Mojang Studios has unveiled an exciting new feature coming to Minecraft, set to launch in the second game drop of 2025: the ability to ride joyful new Ghast mobs. This innovative feature is expected to significantly enhance gameplay among fans of the iconic sandbox title.
These new rideable entities—dubbed the Dried Ghasts, Ghastlings, and Happy Ghasts—represent a remarkable evolution in the Minecraft universe, which has known primarily dangerous ghasts that shoot fireballs at players. Instead, Happy Ghasts are designed to be friendly and helpful companions.
The introduction starts with the presence of Dried Ghasts, which players can find in the Nether's Soul Sand Valley, specifically behind bone structures. To transform these seemingly lifeless forms into more engaging versions, players must transport them to the Overworld and adequately hydrate them by submerging them in water. This transformation process typically takes approximately 20 real-world minutes. Players can also craft Dried Ghasts using ghast tears and bone blocks to add a layer of complexity to acquiring these new mobs.
Once the Dried Ghast has been properly hydrated, it evolves into a Ghastling, a slightly larger entity that players can nurture further. Ghastlings are not just passive; they can imprint on players and will follow them around, adding a layer of companionship that Minecraft players enjoy. Their feeding regimen is especially unique; to help the Ghastlings grow into Happy Ghasts, players must feed them snowballs. This delightful twist showcases the humorous side of Minecraft, turning a dangerous mob into something sweet and entertaining.
During the transition from Ghastling to Happy Ghast, players will notice the gentle sounds of cooing, marking the process. Eventually, after further nurturing, the Ghastling transforms into a Happy Ghast—a friendly, large character that players can harness and ride. Happy Ghasts have distinctive aviator goggles that signal they are ready for flights, adding to their charming character.
Once equipped with a crafted harness, which can be made from materials like wool, glass, and leather, up to four players can ride a single Happy Ghast, making it an excellent option for cooperative adventures. The harness, customizable with various wool colors, gives players the ability to mark their companions, akin to a personal mount.
The experience of flying with a Happy Ghast is designed to inspire creativity. Unlike the swift flights players may experience using elytra, riding a Happy Ghast offers a gentle glide over the expansive Minecraft biomes, enabling users to observe their surroundings leisurely while navigating their world. This change alters how players interact with the environment, as they can now build structures in the sky, decorate their realms with aerial constructs, or alternatively use Happy Ghasts to engage in various fun parkour challenges on the ground and in the air.
This unique flight mechanic aims at enriching the gameplay experience for new and veteran players alike, particularly those who have not yet accessed flying options like elytra. For many, the Happy Ghast provides an earlier opportunity to explore the skies of Minecraft without having to defeat the Ender Dragon first.
The excitement does not stop at the introduction of Happy Ghasts. Mojang has plans for additional updates in 2025, including content linked with a forthcoming Minecraft movie and improved visuals that could further enrich the gaming experience.
As players eagerly await the second drop of 2025, the inclusion of these new adorable flying mounts signifies a major step in Minecraft's evolution. The positive reception of Happy Ghasts hints at the potential for even more creative features to come in the vibrant universe of the game.
