Minecraft’s upcoming update, Chase the Skies, is finally getting a release date: June 17. Announced just days before launch via a new trailer on YouTube, this update brings fresh gameplay elements alongside a visual makeover for Bedrock Edition players.
The update introduces new uses for items like leads, craftable saddles, and a player locator bar to help find friends wandering off during multiplayer sessions. But the real star is the Happy Ghast—a new rideable mob you’ll need to raise from a dried ghast in the Nether. It’s not exactly a simple joyride; you’ll have to put in the effort to nurture this flying buddy before taking to the skies.
Alongside the gameplay additions, the lively Visuals update is launching the same day, but only for Bedrock players. This upgrade applies new shaders that boost the look of biomes and underwater environments, making exploration feel more atmospheric and a little more tense. The drowned lurking in shadowy depths might give you a bigger reason to swim fast.
Java players will get the new features from Chase the Skies but won’t see the updated visuals yet. You can still team up with friends with the visual update on Bedrock, but your view will be less dazzling. It’s a curious split, and I can’t help but wonder when Java will catch up. Yikes.
It’s rare to see Minecraft getting such a noticeable refresh after all these years, especially visually. The timing is neat, with the update arriving faster than expected after the trailer dropped just four days prior. Who doesn’t want to ride a friendly ghast through a more lively world? I’m curious to see how the community reacts.
