Minecraft: Bedrock Edition 26.40 has been available in the Minecraft Launcher since August 4, 2026. The update introduces Dappled Forest, Poplar trees and abandoned camps, although these additions remain experimental.
Key points:
- Bedrock Edition 26.40 has been available since August 4, 2026.
- Dappled Forest, Poplar trees and abandoned camps are part of the announced experimental content.
- The straw bed lets players spend the night without changing their respawn point, then is consumed.
- Bedrock supports cross-platform play between Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.
The official Bedrock 26.40 announcement confirms its availability and the announced changes. You can also find the latest video game news.
How to launch Bedrock 26.40
On Windows, open the launcher and select Bedrock. If version 26.40 does not appear, check the Xbox app or the Microsoft Store. On Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android, the update is delivered through the Minecraft app installed on the device. The official download page presents the tools available on PC.
What Dappled Forest and the abandoned camps add
Dappled Forest is part of the experimental content associated with the third game drop of 2026. It features Poplar trees and several wood variants, while its red, orange and yellow leaves create a distinct seasonal palette.
Abandoned camps add new locations to explore. They may contain wool stairs, wool slabs, Shelf Mushrooms and red bushes.
The straw bed lets players spend the night without replacing their respawn point, but it is consumed after use. The cushion provides another resting option and comes in several colors.
The update also adjusts several behaviors. The Sulfur Cube no longer prevents sleep like a hostile creature, and Sulfur Caves fog is now closer to the Java Edition rendering. These changes strengthen parity between the two editions in some areas.
To test these elements, use a separate world. A main save should remain protected when experimental features are enabled.
A distinctive atmosphere, with the risks of experimental content
Dappled Forest is convincing as an atmospheric addition: the Poplar trees and red, orange and yellow colors give it a clear identity. The abandoned camps also create focused exploration points with their own building and decorative elements.
The limitation is equally clear. These features remain experimental, and the announcement has not confirmed their permanent integration into a stable version.
Java separates stable versions and snapshots in the launcher, while Bedrock distributes tests across previews, betas and experimental settings. This difference concerns access and presentation; it does not establish that both editions will receive these elements at the same time.
For players, the practical consequence is simple: create a test world to discover Dappled Forest, abandoned camps, the cushion or the straw bed. The launcher makes access easier on PC, but it does not remove the risks associated with experimental features.
Bedrock keeps its cross-platform advantage
Bedrock supports cross-platform play between Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. It remains well suited to groups playing on different platforms.
Version 26.40 does not change this feature. On PC, the choice is made through the launcher; on console and mobile, it is made through the Minecraft app. The official Minecraft overview explains the differences between Java and Bedrock.
For other PC topics, also visit jeu.video’s PC section. The news section brings together recent announcements.
What remains to be confirmed
Bedrock 26.40 offers new environments and items to explore, but its experimental status leaves several points open.
It is not yet known when Dappled Forest will leave its experimental status, which will determine whether players can add it to their main save.
The announcement also does not establish whether Bedrock 26.40’s new features will be synchronized with Java at the same time, leaving PC groups without a confirmed schedule for both editions.
The rollout on console and mobile also remains to be clarified, including whether players will receive the same elements without version differences.
Bedrock 26.40 is worth exploring for players interested in new experimental environments and items. To protect an existing game, keep the main world on a stable version and test these features in a separate save. Check the official announcement to follow the confirmed changes.
Frequently asked questions
When was Bedrock 26.40 released?
Minecraft: Bedrock Edition 26.40 has been available since August 4, 2026, according to Minecraft’s official announcement.
How do you launch Bedrock 26.40 on Windows?
Open the Minecraft Launcher and select Bedrock. If the version does not appear, check the Xbox app or the Microsoft Store.
Which new features are experimental?
Dappled Forest, Poplar trees, abandoned camps, cushions and straw beds are part of the announced experimental content.
Should you use your main world to test them?
No. Use a separate world to protect your main save when experimental features are enabled.
Does the straw bed replace the respawn point?
No. It lets you spend the night without replacing your respawn point, then is consumed after use.
To keep following the topic, also read our article on Hive of Harmony giving farms a new objective, our article on OneBlock Online coming to Minecraft Bedrock with 29 and our gaming articles.
Verified sources
These links allow you to verify the key information used in this article.
- minecraft.net: Minecraft: Bedrock Edition 26.40, official announcement dated 2026-08-04, confirming the availability of Bedrock 26.40 and its experimental changes.
- minecraft.net: Minecraft Downloads, official page consulted on 2026-08-05, presenting the Minecraft Launcher, its update, snapshot, Quick Play and profile management features.
- minecraft.net: What is Minecraft?, official page consulted on 2026-08-05, confirming the differences between Java and Bedrock and the supported platforms.
