Minecraft Java Edition 1.21.6 was released– a feature-packed release that brings flight, ambience, and new tools for exploration. Titled “Chase the Skies,” this update introduces an enchanting new flying companion, atmospheric visual enhancements, multiplayer improvements, and an array of immersive audio tracks. Whether you’re taming a floating Ghastling, coordinating with friends via the new Locator Bar, or simply building castles in the clouds, 1.21.6 delivers something for every adventurer.
A New Way to Fly: Happy Ghast & Ghastling System
At the heart of this update is the Happy Ghast, a large, mountable flying mob inspired by the Nether’s most iconic creature. But this is no ordinary ghast—it’s a loyal, rideable entity that players can raise from a Dried Ghast Block, found beneath Nether Fossils or crafted from Soul Sand and Ghast Tears.
-
Dried Ghast Blocks hydrate over time when waterlogged and eventually spawn a baby Ghastling.
-
Ghastlings can be tempted and fed with Snowballs and grow into full-sized Happy Ghasts over time.
-
Once matured and equipped with a Harness (available in 16 colors), up to four players can ride a Happy Ghast simultaneously.
-
The first rider controls its flight, with custom visuals, regeneration effects, and roaming behaviors when idle.
This system offers a unique, long-term taming mechanic that blends exploration, care, and reward.
New Features and Quality of Life Improvements
-
Locator Bar (Multiplayer HUD Tool): A new compass-like HUD element that helps players track friends in multiplayer sessions. Indicators show direction, distance, and elevation—perfect for coordination in large worlds or chaotic builds.
-
Harness Items: Allow group riding on the Happy Ghast and are fully dyeable.
-
Fog & Cloud Rendering Upgrades: Clouds now stretch to the horizon, and fog behaves more naturally, setting the stage for future Vibrant Visuals on Java.
-
Music System Enhancements:
-
Six new original tracks by Amos Roddy, including the disc “Tears”, which drops only under unique circumstances (deflecting a Ghast’s fireball).
-
Background music now continues during pauses, with customizable frequency settings and music notifications (Toasts).
-
-
New Sounds & UI Improvements: New sound categories, feedback for Llama grooming, and polished UI audio cues.
Advancements & Additional Content
-
New advancements like “Stay Hydrated!” (hydrating a Dried Ghast block) and “Heart Transplanter” bring fresh goals for completionists.
-
Language support expands with Old Spelling Indonesian and Cantabrian added.
-
Added multiple ambient music tracks to enrich gameplay, particularly while exploring new vertical or open spaces.
-
Support for new creative building techniques, like hovering while constructing via the Happy Ghast mount.