Minecraft 1.21.130.26 Beta

Minecraft 1.21.130.26 Beta — a new test build where the developers keep surprising with interesting updates. This version brings even more for mount fans: netherite horse armor, fresh zombie-nautilus variants, and noticeably upgraded rider and mob behavior mechanics.

On top of that, the team fixed a lot of bugs, focusing on stability and polish, so testing the update is now enjoyable not just for new items, but for improved play comfort as well.

Chaos steeds — what changed

The devs went all-in on new mobs and items. Best of all, they didn’t stop at small tweaks: they added long-awaited features that truly refresh the experience. These aren’t box-tickers — they broaden tactics, and battles and journeys now feel richer and more deliberate. Here’s what I noticed first:

• Coral Zombie-Nautilus: A new variant spawning in warm oceans. Behaves like the original, but looks fresh.
• Netherite horse armor: Finally! Grants 19 defense and is crafted at the smithing table. Our mounts are now well protected.
• Cadaver Camel: Behavior fixed. It no longer seeks a new mount after dismounting and won’t dump you in water. Quieter sounds and a more accurate hitbox.
• Dune Dweller: Received key tuning. Now takes freezing damage but doesn’t get Weakness. Nice bonus: creepers it kills now drop music discs.
• Spear: Several annoying bugs fixed. It now always drops cooked meat with the «Fire Aspect» enchant, and lunge in Creative works at any hunger level.
• Zombie Horse: Also refined — updated spawn egg icon and leash behavior rules.

System changes

Beyond mobs, the game itself improved. Highlights include shorter load times when leaving a world or reloading with /reload. Light absorption in water was adjusted, and rules for zombie riders clarified. Dolphins will no longer spawn in cold oceans.

Bug fixes

In this beta the team focused hard on stability, squashing 32 bugs! Many irritating issues are gone, and the game feels much nicer to play. Notable fixes:

• On-screen keyboard no longer interferes with chat or inputs, and duplicate paste issues are gone.
• Menu scrolling via D‑Pad improved; UI elements now render correctly even with Windows dark theme.
• Water is transparent again — no more “blue concrete” look.
• Shadow and animal model fixes; resolved damage particle oddities and overly dark blocks after piston interactions.
• Archaeology items work better and no longer “blacken” under certain conditions.
• Crashes when adding Realms members fixed, and tree generation in old worlds improved.
• Optimized handling of spears, saddles, armor, and animal interactions.
• Rider and mount behavior rules are clearer: random seat swaps and “tangled” leash bugs are gone.

My verdict

A very technical and important update. If minor bugs annoyed you or you want to try improved mounts — install this beta with confidence. The devs clearly aim for a major stable release, which is great to see.