I'm currently playing minecraft java version 1.8.9. As far as I know, there's already 1.16.x where a lot of new content has been introduced and new items can be found. Is it possible for me to change my score from 1.8 to the latest version? What are the risks if I start the new version with my old game save?
Yes, simply update or select in the launcher (just look around in the launcher)
→ World Update is not recommended:
-World bugs, new blocks get new IDs, only new regions with the new version can adopt the new features (Java edition)
No, it is not recommended to switch directly from 1.8 to 1.16 because the world will be replaced with a new world.
However, you can switch from 1.8 to 1.9> 1.10> 1.11> 1.12> 1.13> 1.14> 1.16 and thus convert the world. And always make a backup of the world to be on the safe side.
It is best if you always go one version higher and then briefly enter the world each time (do a back-up before you start!)
Then you go from 1.8.9 to 1.9.4, then to 1.10.2, then to 1.11.2, then to 1.12.2, then to 1.13.2, then to 1.14.4, then to 1.15.2 and finally to 1.16.4: D
If you follow exactly this path, there should be no serious errors in your world afterwards. Logically, the new features since 1.8.9 are only generated in the area that you have not yet loaded / entered.
