View source for Minecraft:Chase the Skies

{{For|the skin pack|Chase the Skies (skin pack)}}
{{Distinguish|Chase the Clouds}}
{{Infobox theme
|image = 1.21.6 banner.png
|image2= Trio of happy ghasts.jpg
|date=June 17, 2025
|prevparent=[[Minecraft:Spring to Life]]
|nextparent=[[Minecraft:The Copper Age]]
|version=
*[[Minecraft:Java Edition 1.21.6]]
*[[Minecraft:Bedrock Edition 1.21.90]]
|drop=
*Summer Drop 2025
*Drop 2 2025
*Game Drop 2 - 2025<ref>Name used as part of title of the drop's soundtrack: https://music.apple.com/my/album/minecraft-game-drop-2-2025-original-game-soundtrack-ep/1813039480</ref>
}}
[[File:Chase the Skies Key Art.jpg|thumb|class=pageimage|Key artwork]]
{{Relevant guide|Java Edition guides/Chase the Skies|Bedrock Edition guides/Chase the Skies}}

'''Chase the Skies''' is a [[Minecraft:game drop]] that released on June 17, 2025, as [[Minecraft:Java Edition 1.21.6]] and [[Minecraft:Bedrock Edition 1.21.90]]. It introduces [[Minecraft:happy ghast]]s which can be ridden with [[Minecraft:harness]]es, improved mechanics for [[Minecraft:lead]]s, craftable [[Minecraft:saddle]]s, new background [[Minecraft:music]], the "[[Minecraft:Tears]]" music disc, the [[Minecraft:Locator Bar|player locator bar]], as well as [[Minecraft:Vibrant Visuals]] {{in|bedrock}}. The first features of this game drop were revealed at [[Minecraft:Minecraft LIVE – March 2025]].

During development, the update was referred to as '''Summer Drop 2025''' and '''Drop 2 2025''' as the name of the {{edition|be}} [[Minecraft:experiment]]. The final name of the update was revealed in a [[Minecraft:minecraft.net]] article on June 1, 2025.<ref>{{mcnet|chase-the-skies-coming|Our next game drop has a name|June 1, 2025|Sophie Austin}}</ref>

Experimental features for the update were released prior to the finalized release as part of [[Minecraft:Bedrock Edition 1.21.80]].

== Additions ==
=== Blocks ===
'''[[File:Dried Ghast JE1 BE1.png|32px]] [[Minecraft:Dried ghast]]'''
* Naturally generates next to [[Minecraft:Nether fossil]]s in [[Minecraft:Soul Sand Valley|soul sand valleys]].
* Can be obtained through [[Minecraft:bartering]] with piglins.
* Crafted with [[Minecraft:soul sand]] and 8 [[Minecraft:ghast tear]]s.
* When put in [[Minecraft:water]], the block's appearance changes 3 times depending on the time spent hydrated, changing its facial expression. After this, it becomes a [[Minecraft:ghastling]].

=== Items ===
'''{{InvSprite|Happy Ghast Spawn Egg}} [[Minecraft:Happy ghast spawn egg]]'''
*Used to spawn a [[Minecraft:happy ghast]].

'''{{InvSprite|White Harness}} {{InvSprite|Light Gray Harness}} {{InvSprite|Gray Harness}} {{InvSprite|Black Harness}} {{InvSprite|Brown Harness}} {{InvSprite|Red Harness}} {{InvSprite|Orange Harness}} {{InvSprite|Yellow Harness}} {{InvSprite|Lime Harness}} {{InvSprite|Green Harness}} {{InvSprite|Cyan Harness}} {{InvSprite|Light Blue Harness}} {{InvSprite|Blue Harness}} {{InvSprite|Purple Harness}} {{InvSprite|Magenta Harness}} {{InvSprite|Pink Harness}}<br>[[File:White Ghast Harness Goggles Up.png|32px]] [[File:Light Gray Ghast Harness Goggles Up.png|32px]] [[File:Gray Ghast Harness Goggles Up.png|32px]] [[File:Black Ghast Harness Goggles Up.png|32px]] [[File:Brown Ghast Harness Goggles Up.png|32px]] [[File:Red Ghast Harness Goggles Up.png|32px]] [[File:Orange Ghast Harness Goggles Up.png|32px]] [[File:Yellow Ghast Harness Goggles Up.png|32px]] [[File:Lime Ghast Harness Goggles Up.png|32px]] [[File:Green Ghast Harness Goggles Up.png|32px]] [[File:Cyan Ghast Harness Goggles Up.png|32px]]  [[File:Light Blue Ghast Harness Goggles Up.png|32px]] [[File:Blue Ghast Harness Goggles Up.png|32px]] [[File:Purple Ghast Harness Goggles Up.png|32px]] [[File:Magenta Ghast Harness Goggles Up.png|32px]] [[File:Pink Ghast Harness Goggles Up.png|32px]] [[Minecraft:Harness]]'''
*Used to pilot a happy ghast.
*Crafted with [[Minecraft:leather]], [[Minecraft:glass]], and [[Minecraft:wool]].
*Comes in 16 colors based on the color of the wool.

'''[[Minecraft:Music disc]]s:'''
*'''{{InvSprite|Music Disc Lava Chicken}} [[Minecraft:Music Disc Lava Chicken|"Lava Chicken" music disc]]'''<ref group="note" name="hotfixwarning">This was added in the [[Minecraft:1.21.7]]/[[Minecraft:Bedrock Edition 1.21.93|1.21.93]] hotfixes and not in the first release, although they're still considered part of the drop.</ref>
** Obtained by killing a [[Minecraft:baby zombie]] while it is riding a [[Minecraft:chicken]] (a [[Minecraft:chicken jockey]]). 
** The song was made by [[Minecraft:Hyper Potions]].

*'''{{InvSprite|Music Disc Tears}} [[Minecraft:Music Disc Tears|"Tears" music disc]]'''
** Dropped by [[Minecraft:ghast]]s when killed by a player-deflected [[Minecraft:fireball]].
** The song was made by [[Minecraft:Amos Roddy]].

=== Paintings ===
* Added a new [[Minecraft:painting]] based on the one in {{AMCM}} by the artist [[Minecraft:Sarah Boeving]]:<ref group="note">This was added in the [[Minecraft:Java Edition 1.21.7|1.21.7]] hotfix {{In|je}}, and only in the first release {{In|be}}, although still considered part of the drop.</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! class="unsortable" scope="col" | Picture 
! Name !! Size !! Artist
|-
| style-"text-align:center;" | [[File:Dennis (texture) BE1.png|48px]]
| ''[[Minecraft:Dennis]]''       || ''3x3'' || Sarah Boeving
|}

=== Mobs ===
'''[[File:Happy Ghast BE1.gif|32px]] [[Minecraft:Happy ghast]]'''
* A passive version of the [[Minecraft:ghast]], which can be equipped with a [[Minecraft:harness]] and ridden by up to four players.
* Can be stood on, similar to a [[Minecraft:shulker]].
* When not being ridden, will approach players holding [[Minecraft:snowball]]s.
* [[File:Ghastling BE1.gif|32px]] Baby version is called a ghastling.
** Have a unique texture and sounds.
** Spawned after a [[Minecraft:dried ghast]] gets hydrated in [[Minecraft:water]].
** Follows any passive or neutral [[Minecraft:animal]].
** Can be fed [[Minecraft:snowball]]s to speed up their growth.

=== Sounds ===
'''[[Minecraft:Lead]]'''
* Now produce a sound when snap.

'''[[Minecraft:Short Dry Grass|Short]] and [[Minecraft:Tall dry grass]]'''
* Now emits ambient sounds when above 2 [[Minecraft:sand]], [[Minecraft:red sand]], [[Minecraft:terracotta]] or [[Minecraft:stained terracotta]] blocks.

=== GUI ===
'''[[Minecraft:Locator bar]]'''
*The locator bar is a new UI element on the player HUD that displays the direction of other players in the world.
*When the <code>{{va|locatorBar}}</code> [[Minecraft:game rule]] is enabled and there are multiple players in a world, the locator bar will appear on-screen for each player, replacing the experience bar. The player's [[Minecraft:experience]] level will still be visible as before above the locator bar.
*The locator bar will display colored indicators when the camera is facing within 120 degrees towards another player. If another player is 30 degrees above or below the camera's viewport (the screen), an up or down arrow will be displayed.
*Players in [[Minecraft:Spectator]] mode are not visible on the locator bar.
*A player can hide and prevent their indicator from appearing on the locator bar via the following means:
**[[Minecraft:Sneaking]].
**Wearing a [[Minecraft:head]] or a [[Minecraft:carved pumpkin]].
**Being under the [[Minecraft:Invisibility]] effect.
*Can be disabled by map creator or server operator.
*The locator bar can be used to locate entities other than the player, controlled by {{attr|waypoint_transmit_range}} and {{attr|waypoint_receive_range}} attributes.
*The locator bar [[Minecraft:waypoint style]]s can be changed by {{cmd|waypoint}} command.{{Only|je|short=1}}
*The locator bar is in place of the EXP bar, but the EXP bar will show for a short time after collecting EXP.

=== Graphics ===
[[File:Vibrant Visuals.png|thumb]]
'''[[Minecraft:Vibrant Visuals]]{{Only|be|short=1}}'''
* The new default graphics setting on supported devices, placed above the Simple and Fancy settings.
* Adds pixel-perfect shadows, directional lighting, water caustics, and many more graphical features.
* Planned for release on {{JE}} at a later date.

=== Music ===
'''[[Minecraft:Lilypad (song)|Lilypad]]'''
* Composed by [[Minecraft:Amos Roddy]].
* Plays in [[Minecraft:frozen peaks]] and [[Minecraft:grove]]s.

'''[[Minecraft:Below and Above]]'''
* Composed by Amos Roddy.
* Plays in [[Minecraft:cherry grove]]s.

'''[[Minecraft:O's Piano]]'''
* Composed by Amos Roddy.
* Plays in [[Minecraft:lush cave]]s.

'''[[Minecraft:Broken Clocks]]'''
* Composed by Amos Roddy.
* Plays in [[Minecraft:forest]]s.

'''[[Minecraft:Fireflies (song)|Fireflies]]'''
* Composed by Amos Roddy.
* Plays in [[Minecraft:desert]]s.

'''[[Minecraft:Music Disc Tears|Tears]]'''
* Composed by Amos Roddy.
* Plays when inserting a [[Minecraft:Music Disc Tears|"Tears" music disc]] into a [[Minecraft:jukebox]].

'''[[Minecraft:Music Disc Lava Chicken|Lava Chicken]]'''<ref group="note" name="hotfixwarning"/>
* Composed by Hyper Potions.
* Plays when inserting a [[Minecraft:Music Disc Lava Chicken|"Lava Chicken" music disc]] into a [[Minecraft:jukebox]].

== Changes ==
=== Blocks ===
'''[[Minecraft:Sand]] and [[Minecraft:Red sand]]'''
* No longer emits windy sounds.
'''[[Minecraft:Terracotta]] and [[Minecraft:Stained terracotta]]'''
* No longer emit ambient sounds.

=== Items ===
'''[[Minecraft:Lead]]'''
* Is now crafted with 5 [[Minecraft:string]], with the former [[Minecraft:slimeball]] in its recipe replaced by an additional piece of string.
{{Crafting
|A1 = String
|A2 = String
|A3 = 
|B1 = String
|B2 = String
|B3 = 
|C1 = 
|C2 = 
|C3 = String
|Output = Lead,2
|ignoreusage = 1
}}
* Entities can now be attached to other entities with leads.
* Can now be removed from entities using [[Minecraft:shears]], including [[Minecraft:dispenser]]s containing shears.
* Snapping distance has been increased to 12 blocks.

'''[[Minecraft:Leather]]'''
* Can now be found in [[Minecraft:monster room]], [[Minecraft:ancient city]], [[Minecraft:desert pyramid]], [[Minecraft:jungle pyramid]] and [[Minecraft:stronghold]] altar chests in quantities 1-5, replacing [[Minecraft:saddle]]s.

'''[[Minecraft:Saddle]]'''
* Can now be crafted with 3 [[Minecraft:leather]] and 1 [[Minecraft:iron ingot]].
{{Crafting
|A1 = 
|A2 = Leather
|A3 = 
|B1 = Leather
|B2 = Iron Ingot
|B3 = 
|C1 = 
|C2 = Leather
|C3 = 
|Output = Saddle
|ignoreusage = 1
}}
* Can now be removed from mobs wearing them by using shears on the mob.
** Cannot be removed this way from [[Minecraft:ravager]]s or mobs with riders.
** Can no longer be equipped using dispensers.
* No longer found in chests in [[Minecraft:monster room]]s, [[Minecraft:ancient cities]], [[Minecraft:desert pyramid]]s, [[Minecraft:jungle pyramid]]s and in [[Minecraft:stronghold]] altar chests.

'''[[Minecraft:Shears]]'''
* Can now remove [[Minecraft:saddle]]s, [[Minecraft:horse armor]], [[Minecraft:harness]]es and [[Minecraft:carpet]]s from mobs.
* Can now cut [[Minecraft:lead]]s.
** They cannot be removed if the mob has a rider.
** They cannot be removed if the player is crouching.
* Saddles cannot be removed from [[Minecraft:ravager]]s.
* Dispensers with shears cannot remove saddles, horse armor, harnesses and carpets equipped on mobs.

'''[[Minecraft:Carrot]]'''
* Can now be used to [[Minecraft:tame]], heal, and grow [[Minecraft:horse]]s, [[Minecraft:donkey]]s, and [[Minecraft:mule]]s.

'''{{InvSprite|Breeze Spawn Egg}}{{InvSprite|Blaze Spawn Egg}} [[Minecraft:Spawn egg]]s'''
* Change [[Minecraft:blaze]] and [[Minecraft:breeze]] spawn egg sizes to more accurately represent the mobs.

'''[[Minecraft:Splash potion]]s'''
* Now have a duration that varies based on distance from the impact point.
** If a splash potion directly hits an entity, the entity receives the full duration and potency of the effect.
*** However, if the entity is further away from the impact, the effect's duration and potency decrease linearly.

=== Mobs ===
'''[[File:Ghast JE3 BE3.gif|32px]][[File:Ghast shooting JE3.png|32px]] [[Minecraft:Ghast]]'''
* The resolution of the ghast texture has been doubled to match the new happy ghasts.
* Now drops a [[Minecraft:Music Disc Tears|”Tears” music disc]] when player kills it using a deflected [[Minecraft:fireball]].

=== Graphics ===
'''[[Minecraft:Clouds]]'''
* The texture for cloud distribution has been changed.
** Now has more, smaller gaps between the clouds.
** Clouds are of a more consistent, oval shape than before.
** Now has a creeper face made up of clouds in a certain section of the texture.
* Cloud render distance has been increased.

== Further revisions ==
=== ''Java Edition'' ===
* [[Minecraft:Java Edition 1.21.7|1.21.7]] added the "Dennis" [[Minecraft:painting]] variant and the [[Minecraft:Music Disc Lava Chicken|"Lava Chicken" music disc]].
* [[Minecraft:Java Edition 1.21.8|1.21.8]] was a minor hotfix update.

=== ''Bedrock Edition'' ===
* [[Minecraft:Bedrock Edition 1.21.91|1.21.91]] was released to fix bugs related to 1.21.90.
* [[Minecraft:Bedrock Edition 1.21.92|1.21.92]] was released to fix bugs related to 1.21.91.
* [[Minecraft:Bedrock Edition 1.21.93|1.21.93]] added the [[Minecraft:Music Disc Lava Chicken|"Lava Chicken" music disc]].
* [[Minecraft:Bedrock Edition 1.21.94|1.21.94]] was released to fix bugs related to 1.21.92 and 1.21.93.
* [[Minecraft:Bedrock Edition 1.21.100|1.21.100]] was a minor update which adds "The Void" flat world preset and experimental features for [[Minecraft:The Copper Age]].
* [[Minecraft:Bedrock Edition 1.21.101|1.21.101]] was released to fix bugs related to 1.21.100.

== Promotions ==
=== Giveaway ===
[[File:Chase the Skies giveaway flag.png|thumb|width=220x220|Promo for the giveaway.]]
To promote the release of the drop, a contest was held to give away ten travel-themed prizes. These included a hammock, a blanket, a weekender bag, [[Minecraft:Crocs]], a thermos, and a creeper-themed cooler bag.<ref>{{tweet|Minecraft|1935442736255222077|The Chase the Skies drop is here! To celebrate, we are giving away 10 travel-themed prize packs so you can adventure in style this summer. Relax in a custom Minecraft hammock, curl up with an exclusive Chase the Skies blanket, or get away from it all with a deluxe weekender bag and more!<br><br>Enter here: aka.ms/chasetheskiessweepstakes|June 18, 2025}}</ref> To participate, players were tasked with taking a screenshot of gameplay, possibly using [[Minecraft:Vibrant Memories Add-On|Vibrant Memories]]. Up to five photos per day were eligible.<ref>{{citation|archive-url|url=https://gleam.io/zUgIU/chase-the-skies-sweepstakes|title=Chase the Skies Sweepstakes|section=|website=[https://gleam.io/ Gleam]|author=Minecraft|date=June 18, 2025|quote=The Chase the Skies drop is here!<br>To celebrate, we are giving away ten (10) travel-themed prize packs so you can adventure in style this summer. Relax in a custom Minecraft hammock, curl up with an exclusive Chase the Skies blanket, or get away from it all with a deluxe weekender bag. Decorate your Crocs with blocky Jibbitz, stay hydrated with a Thermos water bottle and keep things cool in a creeper cooler bag by Igloo.<br><br>To enter, sign up below. Terms apply (see below). For additional entries, share a fun screenshot of your adventures while playing Minecraft, or by checking out the new Vibrant Memories camera add-on to level up your in-game photography. Will you showcase an amazing sunset using Vibrant Visuals? Take a picture of your happy ghast? Share a group photo with your friends? Come back again and again for an additional five (5) entries each day by sharing new photos.<br>Travel is more fun with others! You can get additional entries by referring your friends. Good luck and enjoy the journey!}}</ref>
{{-}}

=== Vibrant Memories ===
{{Main|Vibrant Memories Add-On}}
[[File:Minecraft Vibrant Memories.jpeg|thumb|Key art for the add-on.]]
The day following the drop's release, an [[Minecraft:add-on]] was published to promote the introduction of Vibrant Visuals. Developed by [[Minecraft:Oreville Studios]], the add-on allows players to immortalize specific locations and memories in their worlds.
{{-}}

=== Take on Ghastastic Challenges ===
{{See also|Chase the Skies (skin pack)}} 
[[File:Take on Ghastastic Challenges.jpeg|thumb|Key art for the event.]]
To promote the release of the drop, an advertising campaign began on June 20, 2025, featuring two community challenges. For Bedrock players, they earned the two items. For Java players, a [[Minecraft:Chase the Skies (skin pack)|skin pack]] was also released to reward progress.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
! rowspan="2" |Name
! colspan="2" |Image
! rowspan="2" |Type
! rowspan="2" |Rarity
! rowspan="2" |Obtaining
|-
! Icon
! Render
|-
| Ghast Rider Floatie
| [[File:Ghast Rider Floatie.png|100px|center]]
| [[File:Ghast Rider Floatie Render.png|64px|center]]
| Outerwear<br>[[File:Outerwear.png|24px|class=pixel-image]]
| rowspan="2" | Rare<br>[[File:Rarity_rare.png|70px]]
| Require players to spawn 50 Million happy ghasts.
|-
| Happy Ghast Pilot Gear
| [[File:Happy_Ghast_Pilot_Gear.png|100px|center]]
| [[File:Happy_Ghast_Pilot_Gear Render.png|64px|center]]
| Headwear<br>[[File:Headwear.png|24px|class=pixel-image]]
| Require players to feed 1 Million ghastlings with snowballs.
|}

== Videos ==
{{Main|Chase the Skies with Vibrant Visuals}}{{yt|hX4itzvFxZo}}
{{yt|zPWdMDZWM4Y}}
{{yt|7HbQz_h1504}}
{{yt|gOusaq5i-f0}}
{{yt|oSaVt2bxsK4}}
{{yt|5zcZJcXRdw0}}
{{yt|Fvtl6VXzCtE}}

== Gallery ==
=== Official artwork ===
<gallery>
Chase the Skies minecraft.net homepage.jpeg
Bedrock 1.21.90 PatchNotes.jpeg
Chase the Skies Key Art.jpg|Key art with characters.
Chase the Skies key art background.jpg|Key art background.
Chase the Skies key art happy ghast.png|Key art of four characters riding a happy ghast.
Chase the Skies alternative key art.png|A cropped version of the key art.
Chase the Skies Pre-Release Key Art.png|Pre-release key art.
ChaseTheSkies Announce HeaderTiles.webp|A textless version of the alternate key art.
Chase the Skies launch pamphlet p1.jpeg|Page 1 of the launch pamphlet, announcing the release platforms.
Chase the Skies launch pamphlet p2.jpeg|Page 2 of the launch pamphlet, listing off biomes and the locator bar.
Chase the Skies launch pamphlet p3.jpeg|Page 3 of the launch pamphlet, listing off structures and snacks.
Chase the Skies launch pamphlet p4.jpeg|Page 4 of the launch pamphlet, listing off activities.
Chase the Skies launch pamphlet p5.jpeg|Page 5 of the launch pamphlet, listing off items and the happy ghast.
Chase the Skies launch pamphlet p6.jpeg|Page 6 of the launch pamphlet, listing off "souvenirs".
Sunny prepares.jpg|[[Minecraft:Sunny]] preparing for launch.
Sunny's laptop.jpg|Sunny's laptop confirming the drop's release.
Community challenges rewards.jpeg|Community challenges rewards.
</gallery>

=== Mojang screenshots ===
<gallery>
Happy Ghast photographs.png|Three photographs of happy ghasts.
New Ghasts.png|The three new types of ghasts introduced.
Ari leads mobs.jpeg|[[Minecraft:Ari]] [[Minecraft:lead|leashing]] mobs, while holding a [[Minecraft:snowball]] to attract a ghastling.
Happy ghast and ghastling in a field.jpeg|A happy ghast and a ghastling in a field.
Hydrating ghast.jpg|Each stage of hydration.
Zuri's happy ghast.jpg|[[Minecraft:Zuri]] building on a happy ghast.
Happy ghasts flying in mountains.jpg|A chuckle of happy ghasts flying in mountains.
Ari and the dried ghast.jpeg|Ari looking at a dried ghast in a [[Minecraft:soul sand valley]] next to a [[Minecraft:nether fossil]].
Ari’s mounts.jpeg|Ari riding a horse while followed by a happy ghast leashed to a [[Minecraft:camel]].
Ari leads again.jpg|A similar but distinct scenario.
Ghastling lake stroll.jpeg|A ghastling next to [[Minecraft:water]]. Ripples and reflections can be seen.
Vibrant and regular swamp.jpeg|A [[Minecraft:swamp]]  during [[Minecraft:Daylight cycle|sunset]]. The right image shows the reflection of the sunset in Vibrant Visuals.
Vibrant and regular desert.jpeg|Ditto, but with a [[Minecraft:desert]] (left), [[Minecraft:stony shore]] (top), and [[Minecraft:badlands]] (right).
Vibrant and regular mangrove swamp.jpeg|Ditto, but with a [[Minecraft:mangrove swamp]].
</gallery>

=== Merchandise images ===
<gallery>
Summer Gift 2025 tshirt.jpeg
Summer Gift 2025 tank top.jpeg
Summer Gift 2025 kids tshirt.webp
Summer Gift 2025 trucker hat.jpeg
Summer Gift 2025 cup with lid.jpeg
Summer Gift 2025 ghast collectible.jpeg
</gallery>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Navigation ==
{{Navbox named updates|multi-edition}}
{{Navbox event|Releases}}

[[Category:Named updates]]
[[Category:Chase the Skies| ]]
[[Category:Minecraft Live]]

[[Minecraft:es:Persigue los Cielos]]
[[Minecraft:fr:Chassez les cieux]]
[[Minecraft:it:Chase the Skies]]
[[Minecraft:ja:チェイス・ザ・スカイ]]
[[Minecraft:ko:하늘을 쫓아서]]
[[Minecraft:lzh:魄飛戾天]]
[[Minecraft:pl:Chase the Skies]]
[[Minecraft:pt:Chase the Skies]]
[[Minecraft:ru:Chase the Skies]]
[[Minecraft:uk:Chase the Skies]]
[[Minecraft:zh:追逐天空]]