Notch, one of the two most talkative designers behind the breakout indie success, Minecraft, has posted a small update to his blog concerning the current status of the next update. Minecraft 1.8 is going to be massive with more than 40 changes planned. Moreover, its become known as the Adventure Update because of the style of content and gameplay changes within the patch itself.

According to Notch, he and Jeb (the other of the two most talkative designers), have elected to keep a bulk of the changes due in 1.8 a secret. However, theyve slowly been leaking screenshots and suggestive tidbits to keep us interested and to keep themselves from going bonkers. Last week saw two new images surface that showed both NPC villages and ruins.

In a post on The World of Notch, Minecraft 1.8 is labelled Coming Soon. The article boasted the epic logo you see above, and a roster of 1.8 details revealed to-date. Heres that list:

NPC villages
Randomly generated dungeons
New biome code
Fully working Creative Mode (and individual admins can enter Creative Mode on a Survival Mode server if they choose)
Critical hits
Sprinting
More farming options

Sprinting and critical hits mark some of the more mechanical changes to the gameplay. Notch explained sprinting briefly on Google+; double tap forward to run. He was looking for a downside to the sprinting, but did not indicate what it would be. Critical hits may add spice to fighting thats always been a little dry.

Now, this is just us hoping and guessing, but look at that logo above. Consider the notion of being able to hold a torch in your offhand while exploring caverns. Youd constantly have a light source. Maybe one that expired over time, sure, but it would be great to keep that light with you always. It could be that the sword in one hand, torch in the other look above was drawn simply for artistic purposes. But we can dream, right?

1.8 has not been slated for a release date yet. Well have that news as it comes.

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After the announcement that the adventure update has been pushed back from 1.7, to 1.8 heres a little smidgeon of information about the patch shortly due to hit our Minecraft servers, the 1.8 beta patch.

The update is pretty big, and will change a lot of how Minecraft is played, said Notch on his blog. [We're] focusing on making exploration and combat much more rewarding, and bringing in a bigger sense of adventure to the game.

Its already confirmed that in the next Minecraft 1.8 update well see new complex terrain features, at least one new mob type, interesting new combat mechanics, a brand new lighting engine powering the game with the addition of some experimental new gameplay ideas

Theres also more focus on farming as well as much more incentives for players to actually explorer the lands.

Oh, and one last thing, this is something weve been super happy about since we got word that it might be hinted at NPC Villages.

True to his word, Notch has not said much more than that. Minecraft is still slated for a November release, but may be pushed back beyond its original 11/11/11 release date.

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Already implemented are new complex terrain features, at least one new mob, some interesting new combat mechanics, a new lighting engine, and some experimental new gameplay ideas. To come is more interesting farming, bigger incentives to explore, and npc villages.

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Also, there appear to be new ruins inbound. This picture comes straight from Jens.

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11/11/11

It will cost:

20
$29
18GBP.