Minecraft Java Edition 26.4 Snapshot 5 Adds Packed Ice Bricks
Mojang's October 20 snapshot introduces packed ice brick blocks, stairs and slabs, plus a new advancement for defeating Frostbite with an Ice Ball.
Mojang Studios released Minecraft Java Edition snapshot 26.4 Snapshot 5 on October 20, adding Packed Ice Bricks to the game, according to news.denfaminicogamer.jp. The block gives builders a brick-style material crafted from packed ice.
The snapshot also adds stairs, slabs, walls and chiseled versions of the packed ice brick set. These variants can be made using the stonecutter.
Ice blocks received an ambient audio change: normal ice now sometimes plays sounds under set conditions, such as when it is surrounded by ice blocks with air above and water below. A new advancement was added as well, completed by defeating the Frostbite mob using an Ice Ball.
How to try the snapshot
The snapshot can be enabled through the Launch Configurations tab in the Minecraft Launcher. Mojang advises players to back up their worlds before testing.
The ice theme continues from the previous snapshot, 26.4 Snapshot 4, released in October 2025, which added features such as Brittle Ice — a block that cracks and eventually breaks when players or mobs stand on it.
Quick answers
What does Minecraft 26.4 Snapshot 5 add?
It adds Packed Ice Bricks plus stairs, slabs, walls and chiseled variants made with a stonecutter, ambient sounds for normal ice blocks, and a new advancement for defeating Frostbite with an Ice Ball.
How do I play the Minecraft 26.4 Snapshot 5?
Enable it via the Launch Configurations tab in the Minecraft Launcher. Mojang advises backing up worlds before testing.