Why keeping up with new Minecraft updates can be difficult after modding


There are a lot of mods that the community has created for Minecraft Java Edition. This is because the game is extremely easy to modify, especially since it is a sandbox. While many people still play the vanilla version entirely, most players who jump to mods hardly ever come back and regularly play vanilla.

However, those who have old worlds in Modded Minecraft but want to experience the new game updates could face massive difficulties. Here's why.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the opinion of the writer only.

Reasons why modding Minecraft makes it hard to keep up with new updates

Not all mods are instantly compatible with new Minecraft updates

Not all mods in a modified version will be compatible with the latest version of the game (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Modrinth)Not all mods in a modified version will be compatible with the latest version of the game (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Modrinth)
Not all mods in a modified version will be compatible with the latest version of the game (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Modrinth)

When a player enters Minecraft modthey will find a long list of modifications. Each of these mods has a specific feature, such as optimizing the game, adding a certain mob, adding structures, biomes, etc. Therefore, players can end up adding several of these mods that are compatible with one version of the game, so that they all work in harmony.

However, most of these mods may not work properly when Mojang releases a new update. If players update the game version, many mods will be corrupted or won't allow the game to run at all.

If players want to upgrade to the new version of the game, they have to wait for each mod to be updated and supported. These new mod versions can then be downloaded and the game can be updated.

Of course, players can simply create a fresh new install with the latest version of the game and transfer the world files to it, but this will remove various mod features from the world, which could potentially corrupt it.

Therefore, those who play modded versions of the game are often stuck on older versions, simply because some important mods haven't been updated yet. The only way to experience new features is to play the latest version of the game in its vanilla form.

Mojang has been updating Minecraft very frequently

Mojang has updated the game very frequently (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Mojang Studios)Mojang has updated the game very frequently (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Mojang Studios)
Mojang has updated the game very frequently (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Mojang Studios)

Another reason why it can be difficult to enjoy updates while playing Modded Minecraft regularly is because of the update frequency.

Last year, Mojang decided to change its development cycle and release smaller games more regularly than larger updates. These smaller game drops are released much faster than major updates. In 2025, the developers pushed four games, along with several snapshots.

Since updating the mods to the latest versions of the game is not an easy task, updating them so quickly with every game drop can be tedious. Therefore, more and more mods may be out of date.

Currently, a few modders have updated their mods to 1.21.10, but Mojang will soon release another version of the game, 1.21.11 (Mounts of Mayhem), after which modders have to start working again on a compatible update.

Therefore, it is quite difficult for players to enjoy new Minecraft updates, especially if they regularly play their old worlds in a modified version.

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