1.9, the first release of the Combat Update, is a major update to Java Edition that was released on February 29, 2016. Additions include a new combat system, dual wielding, spectral and tipped arrows, and shields. The End was overhauled with an updated ender dragon boss fight sequence matching Legacy Console Edition, an expanse of additional islands with chorus plants, End cities, End ships, purpur blocks, shulkers, as well as elytra, which a player can wear to glide through the air. This is the first version released in 2016.
