This is a dumb question, probably, but do we need to start a new MC to play the update? (My first version was the last update, so I don't know how best to approach it.) Thank you!
You don't need to start from the beginning. Like Temfesta said, go back to the map when you load (This update had some changes that can mess with stuff), but then you should be fine. Also renpy keeps saves outside of the game folder, so you will always have them, even if you delete the folder with game and unpack a new update.