
Step-by-Step Guide to Update Skipping
Let’s walk through the hands-on process of building an update suppressor and using it to skip updates in Minecraft.
Items Needed
You’ll need to gather a few basic materials before starting:
Packed Ice
- At least 12 packed ice blocks
- Forms the main suppressor line
Redstone Dust
- 1-2 stacks of redstone dust
- Provides power to the suppressor pistons
Building Blocks
- 1-2 stacks of a solid block like stone or glass
- For apparatus framework and preventing interference
That’s all you need to begin! Having extra supplies on hand helps speed up building and experimenting.
Building the Update Suppressor
The suppressor itself is rather simple, just a line of alternating packed ice and pistons. But positioning is key.
Layout
- Place packed ice in a straight line of at least 4 blocks
- Put temporary blocks on either side
- Add pistons facing the ice blocks
This creates a 1-wide corridor down the center. Be sure to leave a 2 block gap between the suppressor and your target block.
Timing and Powering
- Place redstone dust pointed into each piston
- Optional repeater before the first piston to adjust timing
Play with the setup until you get the pistons firing sequentially down the line. The timing prevents certain updates from processing.
Using the Update Suppressor
Once built, using your update suppressor involves precision and practice:
Break Blocks Strategically
- Break the target block farthest from the suppressor first
- Break closer blocks in sequence toward suppressor
This forces the deferred update to skip ahead of other pending updates.
Place Unsupported Blocks and Items
- Quickly place an unsupported block in the empty space
- Or throw unsupported items into floating item frames
The skipped update applies the action before the game can reject the illegal state.
With good timing you can use these simple steps to create all kinds of interesting block arrangements. Don’t be afraid to experiment and fail – that’s where the fun lies!
Examples and Use Cases
Update skipping opens up all kinds of possibilities for technical Minecraft players. Here are just a few examples of useful contraptions you can build using update suppression:
Building Portal Based Cobblestone Generators
Cobblestone generators using nether portals used to be possible by suppressing portal block updates. Update skipping brings back this useful mining technique.
To build one:
- Construct a standard nether portal
- Funnel flowing water or lava above the portal surface
- Use your update suppressor to skip portal blocks solidifying
- The fluid will turn portal blocks into cobblestone or obsidian
With some enlargement and automation, this can become a quick renewable source of building materials.
Creating Multi-Block Structures with Unsupported Blocks
Update skipping lets you generate combinations of blocks that normally can’t co-exist.
Cool examples include:
- Floating rails embedded diagonally in solid blocks
- Double chests combined with trapped chests
- Furnaces, droppers, chests hovering in mid-air
- Temporary air pockets inside liquid source blocks
- Hybrid beacon beams by stacking effects
These weird states let you build themed structures and machines that act in strange ways. Defy the normal laws of Minecraft physics!
Building Farms Using Deprecated Mechanics
Many highly efficient farming techniques have been removed over time. But update skipping reenables some of them.
Useful examples include:
- 0-tick farms – sugar cane, cactus, potato, carrot etc.
- TNT duping – for collecting blocks or perimeter clearing
- Dragon egg bedrock breakers – remove bedrock in 1.12 and below
- Water stream item transportation – “ghost” items in flowing water
Reviving these old techniques can dramatically improve the speed and yield of certain farms.
More Possibilities to Explore
These are just a sampling of the creative ways update skipping can be applied. Nearly any contraption that once relied on now-patched mechanics is potentially reproducible again.
So put on your redstone thinking cap and experiment! Figuring out new applications is an engaging engineering challenge.
Limitations and Considerations
While update skipping is a powerful tool, it does have some drawbacks and caveats to keep in mind:
Only Works on Some Versions
Update skipping relies on intricacies of Minecraft’s technical game logic that frequently change between versions. The techniques are often patched out or break unintentionally.
As of writing, update skipping is primarily functional in:
- Minecraft Java Edition 1.12 and below
- Minecraft Java Edition 1.13 to 1.16 with additional effort
- Minecraft Java Edition 1.17 with some inconsistencies
It is completely patched in 1.18 and higher. So functionality is limited based on your game version. Be prepared for inconsistencies and tweaking to find a sweet spot.
Can Cause Lag and Performance Issues
Exploiting the update system can put heavy strain on your game if abused excessively. Be cautious when:
- Creating large numbers of entities
- Generating lots of dropped items
- Producing ongoing block updates through redstone
Too many concurrent skipped updates can overwhelm your game with processing overhead. This leads to lag, glitching, and potentially even crashes. Show restraint to avoid technical problems.
May Feel Like Cheating or Be Considered an Exploit
Some players argue update skipping crossed the line from innovation to outright cheating or exploitation. Reasons include:
- Obtaining unearned items and advantages
- Breaking intended game progression
- Circumventing restrictions designed for balance
- Distorts creativity within constraints
There are reasonable debates on both sides. Just be aware update skipping is controversial to some as it undermines Minecraft’s core gameplay.
Can Get You Banned on Multiplayer Servers
Most large public servers prohibit update skipping and consider it a bannable hacked client or exploit. So be extremely cautious using these techniques on multiplayer.
In single player worlds you are only accountable to yourself. But on shared servers, you risk punitive action from admins and moderators. Avoid getting banned by checking rules first.
While powerful, update skipping has real limitations. Approach it with care and consideration to use it responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s review some common questions players have about update skipping.
Does This Work on (insert Minecraft version)?
The functionality of update skipping depends heavily on your game version:
- 1.12 and Earlier – Yes, update suppression works fully in these older versions.
- 1.13 – 1.16 – Still possible, but requires modified suppressor designs. Reliability varies by specific release.
- 1.17 – Partially works, but very inconsistent. Some methods function while others are broken.
- 1.18+ – No, update suppression is completely patched. But limited update skipping techniques may work.
So in summary:
- 1.12 and below – fully supported
- 1.13 to 1.17 – works with significant effort
- 1.18 and up – mostly patched
Check the latest technical knowledge for your specific version’s status. And be ready to troubleshoot issues.
What Happens if I Update My Game After Using Update Skipping?
When your world is opened in a newer version, any effects of update skipping will be reverted or removed.
For example:
- Newly generated blocks will revert to air
- Dependent contraptions will break
- Restored game logic may cause glitches
- Unsupported data values may get erased
So once you update your game, expect your update skipped constructions to no longer function or exist.
Make backups if you want to preserve skipped contraptions permanently. And move key creations to inactive chunk zones if possible.
Is Using Update Skipping Considered Cheating?
Opinions differ on whether update skipping qualifies as cheating or exploiting:
Arguments Against It Being Cheating:
- It encourages creative problem solving
- Mojang leaves it enabled intentionally
- Difficult techniques still require skill
- You’re only playing the game as programmed
Arguments For It Being Cheating:
- Obtains items and advantages you didn’t earn
- Trivializes game progression systems
- Violates intentions of developers
- Devalues achievement by other players
There are reasonable points on both sides. It ultimately comes down to your personal opinion and reasons for playing.
Can I Get Banned for Using Update Skipping?
On single player worlds, you don’t have to worry about bans. Play as you see fit.
But be extremely careful using update skipping techniques on multiplayer servers. Most public servers prohibit any form of exploiting, including update skipping. You risk getting permanently banned if caught.
Before using, thoroughly check the server’s rules and ask admins if unsure. Only use on servers where it is clearly allowed to avoid punitive action.
While powerful, remember update skipping falls into ethically grey territory. Use responsibility and care to avoid jeopardizing your accounts.
Conclusion
Update skipping represents the cutting edge of technical innovation in Minecraft. While update suppression itself is now patched, creative players have developed new ways to exploit update order.
When applied carefully, update skipping bestows powers including:
- Generating unavailable blocks and items
- Constructing impossible multi-block structures
- Reviving patched game mechanics for farms
- Pushing redstone capabilities beyond normal limits
Yet it still requires precision timing and positioning. Mastering the techniques takes practice, experimentation, and accepts a bit of failure.
But the rewards are well worth the effort for technical players. Update skipping lets you bend Minecraft’s rules to accomplish feats not envisioned by developers. It provides almost superhero-like building capabilities.
However, use wisdom and restraint to avoid potential downsides:
- Performance dragging lag and glitches
- Accusations of cheating on multiplayer
- Corrupting your world if not backed up
- Defeating the intended progression and challenges
Overall update skipping represents an incredibly powerful tool for the savvy redstone engineer. One that lets you blur the lines between possible and impossible. Where you go from here is only limited by your imagination. Just be sure to wield this advanced knowledge responsibly.
So get out there and break some boundaries! But also remember that with great power comes great responsibility. Update skipping gives you unprecedented freedoms—make sure they are used to enhance your enjoyment of Minecraft in fair ways.
Key Takeaways on Update Skipping in Minecraft
Update skipping is an advanced technique that lets players circumvent some of Minecraft’s normal restrictions by exploiting update order. Here are the key points to remember:
- Update skipping allows obtaining new blocks/items, combining incompatible blocks, and replicating removed mechanics by skipping update queues.
- It originated from update suppression bugs, but suppression is now fully patched. Skipping emerges from players finding new update order exploits.
- To perform update skipping, you need to build an update suppressor machine and carefully time block placements/breaks.
- It enables powerful utility like cobble generators, impossible constructions, and highly efficient farms.
- However, skipping can also cause performance issues, is controversial as an exploit, and may break when updating versions.
- Functionality depends heavily on your Minecraft version. It works fully in 1.12 and below, partially from 1.13 – 1.17, but is mostly patched in 1.18 and higher.
- Use skipping wisely to enhance your gameplay experience. But beware of potential downsides like lag, accusations of cheating, or corruption issues after updating.
- Update skipping lives in a gray area between innovation and exploitation. Apply it responsibly to avoid disruptions to your world and other players.
The update order in Minecraft is full of intricacies to be discovered. Update skipping represents the latest leap in our understanding. Handle this power carefully and it will allow you to bend Minecraft to your will in ways never before possible!
Frequently Asked Questions About Update Skipping
What versions of Minecraft does update skipping work on?
- Fully functional in 1.12 and below.
- Partially works from 1.13-1.17 but with inconsistencies.
- Mostly patched after 1.18 updates.
How do you perform update skipping in Minecraft?
- Build an update suppressor machine using pistons and packed ice.
- Carefully time block breaks or placements to skip update queues.
What can you do with update skipping?
- Obtain new blocks and items early.
- Create impossible block combinations.
- Replicate removed game mechanics.
Is update skipping considered cheating?
- Controversial, reasonable debate on both sides.
- Up to each player’s opinion on exploiting.
What are the risks of update skipping?
- Can cause lag, glitches, and corruption.
- May break world when updating versions.
- Bannable on most multiplayer servers.
What happens if I update my world after using update skipping?
- Effects will revert once world is opened in newer version.
- Unsupported blocks vanish, contraptions break.
How do I learn update skipping techniques?
- Experiment and practice suppressor timing techniques.
- Study examples and designs shared by community.
Is there an easier way to do update skipping?
- Not currently, it requires precise suppressor layouts and timing.
- But players keep finding new methods, so may get easier.