Exciting news for Minecraft enthusiasts! Following the recent Minecraft LIVE event on March 22, 2025, Mojang Studios has released two major features for beta testing: the adorable rideable Happy Ghasts and the stunning Vibrant Visuals update. These new additions are now available in preview builds across select Bedrock Edition devices, with Java Edition support planned for the future.
Take to the Skies with Happy Ghasts
The latest preview brings a completely new way to explore the blocky world of Minecraft – from above! Happy Ghasts, a friendlier cousin to the Nether's infamous floating mobs, can now be tamed and ridden by up to four players simultaneously, creating exciting multiplayer aerial exploration possibilities.
The update introduces several ghast-related features:
- Happy Ghast – A new rideable flying mob native to the Overworld
- Ghastling – A smaller version with gills that follows players around
- Dried Ghast Block – Found in the Nether or crafted from ghast tears and bone blocks
- Ghast Harness – Craftable equipment that allows multiple players to ride a Happy Ghast
How to Obtain Your Flying Companion
Getting your own Happy Ghast requires a bit of work. First, you'll need to find or craft a dried ghast block. Next, waterlog the block to create a ghastling, then feed it snowballs to help it grow into a full-sized Happy Ghast. Finally, craft a ghast harness using leather, glass, and wool (which can be dyed to your preference) and equip it to your new floating friend to take flight with up to three companions.
Vibrant Visuals Brings a Stunning Graphical Overhaul
The second major addition in this preview is Vibrant Visuals – a comprehensive graphical refresh that enhances Minecraft's visual appeal while maintaining its iconic blocky aesthetic. The update introduces improved clouds, realistic water reflections, and enhanced shadow rendering.
Players can customize their experience with adjustable settings that favor either performance or visual quality, making the update accessible across various hardware capabilities.
Which Devices Support Vibrant Visuals?
| Supported Devices for Vibrant Visuals |
|---|
| Xbox Series X/S |
| Xbox One |
| PlayStation 4 |
| PlayStation 5 |
| Android (Adreno 640, Mali-G68, Mali-G77, or Xclipse 530 or higher) |
| iOS (A12 or M1 or higher) |
| PC (Running Minecraft on DX12) |
How to Access the Preview Features
To try these exciting new features, players need to enable previews or beta testing for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition. For Vibrant Visuals specifically, create or edit a world, navigate to the Experimental tab, and toggle on "Vibrant Visuals." Additional settings can be adjusted in the Video options menu.
What Else Should Players Know?
While these features are exciting, Mojang reminds players that testing versions can potentially corrupt worlds, so backing up saves is strongly recommended. Multiplayer functionality can be tested on Realms by following instructions for enabling betas/previews on Bedrock Edition Realms.
Currently, splitscreen play isn't supported with Vibrant Visuals. While Marketplace Add-Ons, Skins, and Persona items work with the new visual mode, custom Worlds and Texture Packs are not yet compatible.
How Can You Provide Feedback?
Mojang is actively seeking player feedback on these new features. Players can report bugs through bugs.mojang.com and share their thoughts on Happy Ghasts here and on Vibrant Visuals here.
Published on April 3, 2025, 15:08 UTC