TL;DR
- Netherite horse armor provides endgame protection through smithing table upgrades
- Coral zombie Nautilus variants spawn exclusively in warm oceans with Drowned riders
- Camel husks now drop 2-3 rotten flesh plus bonus loot based on weapon enchantment
- Spear charged attacks require precision with reduced forgiveness for missed strikes
- New ‘Mob Kabob’ advancement rewards players for successful spear combat techniques
Minecraft’s latest experimental build, Snapshot 25W45A, introduces substantial gameplay enhancements that significantly impact both exploration and combat mechanics. As part of the ongoing Mounts of Mayhem update, this snapshot delivers long-requested features that veteran players have anticipated for years. The update focuses on three core areas: enhanced mount protection, new hostile mob variants, and refined combat systems that collectively elevate the survival experience.
The timing of this snapshot is particularly strategic, arriving just as many players are completing their mid-game progression and seeking endgame content. These additions provide meaningful incentives to explore previously overlooked biomes while offering new challenges for experienced adventurers. The changes reflect Mojang’s commitment to deepening Minecraft’s combat and exploration systems beyond basic survival mechanics.
The introduction of Netherite horse armor represents a significant milestone for Minecraft’s transportation and combat systems. This premium armor tier transforms horses from vulnerable travel companions into resilient battle mounts capable of surviving intense combat situations. The dark, menacing appearance of Netherite armor not only provides superior protection but also serves as a visual status symbol for accomplished players.
Crafting this elite armor requires specific components and careful execution. You’ll need access to a smithing table, one diamond horse armor (the prerequisite base item), a single smithing upgrade template, and precisely one netherite ingot. The upgrade process follows Minecraft’s established smithing table mechanics: position the template in the leftmost slot, place the diamond horse armor centrally, and add the netherite ingot to the final slot to complete the transformation.
Common Mistake Alert: Many players attempt to craft Netherite horse armor directly without first obtaining diamond horse armor, which is impossible. Always upgrade through the proper progression path to avoid wasting valuable Netherite resources.

Strategic players should note that Netherite horse armor provides approximately 40% more damage reduction compared to diamond armor, making it essential for Nether exploration and raid defenses. The armor’s blast resistance is particularly valuable when navigating areas with creepers or ghast fireballs, potentially saving your mount from otherwise fatal encounters.
The coral zombie Nautilus introduces a formidable new aquatic enemy that exclusively inhabits warm ocean biomes. These rare variants present a unique combat challenge as they never travel alone—each coral zombie Nautilus consistently spawns with a Drowned mob riding atop its shell. This mounted combat dynamic creates complex engagement scenarios that require strategic planning rather than straightforward attacks.

Combat preparation is crucial when encountering these hostile creatures. Approximately 35% of Drowned riders wield tridents, making ranged combat particularly dangerous. The optimal engagement strategy involves eliminating the rider first using bow attacks from a distance, then dealing with the Nautilus itself in close quarters. The coral zombie Nautilus has a 15% higher health pool than standard Nautilus variants, requiring more sustained damage output.
Advanced Tactics: Experienced players can use water breathing potions to create underwater attack positions, while less prepared adventurers should lure the creatures to shallow waters where mobility is less restricted. These encounters typically take 2-3 minutes to resolve safely, depending on your equipment level and combat proficiency.
Snapshot 25W45A substantially improves the reward structure for defeating camel husks while refining spear combat mechanics. Vanquishing camel husks now consistently yields 2-3 pieces of rotten flesh as a base reward, with the Looting enchantment providing an additional 0-1 pieces per level. This creates a maximum potential yield of 6 rotten flesh with Looting III, making camel husks a viable food source in desert biomes.
The spear weapon undergoes significant balancing changes that emphasize precision over spam attacks. Charged spear attacks now suffer substantially reduced forgiveness when players miss their targets, creating a higher skill ceiling for this weapon type. Successful spear combat now requires careful timing and positioning rather than rapid, unaimed strikes.
Menu screen aesthetics receive an update with a new panorama reflecting the Mounts of Mayhem theme. More importantly, the introduction of the ‘Mob Kabob’ advancement provides concrete goals for spear enthusiasts—specifically rewarding players who successfully skewer multiple enemies using charged attacks. This advancement system encourages mastery of the spear’s unique mechanics rather than treating it as just another weapon option.
Optimization Tip: Combine spear precision training with camel husk farming in desert biomes to efficiently improve both combat skills and resource accumulation simultaneously.
Action Checklist
- Upgrade diamond horse armor to Netherite using smithing table
- Explore warm ocean biomes to locate coral zombie Nautilus variants
- Farm camel husks in desert biomes with Looting III weapon
- Practice spear charged attacks on passive mobs before combat
- Complete ‘Mob Kabob’ advancement by skewering 10 enemies
No reproduction without permission:Tsp Game Club » Minecraft Snapshot 25W45A Adds Coral Zombie Nautilus and Netherite Horse Armor Discover Minecraft's new Netherite horse armor, coral zombie Nautilus variants, and combat improvements in Snapshot 25W45A
