Summary
- New Minecraft update "Chase the Skies" introduces Happy Ghast mount and a locator bar on the HUD.
- The locator bar may diminish the multiplayer experience by removing the thrill of not knowing others' locations.
- Mojang can improve the reception of the locator bar by adding an option to toggle it in the game settings menu.
Throughout the years, Minecraft has undergone many changes, most of which have been for the better. While major updates are usually the game-changers, sometimes there are minor updates that contain a substantial amount of content that's worth mentioning. These smaller patches have become known as Minecraft's highly anticipated game drops, and it seems that one is coming very soon. The update will feature numerous interesting additions, including a new flying mount that has excited players. However, one thing it plans to add may not sit well with old-school and perhaps even current players, given how much it can change the multiplayer dynamic.
Minecraft's next game drop is titled Chase the Skies, and while the most significant thing about it is the upcoming new mount, known as the Happy Ghast, it also has a slew of other changes. Among them, a notable one is a locator bar that will be displayed on the HUD. This will allow players to keep track of everyone they are playing with, as each will have their own indicator. Great as this may sound, it can also be seen as a way of somewhat neutering the multiplayer experience. This is especially true for longtime Minecraft veterans, given how they enjoyed the game without it for so long.
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Why Players Should Consider Turning Off Minecraft’s Upcoming Locator Bar
Minecraft is considered one of the best multiplayer games for kids and adults, and it has earned that title due to the many changes made to enhance the cooperative play experience. While the addition of the locator bar is meant to improve that aspect further, it could end up doing the opposite, especially because of a few things that it does:
- Losing sight of others and the anxiety of not knowing if they're alive when they're mining, hunting, or gathering some of Minecraft's rare items is a great feeling to experience, but a locator bar takes it away
- The locator bar takes away a sense of freedom one can have when playing with friends, as the indicator could restrict some from straying away from the group out of fear of being reprimanded for doing so
- Some custom game modes will be seriously affected by the locator bar, especially those that rely on hiding from others, which will make them either pointless or less fun to play
Although the locator can have its uses, it seems that it would be more beneficial for the game if it didn't exist. Considering that there is still time until the Chase the Skies update drops, perhaps Mojang should consider holding back on its implementation, as players, especially veterans, may appreciate the move.
How One Change Can Ensure Minecraft’s Upcoming Locator Bar Is Well-Received
As of now, the only way for players to turn off the locator bar is to make use of Minecraft's console commands, which can be a hassle for those who don't know and even those who do know how to use them. Before the feature becomes a part of the game, one way to ensure that it won't be an issue and even become something to look forward to is to make it toggleable via the options menu. This way, players can freely select whether they'd like to know where others are at all times or keep things how they were before the locator bar was introduced, giving everyone the best of both worlds.
Despite not having something as useful as a locator bar, Minecraft has become one of the best survival co-op games to exist, making the case that players do not need to use the feature. If it has to be part of the Chase the Skies update, then hopefully, Mojang can at least make it optional instead of mandatory, as being forced to see it could drive away some of the longtime faithful from continuing to play.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 84%
WHERE TO PLAY
Minecraft is a game made up of blocks, creatures, and community. You can survive the night or build a work of art – the choice is all yours. But if the thought of exploring a vast new world all on your own feels overwhelming, then fear not!
Minecraft has no set goal and can be played however you’d like! This is why it’s sometimes called a “sandbox game” – there are lots of things for you to do, and lots of ways that you can play. If you like being creative, then you can use the blocks to build things from your imagination. If you’re feeling brave, you can explore the world and face daring challenges. Blocks can be broken, crafted, placed to reshape the landscape, or used to build fantastical creations.
Creatures can be battled or befriended, depending on how you play. The world of Minecraft allows for epic adventures, quiet meditations, and everything in between. You can even share your creations with other players, or play in community worlds!
- Engine
- LWJGL, PROPRIETARY ENGINE
- Genre(s)
- Sandbox, Survival
