A chapter closes in the Minecraft world. The Netherite items added in the 1.16.5 “Nether Update” four years ago are finally receiving a long-awaited expansion. With the latest snapshot, Mojang has officially announced significant visual and gameplay changes: Horses can now don Netherite armor.
Since 2020, Netherite has held its throne as Minecraft’s most durable material. Players have longed to complete their Netherite sets and protect not only their characters, but also their faithful companions. With this update, that wish has finally come true. Netherite horse armor will provide the highest level of protection in the game, meaning that in adventure mode it’s not just players who will wield end-game durability, but their steeds too.
But the update’s real game-changer isn’t this. Mojang has also fixed a small but endlessly frustrating issue:
Horses will no longer drown in water. Yes, that classic moment, forcing your horse to throw you off while crossing a river is now a thing of the past. With the new physics system, horses can now swim and move alongside players. Long journeys become smoother, and the “far side of the water” is no longer a barrier.
The Minecraft community is already calling the change “small but revolutionary.” The Netherite horse armor, which was silent for four years, has finally stepped into the light. So: Who will you equip first with your new Netherite horse armor? Will it be your loyal Shadowfax, or a newly born foal? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned to both X and VGNW for the latest updates.
