When does the Sift come out?
Two different answers, because it is in two different games.
Minecraft (Java & Bedrock): 2027
The Minecraft.net recap says the Sift "will also be coming to Minecraft Java & Bedrock Edition next year", written on September 26, 2026. Xbox Wire says the same thing as "2027" and adds that future Minecraft LIVE events will share "the arrival date". That is the entire official statement on timing.
Both editions were named together. Nothing suggests Java gets it before Bedrock or the other way round.
Sources: Minecraft.net · Xbox Wire
Dungeons II: September 29, 2026
Minecraft Dungeons II shipped with the Sift included on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC (Play Anywhere), Steam, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, and it is included with Game Pass. The physical Switch 1 edition follows on November 10, 2026. If you want to stand in the Sift this year, this is the only way.
Sources: Xbox Wire · Minecraft Wiki
Snapshots and previews
As of October 7, 2026 the Sift has not appeared in any Java snapshot or Bedrock preview. Large features normally reach test builds months before release, so test builds in 2027 are our expectation, not an announcement.
Sources: Minecraft Wiki
Free or paid?
Not addressed by Mojang. Every prior dimension and every recent game drop has been a free update; we list this as an open question rather than an assumption.
What to watch
- Minecraft LIVE broadcasts. In 2026 they ran in March and September, so a spring 2027 show is the likely next window (our inference).
- Minecraft.net articles tagged with the Sift or with a game drop name.
- Java snapshot and Bedrock preview changelogs.
Our timeline lists every dated statement so far.