The Happy Ghast: Minecraft's First Flying Mount Explained

One of the most exciting reveals from Minecraft Live March 2025 is the introduction of the Happy Ghast, a new mob that redefines how players explore and build in Survival mode. Cute, curious, and surprisingly helpful, the Happy Ghast is not just another mob, it's the game's first-ever rideable flying creature.

In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know about the Happy Ghast, from where it comes from to how you can ride it.

What Is a Happy Ghast?

The Happy Ghast is a peaceful variant of the traditional Ghast found in the Nether. Unlike their hostile cousins, Happy Ghasts are completely friendly toward players. However, like cows or chickens, they cannot be tamed. When left alone, a Happy Ghast will float around freely, occasionally following players holding snowballs, its favorite item.

Where Do Happy Ghasts Come From?

Happy Ghasts don't spawn naturally. Instead, they originate from a unique transformation process:

In Soul Sand Valley biomes, players can discover a block called the Dried Ghast, located near bone structures.

When brought to the Overworld and placed in water, the Dried Ghast gradually rehydrates:

1. The sad block becomes neutral.

2. Then it begins to smile.

3. Eventually, it spawns a Ghastling.

After enough time?or after being fed snowballs?the Ghastling grows into a fully-formed Happy Ghast.

Riding the Happy Ghast

Happy Ghasts are the first mobs in Minecraft that allow multi-player flying. To ride one, you'll need to craft and equip a special item: the Ghast Harness.

Crafting a Ghast Harness

A Ghast Harness is crafted using the following ingredients:

1. 3 Leather

2. 2 Glass Blocks

3. 1 Wool Block (any color)

The color of the wool used will determine the color of the harness, making it a customizable accessory for your flying companion.

How to Mount and Fly

Once you place the harness on the Happy Ghast's head, players can mount it:

1. Up to four players can ride at once.

2. The first player to mount controls the direction and movement.

3. While not as fast as Elytra, the Happy Ghast offers smooth, stable flight and doesn't require fireworks.

4. If you dismount midair, you'll land safely on top of its head, which functions as a solid platform.

This makes the Happy Ghast an ideal building assistant in Survival mode. Whether you're constructing sky bases or working on mega builds, the Ghast provides a mobile perch to build from, just like flying in Creative mode.

Additionally, if a player is standing on its head, the Happy Ghast remains perfectly still, allowing for precise placement of blocks.

Can Happy Ghasts Be Bred?

As of Minecraft Live 2025, breeding Happy Ghasts has not been confirmed. While they are tempted by snowballs (which also help Ghastlings grow), Mojang has not shared whether two Happy Ghasts can produce offspring.

Players may learn more in upcoming snapshots or official patch notes.

Happy Ghast Behavior

Here's what we know about their in-game behavior:

1. They are non-aggressive and do not attack under any circumstances.

2. They float freely when unmounted, similar to Ghastlings.

3. They follow players who are holding snowballs, but will not stay leashed or follow on command.

4. They do not shoot fireballs, making them safe around your base.

The Happy Ghast opens new possibilities in Minecraft, especially for Survival players. It blends the whimsical charm of the Nether's mobs with practical functionality:

1. It's a flying mount that supports teamwork.

2. It enables advanced building techniques without Creative mode.

3. It brings a fresh gameplay loop involving exploration, transformation, and utility.

Whether you're a solo adventurer or part of a multiplayer server crew, the Happy Ghast is a game-changing addition.

The Happy Ghast isn't just cute, it's useful, clever, and full of potential. From the eerie bone-laden Soul Sand Valleys to the sky-high construction zones of the Overworld, this mob takes you on a journey that's unlike anything Minecraft has offered before.

If you're looking for your next big adventure or just want a new way to fly in Survival, the Happy Ghast will be waiting, with a harness and some snowballs.

Stay tuned for more updates as the feature rolls out in future game drops.