Minecraft's announced its next big update 'The Wild'. While we're still waiting for Caves and Cliffs Part 2, there's a lot to get excited about with update 1.19 rearing its head.

It's also exciting as a few features originally set to feature in update 1.18, will now be appearing in the update after. While disappointing, it will come with much improved features.

Here's what we know about the Minceraft's 'The Wild' update.

The Wilds update is expected to release in 2022, but there is no firm date or even season in place yet.

There is a lot to look forward to in The Wilds update. Unfortunately, it's still a ways off. Mojang has yet to release the second part of the Caves and Cliffs update that we’re expecting in advance. We still don't have a firm date for the second part, only that it is slated for later this year.

Minecraft fans were disappointed when the Caves and Cliffs update was split into two separate stages, with the second part being delayed until later this year. The second part of the update is said to focus on both cave generation and the latest new biome, the Deep Dark. Now, however, the new biome is being delayed even further and is expected to release as part of The Wild update.

On a positive note, the Minecraft team has completely rethought the Deep Dark biome and really fleshed it out. Instead of resembling a simple cave with some sculk blocks scattered about, the Deep Dark will be much more unique. The new biome will be a wide cavern with open hallways criss-crossing around it. Lit by soulstone lanterns, it seems as though it’ll be a combination of mineshaft and stronghold.

Each one of these areas will have an ancient structure within it, which is said to have unique loot for players to find. These ancient structures may be similar to the jungle temples already in the game, or something new entirely.

There's a bunch of new sculk blocks being added as well for the Deep Dark. You’ll be able to find standard sculk blocks as well as sculk moss that can cover a block in a similar fashion to how carpets work. The new sculk catalyst can sometimes be found in the Deep Dark and potentially in other underground areas. When an enemy mob dies around a catalyst, the xp that they would have dropped is instead used by the block to convert nearby blocks to either sculk blocks or moss.

While this may just seem like a minor aesthetic detail, these sculk blocks can actually be harvested to gain the XP stored inside them. In this way, players can finally automate mob grinders that also give XP. If you want the actual sculk blocks, however, be sure to use a silk touch tool to do the job.

There's a bunch of new sculk blocks being added as well for the Deep Dark. You’ll be able to find standard sculk blocks as well as sculk moss that can cover a block in a similar fashion to how carpets work. The new sculk catalyst can sometimes be found in the Deep Dark and potentially in other underground areas. When an enemy mob dies around a catalyst, the xp that they would have dropped is instead used by the block to convert nearby blocks to either sculk blocks or moss.

While this may just seem like a minor aesthetic detail, these sculk blocks can actually be harvested to gain the XP stored inside them. In this way, players can finally automate mob grinders that also give XP. If you want the actual sculk blocks, however, be sure to use a silk touch tool to do the job.

Nearly every biome is said to be getting an upgrade in some form or another. Mojang was light on details, but showed concept art for a new Birch forest. This will have taller trees that could potentially be more spread out to allow for more light as well as flower patches. But the biome receiving the most attention is the swamp. Mojang had previously planned for a swamp update through a Minecon vote, but Mountains won out. Now, they are finally getting around to doing right by the watery environment.

New mangrove trees will dot the biome in The Wilds update. These new trees have a unique wood texture that is similar to jungle wood but a shade more pink. They’re also a unique addition to Minecraft in a couple of ways. Instead of saplings, they are grown from propagules — small, ready-to-grow trees in and of themselves. They can be placed underwater or on land, and once fully mature, they will have root blocks sticking out of them.

Players will be able to pass under these root blocks in their shiny new chest boat. That's right, boats with chests are finally going to be in Minecraft. There is still no word on whether these chests will have a full inventory or a smaller subset like with donkeys. Still, they are a very welcome addition.

The mangrove trees are also getting their own unique biome: the mangrove swamp biome. This area will resemble the existing swamps, but will be entirely populated by mangrove trees. There's also a unique type of dirt in this biome instead of grass: mud. Mud is exactly what it sounds like: water with dirt. In fact, players can make it by using a bottle of water on a dirt block.

You can also place mud on top of dripstone blocks. The water will "drip" out of the mud and transform the mud into a clay block. In this way, players will finally have a renewable method of clay production. Mud can also be crafted into mud bricks, which resemble stone bricks but painted brown.

There is a lot to look forward to in The Wilds update. Unfortunately, it's still a ways off. Mojang has yet to release the second part of the Caves and Cliffs update that we’re expecting in advance. We still don't have a firm date for the second part, only that it is slated for later this year. With that in mind, The Wilds update is expected to release in 2022, but there is no firm date or even season in place yet.