Minecraft 1.20.4
Minecraft 1.20.4 Java Edition was officially released on December 7, 2023. This update was a small patch designed to fix a major issue from the earlier version.
Though the changes were minimal, the version marked several important milestones for the game.
Let’s break down everything about Minecraft 1.20.4 Java Edition.
Important Details of Minecraft 1.20.4 Java Edition
| Feature | Details |
| Version | Minecraft 1.20.4 Java Edition |
| Launch Date | December 7, 2023 |
| Protocol Number | 765 |
| Data Version | 3700 |
| Java Requirement | Java SE 17 (Minimum) |
| Resource Pack Format | 22 |
| Data Pack Format | 26 |
| Compatible With | 1.20.3 Servers |
This release works with servers from version 1.20.3, making it easy for players to stay connected.
Development Phase Recap
Minecraft 1.20.4 Java Edition had only one pre-release before the final build. This early version was known as:
- 1.20.4 Release Candidate 1
This short development period shows the fix was urgent and focused.
Issue Resolved in Minecraft 1.20.4 Java Edition
This edition fixed a serious bug that existed in the game before. The problem came from the version just before it, 1.20.3.
| Bug Code | Description |
| MC-267185 | Items placed in decorated pots disappeared after the world was reloaded |
Players faced item loss, which could affect gameplay seriously. The update ensured that this no longer happens. The pot-related issue has been patched in Minecraft 1.20.4 Java Edition.
Download Options
You can find the version files in two categories:
- Client (.json)
- Server
These downloads are useful for players hosting games or using third-party launchers.
Additionally, obfuscation maps were made available for both the client and server builds. These are mostly used by developers and mod creators.
Minecraft 1.20.4 Java Edition Download
System Support Information
This version is important for another reason. Minecraft 1.20.4 Java Edition is the last version that can run on:
- 32-bit systems
- Java versions 17 to 21
Future updates will no longer support these older systems. Players using them will need to upgrade if they want to use newer versions of Minecraft.
Minecraft 1.20.4 Java Edition: Final Release of the Year
Another highlight is that Minecraft 1.20.4 Java Edition was the last update released in 2023. After this, Mojang moved on to newer versions like 1.20.5 and 1.21 in 2024.
Visuals from the Version
There were two main images created for this release:
| File Name | Description |
| 1.20.4 banner.jpg | Used for the version’s infobox |
| Java Edition 1.20.4.png | Shown in the version overview section |
These images helped players quickly recognize this minor yet essential patch.
Release Sequence Overview
To help understand where Minecraft 1.20.4 Java Edition fits in, here is a small timeline of related versions:
| Version | Type | Order |
| 1.20 | Major Release | Earlier |
| 1.20.3 | Patch | Previous |
| 1.20.4 | Bug Fix Update | Current |
| 1.20.5 | Newer Release | Next |
| 1.21 | Major Update | Future |
This version acted as a bridge, solving a problem before new features were introduced.
Developer Commentary
A short video clip was shared by Slicedlime, a Mojang developer, showing details of the fix. The video focused on the error and how the patch addressed the item deletion bug.
While the patch was small, it was considered essential by the team due to the nature of the bug.
Closing Thoughts
Though Minecraft 1.20.4 Java Edition only fixed a single issue, it played a key role in improving stability. It also acted as the final send-off to support 32-bit setups and older Java versions.
This update shows Mojang’s focus on game integrity. Even minor patches like this help keep Minecraft reliable and smooth for millions of players.
Minecraft 1.20.4 Java Edition may not have added new content, but it solved a major problem and closed the year with a solid fix.
For those still on old systems or Java versions, this was the last version fully supported. All future editions will now aim at more modern setups.
If you’re still running this version, make sure you’ve saved all files and updated your Java settings to prepare for upcoming releases.

