How to Change Your Minecraft World Version to 1.21 🛠️
- HolyHosting
- Nov 1, 2025
- 2 min read
Today we have a tutorial on how to upgrade any Minecraft world to version 1.21 🚀. Currently, we’re working on a HolyHosting world in version 1.18.2, and we’re going to update it. Let’s get started!
Steps to Change the Version:
Initial Preparation
We’re in a world running version 1.18.2. First, build something in this world so you can verify it’s the same after changing the version.
Stop the Server and Access Files
Go to your panel and stop the server.
Navigate to the files section. Your world is located in a folder, usually named world, but in our case, it’s called tutorial.
Download the World
We use Paper as the server software, which separates your world by dimensions (Overworld🌿, End🌌, Nether🔥).
Download these folders and rename them so you can place them into your world’s folder.
Compress and Download
Compress your world and download it.
Place the world in the saves 📂 folder of your .minecraft directory and extract it.
Open in Minecraft 1.21
Launch Minecraft in version 1.21 and enter Singleplayer.
Edit the world and select the option to optimize it. ⚠️ Warning: Your world will no longer be compatible with previous versions, so make a backup first.
Verify Changes
Check that the updates have been applied correctly. For example, look for the new "trial chambers" added in 1.21.
Upload the Optimized World
Delete the old world from the panel.
Compress the optimized world and upload it again.
Rename the dimension folders and place them in the correct directory. Change the Server Version
Go to the versions section and select 1.21, or download the experimental version of Paper MC.
Rename the file to server.jar so the panel can detect it.
Start the server and switch the Java version to the required one (Java 21).
Confirm Functionality
Enter the world again and check that everything works correctly. Look for the new structures added in 1.21.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has been helpful! 🚀 Remember, don’t hesitate to ask questions on the HolyHosting Discord or contact our support team.
Follow us on Twitter @HolyHosting to stay up to date.
Stuffy @ HolyHosting
