Minecraft's Fourth Dimension Is The Sift, Coming to Java and Bedrock in 2027

Minecraft is getting a fourth dimension. At Minecraft Live on September 26, Mojang announced that The Sift will come to Java and Bedrock Edition in 2027, joining the Overworld, Nether and End. Mojang calls it the first new dimension for the main game in more than 14 years.

There are two different launch timelines to keep straight: The Sift appears first in Minecraft Dungeons II, which releases September 29, 2026. Java and Bedrock players have to wait until 2027. Mojang has not announced an exact date for the main game or said that its version will include every area and mechanic seen in the action RPG.

What is The Sift?

The Sift is a new dimension introduced through Minecraft Dungeons II. Mojang describes that game’s version as vibrant and filled with souls. It includes areas called the Meadow and the Carapace. Rifts scattered through Dungeons II’s interconnected world take players there.

Those are Dungeons II details, not a confirmed feature list for Java and Bedrock. Mojang’s Minecraft Live recap says the broadcast showed a glimpse of The Sift in the main game and one mob that lives there. It does not identify a full set of main-game biomes, blocks, mobs, progression rules or ways to enter the dimension.

For the action RPG’s release date, platforms and co-op details, see our Minecraft Dungeons II guide.

Is The Sift the same in Minecraft and Dungeons II?

Mojang has confirmed that the dimension will appear in both games, but has not explained how closely the two implementations will match. The Meadow, Carapace, rift traversal and soul-filled setting have been described for Dungeons II. Treating them as guaranteed Java or Bedrock features would get ahead of the announcement.

The same distinction applies to story. Mojang has discussed an out-of-balance world and an Illager High Council in Dungeons II; it has not established that storyline for the main game.

What else did Minecraft Live reveal for the main game?

Mojang also previewed a separate game drop centered on ice caves. This new cave biome has icicles growing from the ceiling and softly glowing ice crystals growing from the ground. An as-yet-unnamed frozen zombie variant can inflict a freezing effect when it attacks.

The ice cave preview is from a separate game drop; Mojang has not said it launches with The Sift. Image: Mojang Studios / Microsoft.

When is The Sift coming to Minecraft?

2027 is the only announced window for Java and Bedrock Edition. Mojang has not given a month, day, snapshot or beta date. Minecraft Dungeons II arrives September 29, 2026, so its version of The Sift is the first one players will be able to explore.

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