This patch update is the first for Minecraft: Java Edition after the release of 1.18 Caves and Cliffs Update Part Two, the second and final part of the Caves and Cliffs Update.

Mojang Studios is now releasing Minecraft: Java Edition 1.18.1 Release Candidate 1 to testers, a snapshot that includes a handful of additional fixes for the upcoming 1.18.1 patch update.

Last week, Mojang released the most anticipated update in Minecraft's history. Minecraft 1.18 update, titled Caves and Cliffs Part II, was released to revamp the entire Overworld generation.

So far, developers have released one pre-release and two release candidates for version 1.18.1. If no new major issues are found, Minecraft 1.18.1 update will possibly release on December 10, 2021.