The newly released Minecraft Bedrock 1.21.80 recently dropped, and it has got players excited. The main spotlight for this update are the new mobs—Dried Ghast, Ghastling, Happy Ghast. Raising your own Happy Ghast from a small Dried Ghast block is something magical. With that said, let's check out all the new features added to the game.
What's New in Bedrock 1.21.80 Patch Notes?
The new Minecraft Bedrock edition 1.21.80 was released on 6 May 2025, and it features tons of new mobs and blocks that spice up the gameplay. Here is a quick rundown of some of the features you can expect in Minecraft Bedrock 1.21.80:
- Dried Ghast block (Game Drop 2)
- Ghastling baby mob
- Happy Ghast four-player mount
- Flat world presets & other experimental toggles
Dried Ghast Block
The Dried Ghast is a new block added to Minecraft Bedrock and can be found in the Nether and the Nether Fossil structures. You can also craft it using x1 bone block and x8 ghast tears in case you don't find the block itself.
After you've obtained it, you'll have to waterlog it for about 20 minutes to spawn a Ghastling mob. Depending on the state, it makes different sounds and shows different particles to show how much progress has been made.
Don't mine during the waterlogging state as that will revert the block to its 'dry state', and you'll have to start all over again.
Ghastling Mob
Ghastlings are the younger version of the Happy Ghast mob. To spawn them, you'll have to get a Dried Ghast block and continuously waterlog it for about 20 minutes.
Once a Ghastling is spawned, it will try to follow players within a 16-block radius. Alternatively, it may also follow passive land mobs within a 16-block radius. If none of those above are available, the Ghastling will stay idle around 32 blocks from the position it spawned at or was last interacted with.
Ghastlings can be tempted and fed Snowballs. While a normal Ghastling grows into a Happy Ghast after about 20 minutes, you can speed up this process using Snowballs.
How to Summon Ghastling in Minecraft Bedrock 1.21.80
To summon a Ghastling using a console command, type the following:
/summon happy_ghast ~ ~ ~ minecraft:spawn_babyRelated: Minecraft 1.21 Ore Distribution Best level for all ores
Happy Ghast Flying Mount Mob
The Happy Ghast is a new flying mob that grows from the Ghastling. You can equip the Happy Ghast with a harness (crafted from leather/glass/wool) so that up to 4 players can mount it. The first rider is the pilot, and you can crouch to dismount if needed.
This mob is tempted by Snowballs and a harness. Keep in mind that the harness will only tempt this mob if it is unharnessed. When wearing a harness, the Happy Ghast will idle closer to its home within 32 blocks.
One of the good things about the Happy Ghast is that it doesn't panic when taking damage, so it won't run away. Also, it cannot be bred, so you'll have to get Dried Ghast blocks to grow more. The Happy Ghast slowly regenerates HP, but the regeneration speed is increased during rain, snow, or when flying in the clouds.
The Happy Ghast is a good addition to the game, as you can mount it with your friends and reach high spots of the map without having to build up. Plus, it's pretty fun - and somewhat chaotic - to fly around with your friends.
How to Enable & Test Game Drop 2 Features
If you want to test these features, you will have to enable "Drop 2 2025" under World Options. This will also allow you to enable Vibrant Visuals, which makes the game look phenomenal.
There is also a "Flat World" mode, which is essentially a blank slate for your creations - or a challenging Survival run.
Common Issues
Before discussing anything else, it is important to note that players playing on mobile may notice potential lag, especially in the Nether. Alongside this, there might be some visual corruptions on certain Android devices. Other than that, the game seems to be working fine performance-wise.
Another issue players might notice is that the Happy Ghast's HP is currently set to 40 instead of 20. Also, in case you can't waterlog the block, ensure that you are using non-cube blocks. Check the placement of the block as well, so that it's placed directly in the water source. Finally, since it's the Bedrock edition, some blocks like the piston might have to be waterlogged manually.
Minecraft Bedrock 1.21.80 FAQ
To craft the Dried Ghast block, you need x1 bone block and x8 ghast tears. These can easily be found in the Nether.
Ghastlings don't spawn naturally; you'll have to grow one by waterlogging a Dried Ghast block. After waterlogging the block, it takes about 20 minutes for it to grow into a Ghastling.
No, you cannot ride Ghastlings as they are considered baby Ghasts. They need to be grown into a Happy Ghast so that up to 4 players can mount and ride it.
For more Minecraft content, check out the best Minecraft Bedrock seeds to spice up your next survival adventure.
