Minecraft Introduces New Biome-Specific Wolf Variations and Armor Improvements

Minecraft now offers 9 new biome-specific wolf variants, with improved armor for better customization and protection. The long-awaited update has finally given players more options, but some feel it should have arrived sooner, because if it had, Mojang could have had time to make the wolves mechanically deeper. Also, the update would have felt more special, rather than being overshadowed by wind-borne, bogged-down skeletons. Despite the update being late and released alongside other new features, the new wolf content is a welcome addition to the game.

Minecraft's wolves are getting a major update; not just with new and improved wolf armor that offers better customization and protection, but with 9 new biome-specific wolf variants. However, there is a bitter element that accompanies this long-awaited addition to Minecraft.

A recent preview has finally given Minecraft's wolves more variants. Now, the classic grey wolf is joined by 8 different biome-specific variants-similar to the way cats can already be found with different colors and fur patterns. All these wolves act in the same way; each wolf can be tamed and all can be equipped with wolf armor, which has received major improvements since its original conception. Not only are they more resistant, repairable and can be dyed different colors, they now act as a new health bar for the wolf, absorbing damage until they break unless repaired.

Related: Mojang launches the Minecraft Market Pass, another subscription to the popular sandbox game that serves as a cheaper alternative to Realms Plus.

Minecraft's New Wolves Would Have Been Better in a Previous Update

As amazing as all these updates for Minecraft players' best friends are, there's a cloud to this silver lining. The 9 different wolf variants are all adorable, but it's strange that it's taken so long to see them, especially when cats have already received other variants since their introduction. The wolves were added in March 2011, so it's taken over a decade for this feature to arrive. It may not be the biggest problem, but there are some issues with the update coming so late.

Wolf Variants Could Have Been More Developed If Introduced Earlier

Minecraft has been suffering from added features for some time, adding more and more new systems while failing to develop what already exists. Fortunately, this wolf update is a step in the right direction, giving an old mob a few new tricks. However, this could have gone further if distributed in previous updates. It's great to see a major update with lots of new wolf content on the horizon, but if the impetus for this had started some time ago, the mob could be in an even better place.

Wolves still lag behind other pets in some areas, with more recent additions such as axolotls and parrots looking much more alive - not to mention how developed horses are at this point in Minecraft. They could possibly have benefited from more animations or even unique statistics based on their biome type. It's good that wolves are now much more viable as travel companions, but it would have been better if this ethos had been present for much longer. Most players probably acquire a pet dog and then leave it at home, fearing its death. More fun with these pets could have been had over the years if the game had started developing the mob earlier.

The Wolf Update Is in a Crowded Update Sphere, But Better Late Than Never

Between the upcoming Minecraft updates 1.20.5 and 1.21, new wolf content is being introduced in a competitive atmosphere. The two updates have a lot of exciting things that are already available in preview form, but the theme is very confusing. With bogged down skeletons, wind loads and new wolves all arriving in the same announcement, it will be amazing if nothing falls by the wayside. Perhaps it would be a better idea to have an update dedicated to pets, in the manner of Minecraft's village, Nether and cave updates.

Despite these problems, it's great to see changes to the wolves coming to Minecraft. More protection and customization for these furry friends will always be warmly welcomed. What's more, the biome-specific aspect of the new variants is something cats don't have, with all their variants linked to villages. This makes the pack gathering aspect more interesting and a fun challenge for those willing.