Minecraft to introduce redesigned baby mobs with new sounds and naming feature

Mojang Studios has revealed an upcoming Minecraft update that will redesign the game’s baby mobs, giving them distinct appearances, new sounds and additional interaction features.

The changes are currently being tested and are available to preview through the Java snapshot and Bedrock beta preview.

Baby mobs have existed in Minecraft for years, but Mojang says they were previously created by scaling down adult animals rather than giving them unique designs.

According to the studio, the future update introduces newly modelled versions of wolf pups, kittens, piglets, calves, baby chickens, baby ocelots, lambs and baby rabbits.

In an announcement video accompanying the reveal, game director Agnes Larsson explained the design approach behind the update.

She said earlier versions lacked individual character because they were simply smaller replicas. The redesigned baby mobs will also feature completely new sound recordings taken from real animals, replacing the existing audio.

Larsson highlighted a subtle but deliberate design choice affecting facial features. “Typically mobs in Minecraft have two-pixel eyes,” said Larsson. “But now baby mobs have just one which creates a new vibe for them, which is just adorable.”

Mojang has stated that this change is intended to give the baby animals a more youthful appearance while maintaining Minecraft’s established visual style.

The update also introduces a new naming mechanic for baby mobs. Players will be able to create labels using paper combined with any metal nugget, allowing them to name individual baby animals directly in-game.

The announcement follows Mojang’s December release of the Mounts of Mayhem update, which added new gameplay options including the ability to ride animals into combat.

Mojang has not confirmed a final release date for the baby mob update, but testing is now underway across supported platforms.