Mojang has unveiled exciting enhancements for ghasts in Minecraft, set to debut in the forthcoming game update. These revelations came during the inaugural Minecraft Live event of 2025, marking a significant overhaul for one of the more notorious mobs in the Nether—after nearly half a decade without major changes.
Transformative Features Coming to Ghasts in Minecraft
Introducing Ghast Variants
For over 15 years, players have encountered a single variant of ghast—a fearsome creature known for launching fireballs at unsuspecting adventurers. However, the upcoming Minecraft update will introduce not one, but two new ghast variants, both of which are surprisingly friendly and charming. Meet the ghastling and the happy ghast.
The ghastling represents the baby form of the happier ghast, emerging from a newly introduced block known as the dried ghast block. Players can discover this block near Nether fossils located in the Soul Sand Valley biome. To transform the dried ghast block into a ghastling, players must immerse it in water for several in-game days.
Once matured, feeding the ghastling sufficient snowballs will evolve it into a happy ghast. This variant stands in stark contrast to its hostile counterpart, showcasing a cheerful demeanor while following players around like a beloved pet.
Exploring the Dried Ghast Block
The dried ghast block is a fresh addition to the game, identifiable by its smaller size and distinct appearance, resembling a miniature ghast adorned with a frown and four tiny tentacles on each side. Adventurers can collect it by breaking the block with any tool, and it will be classified as an uncommon resource within Minecraft.
To achieve the ghastling transformation, players will place the dried ghast block in a one-block hole and submerge it in water over a span of several in-game days, resulting in the birth of a ghastling. This block represents the second item related to ghasts that players can obtain from the Nether, supplementing the well-known ghast tear.
Harnessing the Happy Ghast
Traditionally, engagement with ghasts was fraught with danger, making the notion of riding one impractical. Fortunately, Mojang has developed a method to allow players to dominate ghast control.
The novel ghast harness feature will permit players to ride the happy ghast, making travel across the Minecraft universe both fun and whimsical. This exclusive saddle can be crafted using an innovative recipe consisting of three blocks of leather, two glass blocks, and one wool block of any color. This marks a first for the game—introducing a craftable saddle-like item.
These new features—and the friendly ghast variants—offer mining enthusiasts fresh avenues for exploration and adventure within the Nether.