Minecraft Bedrock Preview 26.70.21 adds a surprising Nether twist: Wither Skeletons can now pick up Ice Balls. The change appears in the preview changelog for Minecraft’s upcoming 2026 game drop, which is also adding Ice Caves, the Frostbite zombie variant, and other cold-themed mechanics. It is a preview feature, so players should not assume it is already available in every stable Minecraft world.
The headline matters because Ice Balls are associated with the new icy gameplay, while Wither Skeletons are normally encountered in Nether Fortresses. Bringing the item into the hands of a dangerous Nether mob creates an unusual interaction between two very different environments.
What changed in Bedrock Preview 26.70.21?
The preview changelog explicitly lists the ability for Wither Skeletons to pick up Ice Balls. The same update notes several other changes tied to the developing Ice Caves feature set, including Frostbite adjustments and protections against the Freezing status effect for some mobs.
There is an important distinction: “can pick up” does not automatically mean every Wither Skeleton will spawn carrying an Ice Ball or use it in a completely new attack pattern. The changelog confirms the pickup behavior, but players should test the current preview to establish exactly how the mob handles the item in combat.
Why Ice Balls and Wither Skeletons are an interesting combination
Ice Balls were introduced alongside the Frostbite, a hostile zombie variant that can throw them at targets. The projectile deals damage and knockback, while the new Freezing effect adds another threat in cold areas. The latest pickup change suggests Mojang is testing how items from this new feature set interact with existing mobs.
For players, the practical question is whether a Wither Skeleton that collects an Ice Ball simply holds the item, uses it as a projectile, or behaves differently depending on its target. The patch note alone does not settle every detail, so avoid treating untested combat behavior as confirmed.
How to test the feature
- Install the relevant Bedrock Preview or Beta version that includes the change.
- Back up any world before opening it in a test build. Preview versions can change and may cause compatibility problems.
- Use a controlled test world with a Wither Skeleton and Ice Balls available, then observe whether the mob picks up the item and what it does afterward.
- Repeat the test with different distances and combat conditions before drawing conclusions about its attack behavior.
- Report reproducible bugs through the official Minecraft feedback or bug-report channels.
Is this feature in the regular Minecraft release?
Not necessarily. The change is documented in a Preview/Beta changelog, which means it belongs to a test build rather than being proof that every player has it in the standard release. Features can be adjusted before the full game drop ships. Check the version number shown in your launcher and the official changelog before trying to reproduce it.
What else is coming with the Ice Caves update?
The broader update introduces Ice Caves beneath colder Overworld biomes, with packed ice, calcite, icicles, and glowing Ice Crystals. Frostbites can attack at close range with freezing melee hits or throw Ice Balls when they have them. Ice Balls also have uses beyond combat, including crafting Freezing-related potions. These systems are still evolving during preview development.
Frequently asked questions
Can Wither Skeletons pick up Ice Balls in Minecraft?
Yes. The Minecraft Bedrock Preview 26.70.21 changelog lists Wither Skeletons as able to pick up Ice Balls. The exact combat behavior should be tested in the relevant preview build.
Does this mean Wither Skeletons always throw Ice Balls?
No such guarantee appears in the changelog. It confirms pickup behavior, not that every Wither Skeleton spawns with an Ice Ball or always uses it as a ranged weapon.
Is Preview 26.70.21 a stable release?
No. Preview and Beta builds are testing versions. Features can change before they reach the general release, so back up worlds and check official version notes.
Where can I read the official notes?
Read the Minecraft Preview 26.70.21 changelog, the Minecraft Preview 26.60.29 notes, and the Minecraft Java 26.4 Snapshot 5 notes for related Ice Caves and Ice Ball details.
Reporting and writing by Shivam Das. Information checked against official Minecraft preview notes available on October 27, 2026.