This game needs no introduction. You’ve played it before—don’t pretend like you haven’t. Even if just for a few hours, you’ve enjoyed its tactile mining sounds, addictive building mechanics, and hilarious monster jump-scares just like the rest of us.

Since its release almost two decades ago, Minecraft has been one of the biggest games out there. And thanks to the Microsoft acquisition, the game has continued to grow over this time.

So whether you haven’t played since launch or you’ve simply taken a few years away, here are 5 great reasons you should jump back into Minecraft this year.

1.   The Game-Changing 1.21 Update

This recent major update was a game-changer. Bringing an unprecedented number of additions to the core gameplay of Minecraft. The star of the show: Trial Chambers—a new dungeon-crawling experience. Which sees you rush through procedurally generated structures and combat scenarios with the promise of unique rewards. Not only that, but the update added a variety of vault blocks, which provide fresh building opportunities.

2.   Enhanced Building Possibilities

Minecraft isn’t all about exploration, mining, and slaying monsters. In fact, I would go as far as to say that much of its allure is purely creative—allowing layers to craft complex contraptions and structures. If you haven’t played in a while, you’d be delighted to hear that the possibilities for constructing automated devices have gone far beyond Redstone. And many blocks—like the Copper block—not have various weather-dependent effects, offering up a variety of new aesthetics for builders.

3.   Revamped Multiplayer Experience

Cross-platform is always a game changer, but Minecraft has made it so that players can now play across different versions. Meaning that Java and Bedrock editions can be brought closer together. Not only that, but popular servers are booming, creating a variety of bespoke, custom game modes that players can dive into. Everything from battle royale to management sims. Minecraft accounts now also feature loads more customisation, allowing you to express yourself in these multiplayer lobbies.

4.   Thriving Mod Community

Modding has always been a huge part of what made Minecraft great. From texture packs to mechanical overhauls, it is what gave the game new flavours back in the day. Today is no different. The mod community is still thriving, reaching new heights through the sheer range of mods available today. From performance-enhancing mods like Sodium and Iris to content mods such as Create and Botania.

5.   Enhanced Technical Features

While on the face of it Minecraft may look like a very similar game to the one it was all those years ago, behind the scenes, Microsoft has been making significant technical improvements. The engine now loads and runs with incredible pace—even on mobile and non-gaming devices—while the blocky world can be brought to life through ray tracing and much more. Ultimately, the developers who have been working on Minecraft over the last ten years have ensured to keep its essence while injecting a whole new level of finesse.

 The Future Looks Bright

Minecraft is a legendary game. It has gone on to carve out a genre that shaped the 2010s gaming landscape. While simultaneously introducing a whole generation to the very concept of digital creativity. All that spirit, and more, still sits nestled in the heart of the game. So if you’re looking for something to scratch the itch that Minecraft once gave—perhaps it’s time to come back. After all, it’s been a while.