In a recent update to Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, players noticed that the dedicated server files were changed. The main issue is the lack of PDB files, used for modding and debugging the gameplay experience. People who run their locally hosted Bedrock Dedicated Server (BDS) are enraged about this change! There are thousands of players who see this move by Mojang as wrong. Why did this happen? What will future updates look like? Is there a better alternative?
We’ll answer all your questions about Minecraft Bedrock PDB files in this article, let’s begin!
Minecraft Bedrock 1.21.20 Update
On August 13th, 2024, Mojang released the Minecraft 1.21.20 Bedrock Changelog. This provided players with information about the new changes and features for the game. One major problem was resolved, which was players being damaged during world loading or dimension transferring screens. There are other updates too that are beneficial, but are more minor in comparison.
However, other users found that one change completely altered the course of Bedrock dedicated servers – the removal of PDB files. This has been on the community’s mind for months now, as Mojang slowly removed certain files that BDS owners required. The only difference this time was that it’s all gone, resulting in backlash.
PDB Files – What’s That?
Minecraft Bedrock PDB files allow server owners to debug and maintain plugin loaders. This greatly improves the gameplay experience for all players, so without these files – modding becomes challenging. For instance, updating plugin loaders to newer BDS versions would almost be impossible. These files are downloadable directly from Minecraft and makeup the core foundation for running Bedrock servers.
The goal for any server owner is to provide a unique experience to their community. With Mojang’s recent Bedrock 1.21.20 update, this impacts everyone.
BDS Community Uproar
The Bedrock dedicated server community is unhappy with the recent changes. This primarily started in June of 2024, with this Minecraft Feedback post about the 1.21.10 version. It gathered over 14,000 upvotes and 1,000 comments, all expressing their desire to keep PDB files. Despite this, Mojang still decided to remove them and not listen to their playerbase. In the coming days, weeks, months, years, the Bedrock server community will need to adapt – unless these changes are reverted.
Future of Minecraft Bedrock Servers
What is the future of Minecraft Bedrock servers? The answer is unclear at this point. As of right now, server owners need to rethink their strategies for making a unique gameplay experience. Otherwise, they may risk having less features and bugs in their BDS due to the 1.21.20 update.
There are still ways to introduce new changes, but are extremely limited or cost extra money. The future of Bedrock dedicated servers is on the shoulders of Mojang, and only time will tell.
Minecraft: Java Edition Servers
On the other hand, Minecraft Java servers are completely unphased by these recent changes. Anyone can play anything they want, as modding has always been around. APIs such as Forge and Fabric allow you to freely install / configure mods. However, server-side plugins are specifically better for Bedrock communities – as it doesn’t require external installations to join. Whether you want to completely reshape Minecraft or implement customized QoL changes, Java Edition has it all.
Hosting your own Minecraft server on Java opens the door for endless possibilities! Perhaps many BDS owners will move to this other version to save their community. With plugins like GeyserMC and the Microsoft Migration, playing with your Bedrock account on Java is easy. Players can enjoy up-to-date plugins with highly customizable features without worrying about Mojang’s influence.
Consider trying Minecraft: Java Edition to see if you prefer that over Bedrock in light of the 1.21.20 update. Remember, you have total freedom when you choose Java to host your server!
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