Minecraft: The Copper Age Update Adds Copper Golems, Chests, and New Crafting Options on Nintendo Switch

Minecraft’s enduring popularity continues with its latest free software update, The Copper Age, now available for Nintendo Switch and other platforms.

Developed by Mojang Studios under the Microsoft umbrella, this new update brings a host of inventive copper-themed features to the beloved sandbox title, further expanding players’ creative potential and mechanical ingenuity. The Copper Age introduces an array of brand-new gameplay elements, most notably the copper golem—a unique, player-built mob with remarkable utility.

Crafting a copper golem is straightforward: players simply place a carved pumpkin atop a copper block.

Upon activation, the golem provides access to the innovative copper chest.

This ingenious container allows players to deposit any item, which the copper golem then automatically sorts into ordinary chests, simplifying in-game organization and adding a charming helper to players’ bases. Both the copper golem and copper chest demonstrate realistic copper behavior by oxidizing over time—gradually transitioning from a bright orange gleam to a distinct turquoise patina.

When fully oxidized, the copper golem transforms into a statue capable of four different poses.

Impressively, players can revive the statue form with an axe or opt to halt oxidation entirely by waxing their golem.

These statues are more than mere decoration; each pose emits a unique signal that can be harnessed in redstone circuitry, adding new layers to Minecraft’s redstone builds. Mojang’s update spotlights the copper golem as a fresh addition to the game’s roster of golems, encouraging players to introduce their new copper companion to the classic iron golem for a delightful in-game interaction. Another noteworthy feature is the introduction of the shelf block.

This versatile organizer displays up to three items and integrates seamlessly with redstone, allowing players to rotate displayed items directly from the hotbar.

Practical and visually appealing, the shelf expands interior design options within Minecraft's creative sandbox. The Copper Age also broadens crafting opportunities with copper-based tools, weapons, and armor.

These new items boast durability and speed attributes positioned between existing stone and iron varieties, offering both functional and aesthetic advantages.

All copper gear can be smelted into copper nuggets, providing a systematic way to recycle excess materials. For those eager to enhance their bases, the update delivers a suite of decorative copper blocks, including copper lanterns, torches, chains, and bars—all of which can oxidize or be preserved with wax.

Lightning rods, too, now undergo oxidation, enhancing build variety and authenticity.

Additionally, dye art icons have been refreshed for clearer in-inventory identification, improving overall user experience. The Copper Age update is now live as a free software update, downloadable via the Nintendo eShop or other supported platforms.

Players will need a broadband internet connection and a registered Nintendo Account to access the content.

This update, developed and maintained by Mojang Studios, reaffirms Minecraft's reputation for continuous innovation and player-centric enhancement, solidifying its place as a mainstay in the world of gaming. © 2025 Mojang AB.

All Rights Reserved.

Minecraft, the Minecraft logo, the Creeper logo, and the Mojang Studios logo are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Minecraft Switch The Copper Age Mojang Microsoft eShop Copper Age