There’s a lot happening in Minecraft this summer, with fresh content, a visual overhaul, and even a movie tie-in making the game feel more lively than ever. Whether you like to build, explore, or just hang out with friends, these updates introduce some interesting new ways to enjoy the blocky world.
Chase the Skies Game Drop – Out Now
The latest update, called Chase the Skies, introduces the happy ghast, a new rideable mob that lets you fly solo or with friends. You’ll find dried ghasts in the Nether, which you can bring back to the Overworld and hydrate with water. After some waiting or feeding it snowballs, your ghastling will grow into a flying mount. Don’t forget the ghast harness – you’ll need it to take your whimsical new buddy for a spin.
Besides the happy ghast, this update adds craftable saddles, fresh music from Amos Roddy, a player locator bar to help find friends, and the ability to leash multiple mobs together. Imagine leashing a boat to your happy ghast to carry even more players through the skies. It’s kinda like being the Overworld’s strangest dog walker!
Vibrant Visuals – Available Now for Compatible Bedrock Devices
Minecraft is also getting a big graphical upgrade with the Vibrant Visuals update. This enhances the Bedrock Edition with directional lighting, volumetric fog, pixelated shadows, reflections, and other effects that keep the classic look while making the world feel more alive. If you prefer the original style, you can switch back anytime.
The change is truly remarkable, transforming familiar landscapes into versions you might have only imagined. For more details, you can check out the Xbox Wire article here, but honestly, it’s best to experience it yourself.
Vibrant Memories Camera Add-On – Out Now for Bedrock Edition
To make the most of these new visuals, the Vibrant Memories camera add-on is now available on the Minecraft Marketplace. It lets you save camera angles, change weather, control time, and capture the perfect shot. Photos can be saved to a personal album and even paired with music to set the mood. It’s a neat tool for anyone who loves snapping screenshots or creating cinematic moments in their worlds.
Realms Plus – New Content Ready to Play
If you subscribe to Realms Plus, you’ll find the Chase the Skies and Vibrant Visuals content available for your personal servers. Plus, there are new Marketplace drops: the One Slime Block Adventure by Mush Co. offers five boss battles across six dimensions, packed with slime-themed enemies and weapons. Team Metallurgy’s Aquaculture add-on adds 60 new underwater creatures, rare gear, and cooking mechanics, turning you into a top-tier angler.
Minecraft Movie – Streaming Now on HBO Max
The blocky world has also made its way to the big screen. A Minecraft Movie is now streaming on HBO Max after a successful theatrical run. It follows four misfits – Garrett (Jason Momoa), Dawn (Danielle Brooks), Natalie (Emma Myers), and Henry (Sebastian Hansen) – who get pulled into the Overworld and team up with Steve (Jack Black) to fend off a Piglin invasion. Whether it’s your first time or you’re humming Steve’s Lava Chicken already, it’s easy to watch at home.
Steve’s Lava Chicken Remix and Dennis Painting – Available Now
The movie’s catchy tune, Steve’s Lava Chicken, is available as a music disc in-game and can also be streamed online here. Plus, you can craft a new painting tribute to Dennis, the pale wolf hero from the film.
Community Challenge Rewards – Claim Yours
Mojang’s recent Community Challenge tasked players with spawning 50 million happy ghasts in Creative mode and feeding snowballs to 1 million ghastlings in Survival mode. The community delivered, unlocking rewards for all. Bedrock Edition players get the Ghast Rider Floatie and Happy Ghast Pilot Gear, while Java Edition players can download the Ghast Riding Swimmer and Happy Ghast Pilot skins here. Pretty cool, right?
It’s a vibrant time for Minecraft fans with plenty to try out.
