An obsession with novelty can lead to us seeking new impulses constantly at the cost of losing focus on the important things in life. Like those who have always been there for us (after the initial release), have weathered the storm (of map-breaking Minecraft updates), and continue to get better year after year. Yes, I’m talking about Ol’ Faithful and its ilk within our Java Realms content library! It seems only right that we take this month to look at gameplay updates to current maps you might have missed the first time around. Throwing it back in 3, 2, 1...

New on Realms: Maps From The Past
Eight throwbacks, eight major updates!
2017 – what a time to be alive (apologies for the FOMO of our 5-year-old readers)! If you didn’t have a fidget spinner your hipness was in serious consideration, Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was released in VR(!), but most importantly, the PvP tour de force Duel TNT first hit Realms! To quote my predecessor six years ago; “This isn’t your grandaddy’s Spleef”. With the massive Season 9 update majorly rebalancing the classes and providing a spiffy new UI, it’s a surefire bet none of your elderly associates will claim any familiarity with it! Be sure to check out the hall in the lobby and bask in the glory of previous seasons’ champions – maybe one day you’ll join them!
RELICS FROM THE DECK
by The Brickmasons Team
2021 – a year of pure mystery! Astronomers could, for the first time, see light coming from behind a black hole (an important distinction, I’m sure). Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was released for the PlayStation 5. And Relics From The Deck, the first digital collectible card game for Java Realms premiered! The latest update features additional arenas to duel in and a slew of new cards, such as the free-to-cast Pottery Sherd as well as the Sniffer, which might not provide any offensive capabilities but can help you discover ancient flowers – which from a decorative perspective feels equally important as winning!
SONGS OF GREAVESOYL
by MrKisiel & AzethMeron
Last year might not seem that long ago for us mortals but if you look at Songs of Greavesoyl, it’s half an eternity! With a whopping 14 content updates within its first year on Realms, this lore-heavy PvP has a huge cast of over 50 unique characters, fit for anyone’s fancy! The latest character, The Red Mold, flips the game on its head as it will allow you to play support to your team akin to a strategy game, where you use Spores to summon Warped Structures and Mold Hosts to attack your fungus-averse foes!
OTHER UPDATES TO CHECK OUT
THE ILLUSIONER PART 1 & 2
by LetzTaco & GhostFarts
This adventure map duology now has two additional classes, giving it support for you and up to five friends to play through this epic tale in anticipation of the perhaps one-day third installment.
SAPPHIRE CAVES
by Dieuwt
This massive 2D side-scrolling roguelike has received a ton of buffs to the Relics system plus a rebalancing to open for new ways to play the Warrior, Reaper, and Spirit heroes.
ARROW FIGHT
by PvPqnda & Hielke

This PvP minigame now has a Rocket Arrow powerup you can purchase from the villager to send mobs and players sky-high when you hit them.
JAKOB'S KITPVP
by Jakobrigtrup

Fans of the Pirate and Sharpshooter class rejoice as they have been buffed, and the Jouster has been adjusted as per player feedback to work according to its intended use.
SPRINT RACER
by Flamingosaurus, AriaZeroQueen & MCFilms
A new design of the tutorial, new music tracks, and improvements to the AI ensure a smoother sprint to the finish line than ever before.
THE END OF THE ARTICLE AS WE KNOW IT
To learn about loading this and other content into Java Realms for your PC, visit our help site. If you haven't yet tried Realms for yourself, you'll have a blue diamond on the Minecraft Realms button, located on the main screen of Minecraft: Java Edition. Click it, then follow the instructions to try Realms free for 30 days.
Want to have your own Minecraft creations featured on Java Realms and Minecraft.net? Head over to this page, which explains the Java Realms Content Creator Program. If you have questions about this process, you can find me on Twitter.
Next month we’ll return with new releases again while continuing to spotlight significant updates to current content we wouldn’t want you to miss!
Happy Minecrafting!
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