This week, Microsoft will launch the new Flames of the Nether DLC in Minecraft Dungeons, featuring new maps, monsters, and items, as well as new systems and enchantments that everyone can enjoy for free.
Much of what’s in the works will be part of the paid content that comes with the Nether update, continuing the Jungle Awakens, Creeping Winter, and Howling Peaks expansions.
Flames of the Nether will be available to download as part of the game’s Season Pass will also be available to download and play separately.
And Microsoft was quick to lay out everything planned for the upcoming expansion, including when to expect it.
According to developers Mojang, Minecraft Dungeons Nether DLC will arrive on Wednesday, February 24.
We don’t have a release date set for when the big update will arrive, but it seems likely that the game’s official social media account will confirm when everything is available to download.
When Flames of Nether arrives on February 24, the DLC will be available for $5.99 USD and is also included as the second DLC for those who own the Minecraft Dungeons Season Pass.
Mojang has confirmed that the paid content will include six new Nether missions, new Nether enemies, new weapons, gear, and artifacts, as well as two new skins and a Baby Ghast pet.
And alongside the official DLC, Microsoft is also making significant changes to the base game.
Along with the release of the paid extension, there is also a free update with several new features.
Ancient Hunts are the most exciting of these new features, bringing procedurally generated end-game missions that weave in and out of the Nether.
To access Ancient Hunts, you will need to sacrifice items and enchantment points that will change how your mission unfolds and the loot you receive upon completion. And if you want that ultra-rare, brand-new golden gear, you’ll have to take on the Ancient Hunts and defeat the elusive Ancient mobs.
Meanwhile, Golden Gear Drops are part of the free update as ultra-rare items with an additional enchantment slot built in, making them one of the most powerful items in the game. To get these end-game tier items, you’ll have to battle Ancient Hunts as your exclusive path to earning the best stuff.
However, it should be noted that The Ancient Hunts only unlocks for players after reaching high enough difficulties (as of Default V).
A message from Mojang explains: “You will need to select items as part of an offering to begin an Ancient Hunt.
“These items will be destroyed once you offer them, so choose carefully! Remember that these powerful monsters are very selective and will not appear for any random item in your inventory.
“Generally, you’ll want to offer items that have a combined power of at least 100. Hey, we didn’t say getting gold items would be easy! You can also offer enchantment points to increase the chance of an Ancient mob spawning during the Ancient Hunt.
“As you gift items, you will see certain runes appear on the screen. These runes unlock different possibilities for your ancient hunt – you should play around with different combinations and see where you end up. I can’t even calculating how many different combinations are possible, but I suck at math, to be fair. That’s a lot anyway!
“Once you’ve made your offering, let’s go for the Ancient Hunt. Don’t worry, if you need to take a break from the challenge and quit the Ancient Hunt halfway through, you can resume it later with at least some of your progress saved.