Tag: Minecraft

  • McAfee Warns 100,000+ Minecraft Players Infected by Malware

    McAfee Warns 100,000+ Minecraft Players Infected by Malware

    Key Takeaway

    – WeedHack is a Malware-as-a-Service campaign infecting Minecraft players through fake mods, clients, and utility tools since January 2026.
    – Over 116,000 systems have been infected globally, with 2,000-3,000 new infections daily.
    – The malware spreads via YouTube SEO poisoning, using fake mod videos to redirect users to malicious URLs (over 240 identified).
    – WeedHack steals session IDs, browser credentials, crypto wallets, and Premium tiers enable webcam, keyboard, and mouse control.
    – To stay safe, only download mods from trusted platforms like NexusMods, CurseForge, or Modrinth.

    Minecraft Under Siege From Nasty Malware Operation

    Minecraft is known for its extensive modding community and third-party mod support, which has always attracted players to innovate and create new quality-of-life and visually impressive mods. However, some online sleuths and hackers have taken this opportunity to infect Minecraft players systems with malware.

    A New Malware-As-A-Service Called WeedHack

    Currently, a Malware-as-a-Service operation is threatening the Minecraft community, as researchers at McAfee Labs have discovered. This service, called WeedHack, has been discreetly affecting gamers systems since January 2026 by injecting code into fake Minecraft mods, clients, and utility tools. The number of infected users is staggering.

    Staggering Infection Numbers Found

    McAfees telemetry shows that the WeedHack Malware-as-a-Service campaign has logged over 100,000 (specifically, 116,464) infected systems worldwide, with an average of 2,000 to 3,000 systems infected each day.

    Researcher Reveals Scope of Attack

    McAfee researcher Aayush Tyagi laid out his findings in an official blog post, stating: “We’ve discovered over 3,820 unique malicious JAR files that are part of this attack and over 240 URLs responsible for distributing this malware. This campaign utilizes SEO poisoning on YouTube to generate traffic to these malicious URLs. We also found two YouTube channels and multiple videos that demonstrate Minecraft mods and clients and redirect viewers to these URLs.”

    Cyberbullying Is A Major Catalyst Here

    McAfee researchers infiltrated associated WeedHack Telegram channels and reported that “WeedHack malware is a major catalyst for cyberbullying. Many of its customers appear to be teenagers and young adults and are using remote access capabilities to threaten, harass, and monitor their victims, who are around the same age.”

    Technical Skills Not Required To Use This Service

    The WeedHack MaaS doesnt require advanced technical skills. Its openly sold on the internet with a free tier and premium tiers starting from just $5 per month or a $24.99 lifetime purchase.

    What Data Does WeedHack Actually Steal

    WeedHack primarily steals Minecraft session IDs via multiple launchers, browser passwords, cookies across browsers, Discord and Steam credentials, cryptocurrency wallet data, system information, and screenshots. It also goes so far as to disable Windows Defender services using a technique called EtherHiding.

    Premium Tier Enables Even Worse Attacks

    WeedHack Premium takes things a step further, allowing hackers to obtain live webcam access, monitor and control keyboard and mouse inputs, log keystrokes, access command lines, and upload or download data.

    How To Stay Safe From This Threat

    The best way users can protect themselfs from malicious mods infected with WeedHack is simple: only download mods approved on NexusMods, CurseForge, Modrinth, or other community-trusted clients.

    • Never download mods from random YouTube links
    • Stick to trusted platforms like CurseForge and Modrinth
    • Keep Windows Defender enabled and updated
    • Be cautious of “free” premium mod offers
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  • Minecraft Switch 2 Release Confirmed by ESRB Rating

    Minecraft Switch 2 Release Confirmed by ESRB Rating

    Key Takeaway

    – Minecraft for Nintendo Switch 2 has been rated by the ESRB, strongly indicating a dedicated version is in development.
    – No official announcement or release date has been made by Mojang Studios yet.
    – An announcement could arrive soon, possibly at the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase on June 5.

    Many Nintendo Switch 2 users have been eagerly waiting for Minecraft to arrive on the platform

    While the game is already playable on the Switch 2 thanks to backward compatibility, there isn’t a dedicated version for the console. However, it looks like that could change in the near future. Although Mojang Studios has not officially announced a Nintendo Switch 2 version of Minecraft yet, a new rating for the game has now been spotted on the ESRB website. Ratings are often a strong indication that a release is being prepared, and while they do not always lead to an immediate launch, they usually appear when development is nearing completion.

    The listing does not reveal any details about potential improvements or new features

    However, it does confirm that a Switch 2 version is on the way. At the time of writing, there is no official release date for Minecraft on Nintendo Switch 2. However, ESRB ratings are typically assigned late in a game’s development cycle, which means an official announcement could arrive soon. There is also a good opportunity for Mojang and Nintendo to reveal the game in the coming days. The Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase is scheduled for June 5, and Minecraft would be one of the biggest third-party announcements that could appear during the presentation.

    ESRB rating details

    The ESRB rating does not specify any pricing or specification details for the Switch 2 version. It simply indicates the game has been categorized for the platform, which is a standard step before release. Typically, Minecraft on other consoles offers features like cross-play, multiplayer, and access to the Marketplace, but whether these will carry over or be enhanced for the Switch 2 is not mentioned. Fans should keep an eye on official channels for more information, as the lack of specifics in the rating suggests Mojang is holding back details until a formal reveal.


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  • LEGO Minecraft Sets for Summer 2023 Leaked

    LEGO Minecraft Sets for Summer 2023 Leaked

    Key Takeaway

    1. Leaked LEGO Minecraft sets range from 21592 to 21597, featuring various themes like mobs, structures, and adventures.
    2. Prices vary from $24.99 to $99.99, with piece counts from 301 to 754.
    3. Key sets include the Ender Dragon, Ghast Station, and Village attack, highlighting popular Minecraft creatures and scenarios.

    Leak of Upcoming LEGO Minecraft Sets

    Some picture showing the new LEGO sets based on Minecraft have leaked online recently. The user Yuan200911 shared lot of details about these new building kits. It shows us that LEGO is planning to release a series of sets inspired by this popular video game.

    Details and Prices of the Sets

    • Set 21592 is called Desert Chicken Jockey Attack, and it will come with minifigures including an iron golem. The price of this set is supposed to be $24.99, and it includes 428 pieces. Keep in mind that this info are not 100% confirmed and may change before the release.
    • Set 21593 named First Night Adventure, will be cost $34.99, with 301 pieces. Rumors suggest it shows an underground base with animals inside, making it quite a cool scene for fans.
    • Set 21594 is the Skeleton set, which features a skeleton figure. It contains 502 pieces and will cost $44.99.
    • Set 21595 The Ender Dragon is perhaps the most iconic monster from Minecraft. It includes 710 pieces and is priced at $59.99.
    • Set 21596 called The Evoker’s Attack on the Village shows several monsters attacking a village scene. It has 607 pieces and will be priced at $89.99, which makes it one of the more expensive options in this series.
    • Set 21597 named Ghast Station showcases flying creatures called Ghasts. The biggest set among them, it contains 754 pieces and will be priced at $99.99.

    Future Announcements

    Keep in mind that more information about these sets, such as their actual sizes or additional features, could be announced later. Fans and collectors should stay tuned for official updates to know exact details and confirm the final prices or contents.

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  • Minecraft Tiny Takeover Update features real animal voice actors and cow whisperer

    Minecraft Tiny Takeover Update features real animal voice actors and cow whisperer

    Key Takeaway

    1. Minecraft’s Tiny Takeover update features authentic animal sounds recorded by real voice actors, enhancing sound realism for baby mobs.
    2. New gameplay elements include a golden dandelion to prevent baby mobs from growing up and simplified crafting for name tags.
    3. An experimental music feature allows players to place note blocks on copper, creating trumpet sounds with varying tones based on oxidation levels.

    Exciting Changes in Minecraft’s Latest Update

    Mojang has just made Minecraft even more immersive with their newest update called The Tiny Takeover, which was released on March 24. This update has enhanced the looks and sounds of baby mobs, giving them a softer, squishier appearance along with fresh noises like squeaks and yaps. Interestingly, they didn’t use a typical sound library, instead they worked with real animal voice actors to get the genuine sounds.

    Real Animal Voices Bring Authenticity

    Anna Lundgren, who is the senior product manager at Mojang, shared with PCGamesN that the studio went all out by bringing in actual animal voice actors to create authentic sound effects for creatures like wolves, puppies, piglets, baby chickens, and kittens. This approach makes the in-game sounds more realistic and lively, creating a better experience for the players. It’s a step up from the usual digital sound effects as it adds a new layer of authenticity to the game’s environment.

    Behind the Scenes of Sound Creation

    During Minecraft Live 2026, audio designer Sandra Karlsson gave some behind-the-scenes stories. She mentioned how worked it was to record sounds with real animals. She explained that sometimes there were many animals at once, and sometimes they were really big. To get the perfect cow moo sounds, Mojang even hired a professional cow whisperer. He started making a “Maah” noise, and instantly the cows responded, which helped them record genuine sounds.

    New Features for Player Control & Creativity

    The update also provides new sound effects that make mobs and pets more lively. Additionally, players can now prevent baby mobs from growing up using a new item called the golden dandelion. To make it, players need to surrounding a regular dandelion with golden nuggets. Name tags are now easier to craft, requiring just paper and a metal nugget, instead of hunting for rare loot. These changes help players feel more connected and in control of their Minecraft world.

    Deeper Bonds and Musical Experimentation

    Lundgren shared that with these updates, players can form stronger bonds with their mobs by naming and customizing them. Just like in real life, babies need protection, and now players have more tools to do so. Furthermore, for builders who love making music, a new feature has been added: placing a note block on copper will produce a trumpet sound. The tone varies based on how oxidized the copper is, letting players experiment with different music layers and vibrato effects.

    Creative Possibilities with New Instruments

    Lundgren expressed her admiration for player creations and said they were excited to add a new instrument to the game. Copper and trumpets were chosen because they fit together nicely, enabling players to craft unique and interesting musical compositions. The update invites more creativity and musical experimentation within the Minecraft universe, enhancing how players interact with their virtual worlds.

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  • Minecraft Steam Rumors Spark Again as Xbox Games May Arrive

    Minecraft Steam Rumors Spark Again as Xbox Games May Arrive

    Key Takeaways

    1. Minecraft is currently absent from Steam, even though it’s one of the most played games and a strong candidate for future releases.
    2. Insider information suggests that several big Xbox first-party games, including Minecraft, may be coming to Steam in the next few months.
    3. Previous hints about Minecraft on Steam include mentions in Game Pass perks and fake listings on Valve’s marketplace.
    4. Minecraft’s absence is largely due to revenue sharing concerns, as Microsoft would lose 30% of earnings if the game were on Steam.
    5. Despite hesitations about the Xbox PC app, Microsoft is increasingly focusing on PC gaming and may eventually release Minecraft on Steam.

    Many well-known titles from Xbox Studios are available on Steam, including several entries from the Halo series. However, one notable game that’s missing is Minecraft, which is often listed as one of the most played games. Recently, an insider shared that “big-name Xbox first-party games” might soon be available on Valve’s platform, making Minecraft a strong candidate.

    Upcoming Releases on Steam

    In a recent article by Jez Corden from Windows Central, it was stated that these games could be coming to Steam in the “next few months.” While Mojang Studios’ open-world creation game isn’t the only title being speculated, it’s a popular guess among Reddit users and also from a writer at TheGamer. This wouldn’t be the first indication that a version of Minecraft for Steam might be on the way.

    Previous Hints About Minecraft on Steam

    In 2024, there was a mention of Steam in a description for a perk related to Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Game Pass. There was also an incident where someone made a fake listing for the game on Valve’s marketplace. Unfortunately for those on Steam, playing Minecraft still requires a different launcher.

    Microsoft acquired Mojang in 2014, integrating the developer into its lineup of studios. The company has allowed Minecraft to remain on PlayStation consoles instead of making it exclusive to Xbox. Still, it has not yet made its way to the leading PC gaming platform.

    Revenue Concerns

    The main reason for Minecraft’s absence from Steam seems to be related to revenue sharing. Microsoft would need to give up 30% of the earnings to the competing store. Given that the sandbox game is already well-known, there’s less pressure to broaden its player base. In contrast, the publisher is eager to launch new games like Forza Horizon 6 and the Fable reboot directly on Steam.

    Despite the financial considerations, Xbox is increasingly prioritizing PC gaming. With console sales facing challenges, the focus on promoting the Series X|S has diminished. Moreover, a new gaming system in development with AMD is expected to be based on Windows.

    Gamer Hesitations

    As Corden points out in his article, many gamers are still unsure about adopting the Xbox PC app. Although Microsoft has introduced the option to launch Steam games, locating titles that aren’t part of Game Pass can be quite annoying. With Valve maintaining its stronghold in the market, it seems likely that Minecraft will eventually find its way to the platform.

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  • Teen Modder Creates All-in-One Emulator for Hytale and More

    Teen Modder Creates All-in-One Emulator for Hytale and More

    Key Takeaways

    1. Windows 95 in Hytale: Young modder Sadat Sahib successfully booted and ran Windows 95 within the game Hytale.

    2. Hytale’s Popularity: Launched on January 13, 2026, Hytale has quickly become popular as a successor to Minecraft, attracting creative modders.

    3. Recognition from Hypixel Studios: Sahib’s achievement gained attention from Hypixel Studios co-founder Philippe Touchette, highlighting the rapid advancements in modding.

    4. Emulation of Classic Games: Sahib also ran Minecraft Classic 0.30 and Doom within Hytale, showcasing his skills in manipulating game data and rendering.

    5. Versatile Modding Tools: Hytale’s tools allow for innovative creations, as demonstrated by Sahib’s ability to run multiple classic games and operating systems within the game environment.

    A young modder has successfully booted Windows 95 and run it within Hytale, a game released earlier this year. The modder, Sadat Sahib, is just 15 years old and is known online as iamcxv7.

    Hytale’s Popularity

    Hytale was launched on January 13, 2026, and has quickly gained fame as the spiritual RPG successor to Minecraft, which is still in early access. Despite this, modders like iamcxv7 continue to explore the limits of the game. He has even managed to run Minecraft inside Hytale, and, in a twist reminiscent of Inception, he has also run Hytale within Hytale.

    Showcasing Windows 95

    Sahib, who refers to himself as a multidisciplinary engineer, shared a video showing Windows 95 functioning smoothly in Hytale, which was shared by the HytaleModding X account. While using the operating system within Hytale looked a bit awkward, he opted for a controller instead of the traditional mouse and keyboard setup.

    This in-game modification effectively emulated Windows 95 without any noticeable glitches, highlighting the versatility of Hytale’s tools for modders and creators who wish to build something unique within the game. He noted that his impressive creation runs on the server, utilizing software rendering.

    Recognition from Hypixel Studios

    His achievement did not go unnoticed; it caught the attention of Hypixel Studios co-founder Philippe Touchette, who remarked, “Hytale modder ran Windows 95 in-game, just 5 days after launch, what the heck is going on lol.”

    Despite this, Sahib continued to experiment with the game. He successfully ran Minecraft Classic 0.30 within Hytale’s world map by manipulating pixel data and using CPU-based 3D rendering, which outputs at a resolution of 320x420p at a relatively stable 35 FPS. He explained:

    “I’m running Minecraft Classic 0.30 entirely on the server with a custom software renderer I wrote from scratch. No GPU, no OpenGL calls—just pure CPU-based 3D rendering. Every frame, I compute the pixels myself and stream them to players through Hytale’s world map system.”

    Emulating Classic Games

    Additionally, Sahib tapped into the long-standing internet meme “Can it run Doom?” and successfully got Doom to run inside Hytale. For those interested in console emulation, he also managed to emulate both the Game Boy and Game Boy Color within Hytale’s world.

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  • Explore New York City in Minecraft: 1:1 Scale Community Build

    Explore New York City in Minecraft: 1:1 Scale Community Build

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Build the Earth project aims to recreate the entire planet at a 1:1 scale, with a detailed version of New York City completed over five years.
    2. The project features over 50,000 buildings across a map of approximately 270 square miles and began in 2020, inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic.
    3. Aerial footage of the project is highly detailed, making it easy to mistake for real images of New York City.
    4. Iconic areas like the World Trade Center, Tribeca, Chinatown, SoHo, and Liberty Island have been completed, with more areas still under construction.
    5. Players can access the project by connecting to the server nyc.buildtheearth.net or downloading the map for offline play.

    Something really huge is taking shape in Minecraft – quite literally. The Build the Earth community project is working to recreate the entire planet at a 1:1 scale, and they’ve successfully crafted an impressively accurate version of New York City. A video highlighting this project was recently shared on the YouTube channel MineFact. The channel’s creator, who seems to be closely involved in this build, provides a lot of insights and behind-the-scenes information throughout the 13-minute video.

    A New Benchmark in Minecraft Building

    Minecraft has had its fair share of large-scale building endeavors, but this New York replica sets a completely new benchmark. Developed over five years, this project reportedly features more than 50,000 buildings spread across a map that’s around 270 square miles. Construction kicked off in 2020, fueled by a global community of hundreds of enthusiastic builders. The initiative was ignited by the Covid-19 pandemic and drew inspiration from YouTuber PippenFTS, who showed that real-world geodata could be transformed into Minecraft at a genuine 1:1 scale.

    Striking Visuals

    The aerial footage is particularly impressive. At a first glance, you might mistake the scenes for actual aerial images of New York City. But even when zoomed in, the buildings remain clear and detailed. They showcase windows, textured facades, balconies, and even decorative elements like flower arrangements. Considering the immense size of the project, this level of detail is truly outstanding.

    Iconic Areas and Access

    Although the replica does not encompass the entirety of New York City just yet, many famous areas have already been completed, such as the World Trade Center, Tribeca, Chinatown, SoHo, and Liberty Island. Some other sections are still in the process of being built. The project has received widespread acclaim on Reddit, along with numerous inquiries about accessing the server. Players can join the build by connecting to nyc.buildtheearth.net or, if preferred, they can download the map to experience it offline.

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  • Fan Builds Realistic Minecraft World with 70,000 Blocks in 3 Years

    Fan Builds Realistic Minecraft World with 70,000 Blocks in 3 Years

    Key Takeaways

    1. A Reddit user named Plopidr_ created a massive Minecraft world spanning 70,000 blocks over three years.
    2. The map features a width of 50,000 blocks, a height of 30,000 blocks, and reaches a maximum height of 512 blocks with over 30 terrain types.
    3. Tools used for creation include World Machine for terrain generation and World Painter for decorative features, along with the Voxy mod.
    4. The world showcases stunning visuals, including valleys, forests, rivers, and mountain vistas, especially during sunset.
    5. The map is not playable in survival mode due to the lack of structures and pre-Caves and Cliffs update cave generation.

    The creativity of Minecraft players keeps breaking new grounds. Over the years, countless mods have been developed, but some players take on remarkable tasks. Recently, a Reddit user showcased his custom world that spans over 70,000 blocks.

    The Journey Begins

    According to Plopidr_’s post on Reddit, he and a friend began this venture three years ago, aiming to create a detailed map. What started as a simple project evolved into the largest Minecraft world he’s ever built, stretching 50,000 blocks wide and 30,000 blocks tall. Additionally, the maximum height of this map reaches 512 blocks, featuring more than 30 different types of terrain.

    Tools of the Trade

    The creation of this intricate world involved using World Machine, a 3D terrain generator capable of crafting diverse landscapes like mountains, deserts, and rivers. To shape the terrain and incorporate various decorative features, World Painter was also employed. It’s important to highlight that the Voxy mod was instrumental in achieving this impressive result.

    A Visual Feast

    In the video shared by the user, viewers are treated to stunning views of valleys, forests, rivers, and lakes. Some scenes are particularly breathtaking, especially the vistas of mountain tops during sunset. However, if you’re interested in experiencing this world, it’s important to note that it’s not currently playable. The user mentions that this map isn’t designed for survival mode due to the absence of structures. Additionally, while there are caves and minerals, these were generated prior to the Caves and Cliffs update, making them less than ideal.

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  • YouTuber Plays Minecraft on Receipt Printer, Defeats Ender Dragon

    YouTuber Plays Minecraft on Receipt Printer, Defeats Ender Dragon

    Key Takeaways

    1. YouTuber smill feels Minecraft has lost its enchantment and seeks to recreate nostalgia.
    2. He played Minecraft to defeat the Ender Dragon using a regular receipt printer as a display.
    3. The game runs on a PC with graphics converted to grayscale, operating at 0.5 to 1 frame per second.
    4. The project involves a two-second lag and simplified visuals, making gameplay challenging.
    5. The community reacted with both praise for creativity and skepticism about the authenticity of the run.

    YouTuber smill has expressed that Minecraft no longer feels as enchanting to him. He fondly recalls the early days when using low-end equipment made the game truly tough. In an effort to bring back that nostalgia, he devised a surprising method: he played Minecraft all the way to the Ender Dragon, using a regular receipt printer as his display. His brief video illustrating this venture has already garnered over 3.5 million views on YouTube.

    How It Works

    On a technical level, the game is still operated on a PC. A specially designed script or application transforms the graphics into grayscale and continuously streams screenshots to the printer. This arrangement allows the game to run at merely 0.5 to 1 frame per second. To keep everything organized, the YouTuber even fashioned a makeshift paper roller out of K’NEX pieces, preventing the printouts from cluttering the entire room.

    The Challenge of Gameplay

    From a gameplay standpoint, this project presents a true test. There’s approximately a two-second lag, and the visuals are simplified to basic outlines, with the inventory usually appearing as a solid black mass. Nonetheless, smill successfully navigated Minecraft to defeat the Ender Dragon, supported by renowned speedrunners Johnny A. and Fulham. The community has lauded the project for its inventiveness, though some viewers have responded with irony or doubt. Additionally, since the game was transformed into a tangible experience, it is challenging to confirm that every segment of the run was actually played with the receipt printer.

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  • Minecraft RTX 5090: Stunning Realism in 4K with Mods

    Minecraft RTX 5090: Stunning Realism in 4K with Mods

    Key Takeaways

    1. Minecraft is the most popular video game worldwide, with over 300 million copies sold since 2009.
    2. The game features straightforward gameplay but offers extensive crafting and exploration opportunities.
    3. Mods significantly enhance Minecraft’s graphics, making the visuals more realistic and immersive.
    4. The environment in enhanced versions is vibrant, featuring animated elements and realistic block destruction effects.
    5. Tools and weapons have received new designs, adding creativity, though showcasing water in larger settings could enhance the experience.

    Minecraft is the most well-liked video game globally, with more than 300 million copies sold since its launch in 2009. While its gameplay is pretty straightforward, there are plenty of features to explore, like crafting. Plus, a vast community of modders has developed around it. Some of these projects focus on enhancing the game’s graphics, producing stunning outcomes.

    Enhancements in Graphics

    Digital Dreams aimed to showcase this in one of its recent videos. With a 4K resolution, an RTX 5090, and a variety of mods, the visuals are more realistic than ever before. The textures for each block and the lighting effects have seen significant advancements, making the game appear more immersive.

    A Lively Environment

    The video demonstrates how the environment feels much more vibrant compared to the original version, with animated flowers, a dynamic sky, and moving tree leaves. Additionally, when blocks are destroyed, numerous fragments scatter across the ground. If a player steps on these pieces, they disperse in unique ways, adding to the realism.

    New Looks for Tools and Weapons

    Tools and weapons have received a fresh design, like the diamond axe, which now sports a Nordic style. However, while the video showcases water at certain points, it would have been more captivating to see an ocean, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the texture animations over a larger expanse.

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