Mojang dropped 26.3 Snapshot 9 early to let Realms owners independently set render distance up to 25 chunks and simulation distance. The update also tweaks Endermen and Shulkers, adds a macOS control option, bumps the data pack version, and fixes dozens of bugs.
Mojang did not wait for the usual Tuesday slot and pushed out 26.3 Snapshot 9 on Monday August 17. The headline feature targets Realms configuration giving server owners independent sliders for render distance and simulation distance.
Realms Finally Gets Useful Customization
Realms users can now crank render distance as high as 25 chunks while keeping simulation distance lower to maintain performance. This decoupling should help larger worlds and more populated servers look better without tanking tick rates. The official post notes it lets owners find the balance that works best for their specific world.
- Endermen now take projectile damage when riding entities
- Endermen and Shulkers can no longer teleport onto Bedrock blocks
- New Right Click Emulation option in macOS Controls settings (off by default)
- Data Pack version bumped to 117 with changes to advancements loot tables and number providers
On top of the new options the snapshot ships over 60 bug fixes covering everything from sprinting issues on macOS to entity teleportation glitches rendering problems and UI desyncs. The full list is available in the linked article.
How to Test It
Enable snapshots in the Minecraft launcher to download the client and server jars. The Minecraft Wiki page updated today contains the complete technical details and fixed bug list. Feedback can be left on the official tracker.
This snapshot continues the push toward the third game drop of 2026 which has been in testing since early August. The Realms changes are the part most players will notice first.
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