The highly anticipated Minecraft ghast update, unveiled during the 2025 livestream, promises to revolutionize player experiences in the Nether. This update introduces an array of exciting new features, including the cheerful happy ghast, playful ghastlings, and various other items that enhance gameplay and exploration.
Below, discover everything you need to know about this transformative Minecraft update.
Introduction of the Dried Ghast Block

One of the standout features of this update is the new dried ghast block, officially presented during Minecraft Live 2025. This unique block serves as a desiccated version of the classic ghast mob found in the Nether. Players can easily break it either by hand or with a chosen tool. Furthermore, crafting this block requires combining ghast tears with a bone block.
Interestingly, the dried ghast serves little purpose within the Nether itself. However, when transported to the Overworld and submerged in water, players can create ghastlings, the adorable new mobs part of this update.
Meet the New Mobs: Ghastlings and Happy Ghasts

The ghast update introduces two charming new mobs: the ghastling and the happy ghast. These happy variants are designed to thrive in the Overworld instead of the hostile Nether environment.
The ghastling represents a baby version of the happy ghast, and players can generate this cute mob using the dried ghast block. By submerging it in water, the dried ghast transforms into a ghastling that can accompany players on their adventures.
Affectionate and playful, ghastlings love snowballs. Feeding them enough will encourage their evolution into a joyful happy ghast. This new adult variant is not only visually striking but also behaves differently than traditional ghasts; instead of being a threat, the happy ghast is friendly, soaring high above the ground without shooting fireballs.
Players can leverage a unique harness to tame and ride this delightful creature, transforming it into a helpful transportation method for navigating the vast Minecraft landscapes.
New Items: The Ghast Harness

Central to the update’s new functionalities is the ghast harness. This specialized item, crafted from three leather pieces, two glass blocks, and one wool, allows players to tame and ride happy ghasts. The harness can also be customized in one of 16 different wool colors, enabling personalized styles.
To utilize the harness, players simply need to approach a happy ghast and equip it, allowing them to mount the mob for exhilarating aerial travel. This new mode of transportation not only provides players with a greater vantage point but also facilitates access to previously unreachable areas within the overworld.
The ability to traverse high altitudes and create floating bases may become a strategic advantage in survival scenarios where avoiding mobs is essential. The introduction of the happy ghast and its harness is a significant enhancement over traditional transport methods such as elytra, offering a unique and less complicated alternative for exploration.
As the Minecraft ghast update nears its summer release, players can anticipate a thrilling new way to explore and adventure through the Overworld. The introduction of the happy ghast will undoubtedly reshape gameplay dynamics, encouraging players to embrace new strategies and explore novel terrains.