On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Mojang released the latest experimental version of Minecraft Bedrock. Called 26.0.28, this beta and preview introduces a brand-new tool to regenerate or delete chunks, which are portions of the game’s map. Additionally, the update fixes several persistent bugs and optimizes performance, promising a more stable experience for players. This update is particularly relevant for those who want to test the new features before everyone else and help shape the future of the game.
To access the Minecraft Bedrock 26.0.28 beta, you need to have a copy of the Bedrock edition or an active Xbox Game Pass subscription. The good news is that the test is free for those who already meet these requirements. The download process varies by platform, but generally requires a stable internet connection to avoid file corruption. This way, players on Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and mobile devices can experience the changes firsthand.
The main technical novelty of this version is the chunk manager, a feature that gives more control over the generated world. This means players can fix problematic areas or simply reset parts of the map for new constructions. Meanwhile, the performance tweaks aim to make gameplay smoother, especially in very complex worlds or on online servers. Therefore, this update is an important step in preparing the ground for future official content.
How to download the beta on each platform
On Xbox and PlayStation, the path is through the Preview enrollment menu within the console’s own store or via the Xbox app on PC. For Android and iOS mobile devices, the process is done through the Google Play and App Store app stores, where the “Open” button changes to “Update” for those enrolled in the program. However, it’s important to pay attention: iPhone players need to open the game at least once or twice a month to maintain access, as the testing slots are limited and can be revoked due to inactivity.
For PC players with Windows 10 or 11, the main route is through the Microsoft Store or the Xbox app. If you already have a previous preview version installed, such as 26.0.27, you will need to manually search for the update in the store. Once the download is complete, simply launch the game through the official launcher with your linked Microsoft account. This way, you’ll be ready to explore all the new features and report any problems encountered directly to the developers.
Thus, Mojang continues its constant cycle of improving Minecraft. With the 26.0.28 beta now available in January 2026, the community has a valuable window to test deep changes to the game’s engine. These tests are crucial, as they ensure that the final version, when it arrives for everyone, is as polished and stable as possible. Therefore, if you’re a fan and want to be at the forefront, this is your chance to dive into the world of chunks and see the future of the game taking shape.
