In the thriving universe of Minecraft, the landscape is constantly evolving, captivating players with exciting updates and features. Among the most talked-about reveals from the 2025 edition of Minecraft Live was the introduction of a whimsical new addition to the Nether: the Happy Ghast. This enchanting mob flips the hostile nature of its predecessor on its head, providing a delightful companion for players ventures into the dark, fiery underworld. But what does it take to tame and utilize these floating entities? Here’s everything you need to know to welcome these cheerful creatures into your Minecraft experience.
The Journey Begins: Finding the Dried Ghast
To embark on the adventure of taming a Happy Ghast, the very first step requires players to navigate the mysterious Nether. Unlike typical creatures in Minecraft that spawn naturally, Happy Ghasts begin their journey as Dried Ghasts—an immobile, withered version of the popular mob. Players can come across Dried Ghasts by traversing the Soul Sand Valleys, where they can be found lingering near ancient fossils or be obtained through trading with Piglins for Gold Ingots. A keen eye is vital; these elusive entities can also be crafted, although the resources required make hunting for them a more efficient choice.
If you are fortunate enough to spot a Dried Ghast, you can mine it using any tool or even by hand. The crafting process involves gathering eight Ghast Tears and a piece of Soul Sand—resources not easily acquired, given the need to defeat their hostile counterparts, the Ghasts, before obtaining the Tears. Thus, setting out on an expedition into the perilous Nether can be necessary.
Rehydration: Bringing the Dried Ghast Back to Life
After securing a Dried Ghast, the next crucial stage is the rehydration process, which adds an extra layer of gameplay that highlights the thematic elements of nurturing and care within Minecraft. Players will need to submerge the Dried Ghast in water, where the fascinating transformation begins. Over the next 20 minutes, players will witness their Dried Ghast emitting cheerful green particles and gradually swapping its sad expression for a jubilant one.
Monitor the hydration process closely; interrupting it can result in setbacks. If the Dried Ghast is removed from the water too soon, it will revert back to its original state, necessitating a repeat of the effort to rehydrate. Patience truly becomes a virtue as players wait for their burgeoning Ghastling to reach its full potential. If hastening the process feels necessary, feeding it ten snowballs will ensure it matures swiftly.
A Companion for Adventure: Meeting the Ghastling and Happy Ghast
Success in rehydrating the Dried Ghast leads to friendship with the adorable Ghastling, a small creature keen to follow players within a 16-block radius. Its adorable behavior enhances the gameplay experience as it engages with players and mobs nearby. But the admiration doesn’t stop there; in 20 minutes, the Ghastling matures into the illustrious Happy Ghast.
Players benefit greatly from taming a Happy Ghast—its versatility is immense. Unlike its hostile relative, the Happy Ghast is a rideable creature, able to ferry up to four players at a time across the sprawling landscapes of Minecraft. With an equipped harness, players can navigate the skies effortlessly, making construction and exploration reach new heights.
While only the first player who mounts the Happy Ghast retains control over its flight direction, its ability to hold multiple individuals adds a dynamic element to cooperative play. But be aware that as soon as the last rider dismounts, it will throw off any items it was carrying, reminding players of the delicate balance between mobility and responsibility.
The Crafting Journey: Harnessing Your Happy Ghast
To ride your Happy Ghast, you’ll need to craft a harness made from leather, glass, and colored wool—each material adding a personal touch to your companion. Crafting becomes an artful expression as players select their preferred colors to adorn their Happy Ghast. Using shears allows the harness to be removed without harm, demonstrating the game’s focus on care and respect for its creatures.
In a world teeming with challenges, the addition of Happy Ghasts enriches gameplay with a touch of whimsy and adventure. No longer solely hostile, the Ghast lineage now embraces depth and connection, inviting players into a complex world that rewards nurturing, patience, and a flair for creative exploration.
The Happy Ghast symbolizes an evolution within Minecraft, shifting the paradigm from typical monstrous labors into a playground of friendship, growth, and aerial escapades. Players are not only encouraged to traverse vast landscapes but to forge genuine bonds with their environment and its inhabitants. As the pixelated skies become adorned with jubilant Ghasts, the world of Minecraft continues to surprise and delight, one enchanting feature at a time.