Minecraft just keeps getting better, and the Copper Expansion, also called Drop 3 2025, is proof. This update makes copper a lot more useful with new blocks, items, and a fan-favorite mob making a comeback. Whether you’re into building, exploring, or tinkering with redstone, this Minecraft 2025 update has something for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know.
Release Date and Availability
The Minecraft Copper Expansion is expected to drop in September 2025, based on Mojang’s usual schedule. You can already try it out in Java Edition snapshots like 25w32a and 25w33a or Bedrock Edition previews like 1.21.100.23. It’ll be available on all platforms when it launches, coming after the Spring to Life update as the third big release of 2025.
New Mobs: The Copper Golem Returns
The Copper Golem, a popular pick from the 2021 Mob Vote that lost to the Allay, is finally here. This little guy is great for sorting items and adds some personality to your base.
- How to Build It: Place a carved pumpkin or jack o’lantern on a copper block, and a Copper Golem spawns with a Copper Chest nearby.
- What It Does: It picks up 16 items at a time and moves them between chests, trapped chests, or Copper Chests, making inventory management super easy.
- Oxidation: It goes through four stages (unaffected, exposed, weathered, oxidized) and becomes a statue when fully oxidized. Use honeycomb to keep it shiny or an axe to scrape off the rust.
- Extras: It’s friendly, drops 1-3 copper ingots when defeated, and might get a poppy from an Iron Golem. Unlike its original concept, oxidation doesn’t stop it from moving.
The Copper Golem makes this Minecraft Copper Expansion a big win for automation fans and could mean more Mob Vote losers might return in future updates.
New Blocks and Building Options
Copper gets a major upgrade with new blocks that change over time, perfect for builders who want dynamic designs. All these blocks have waxed versions to lock in their appearance.
| Block Name | Description | Crafting Recipe | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Chest | A chest that works with Copper Golems for sorting and storage. Can pair up for double chests. | Chest with 8 copper ingots around it. | Oxidizes (4 stages); spawns with Copper Golems; waxable. |
| Copper Chain | A decorative alternative to iron chains. | Copper nuggets and ingots. | Oxidizes; great for hanging signs. |
| Copper Bars | Window-like bars for cool builds. | 6 copper ingots. | Oxidizes; like iron bars but with copper flair. |
| Copper Torch | A light source with a copper twist. | Copper nugget, coal, and stick. | Green flames; oxidizes. |
| Copper Lantern | A hanging light for your builds. | 1 Copper Torch with copper nuggets. | Green light; oxidizes. |
| Copper Golem Statue | A decorative statue from an oxidized Copper Golem. | N/A (forms via oxidation). | Posable; oxidizes; can revert to a golem with an axe if not fully oxidized. |
| Shelf | A wooden storage block (not copper-related). | 6 matching stripped logs (makes 6 shelves). | Holds 3 item stacks; displays items like an item frame. |
Lightning rods now oxidize too, fitting the copper theme.
New Items, Tools, and Armor
Copper isn’t just for decoration anymore—it’s now a solid option for gear, sitting between stone/leather and iron for durability. This makes it perfect for early-game players looking to save iron.
- Tools and Weapons: Copper pickaxe, axe, shovel, hoe, and sword, crafted with copper ingots and sticks.
- Armor: Full set with helmet, chestplate, leggings, and boots, offering decent protection.
These additions make copper a key part of survival in the Drop 3 2025 update.
Changes and Quality-of-Life Improvements
The Minecraft 2025 update also includes some handy tweaks:
- Crafting Changes: Copper trapdoors now need 4 copper ingots, down from before, to match copper bars needing 6. Regular chains are now called "Iron Chains" to avoid confusion with Copper Chains.
- Dye Textures: Updated for better colorblind accessibility.
- End Dimension: New skylight with occasional bright flashes for a cooler atmosphere.
- Signs and Hanging Signs: New “object text” feature for advanced customization via commands.
- Mob Interactions: Iron Golems might give Copper Golems a poppy, which is pretty cute.