Minecraft Live 2025: New Ghast, Graphics & All Updates

Minecraft Live 2025 has concluded, and developer Mojang has unveiled an extensive lineup of new upgrades and content coming to the best-selling video game of all time.

Mojang announced Minecraft's first seasonal update of the year, titled Spring to Life. This update brings a range of enhancements to the Overworld designed to make biomes more immersive and vibrant. New features include variations of cows, pigs, and chickens, as well as ambient additions like the glittering firefly bush, falling leaves, and whispers of sand. Spring to Life is set to release on March 25.

The second seasonal update for this year hasn’t been named yet, but Mojang has shared what players can expect. A new block called the Dried Ghast can be rehydrated to create a Ghastling—essentially a baby ghast—which can then evolve into a Happy Ghast. Using a Ghast harness, players can ride the Happy Ghast, which can carry up to four people at once.

Today's major announcement also included a significant visual enhancement for Minecraft called Vibrant Visuals. Described by Mojang as "the first step toward realizing our developers’ vision for a visual overhaul that will transform how players experience Minecraft," this update focuses purely on visuals and does not affect gameplay.

Learn more in IGN's dedicated article on the Vibrant Visuals upgrade, and check out IGN's side-by-side comparison video below.

In addition, Mojang shared a new clip from the upcoming A Minecraft Movie and revealed an in-game live event inspired by the film, starting March 25.

From our visit to Mojang's studios in Sweden, we've gathered further insights—including why the developer has ruled out creating Minecraft 2, adopting a free-to-play model, or using generative AI in the game's development.

Minecraft Live 2025 – Complete Announcement Roundup:

Mojang Studios shared the name, launch date, and details of the first seasonal update, along with a preview of what’s coming later in the year. Titled Spring to Life, the first update introduces a variety of Overworld improvements that make biomes more dynamic and engaging. It introduces warm and cold variants of classic Minecraft mobs, new ambient elements such as the glittering firefly bush, falling leaves, and whispers of sand—encouraging more exploration. The second update will introduce the Dried Ghast block, along with Ghastling and Happy Ghast mob variants, and the Ghast harness. The Dried Ghast block is slightly smaller than a standard block, featuring small tentacles and a grumpy expression. When taken from the Nether and placed in water, it gradually transforms into a cheerful Ghastling. The Ghastling hovers through the Overworld like a small balloon. By feeding it snowballs, players can help it grow into a flying Happy Ghast. Once you craft a Ghast harness and lure the Happy Ghast with it, you can mount the creature. Up to four players can then ride together on a single Happy Ghast. A new Locator Bar at the bottom of the screen shows the direction of your friends, making it easier to regroup while flying. According to Mojang, the Happy Ghast will be especially helpful for Survival Mode builders—offering Creative Mode-like flexibility while staying in Survival. The platform allows precise positioning in the sky and easy dismounting. Mojang Studios also announced a visual upgrade named Vibrant Visuals. An exclusive clip from A Minecraft Movie was shown, alongside a movie-themed in-game live event. Set in Midport Village, the event lets players join Steve and his movie companions in a cooperative multiplayer experience, defending the village from piglin attacks across three mini-games. Running from March 25 to April 7, players who complete all challenges will earn the exclusive Yearn cape.