Minecraft continues to evolve with exciting additions, and the Mounts of Mayhem update brings something special for underwater explorers—the Breath of the Nautilus effect. This revolutionary status effect transforms how players explore ocean biomes, eliminating the constant need for air while riding the new nautilus mob.
What is the Breath of the Minecraft Nautilus Effect?
The Breath of the Nautilus is a status effect that allows players to breathe underwater automatically when riding a nautilus or zombie nautilus mob. Unlike traditional water breathing potions that require crafting and have limited duration, this effect activates passively and refreshes continuously.

| Feature | Breath of the Nautilus | Water Breathing Potion |
|---|---|---|
| Activation | Automatic (when riding nautilus) | Manual crafting required |
| Duration | Continuous while mounted | 3-8 minutes (limited) |
| Refresh Rate | Every 2 seconds | One-time use |
| Resources Needed | Nautilus mount only | Pufferfish, Nether Wart, Glass Bottle |
How to Use the Breath of the Nautilus
Getting started with this powerful effect is straightforward:
Step 1: Tame a Nautilus
Find and tame a nautilus mob using pufferfish. These creatures spawn in ocean biomes and can be approached with the right bait.
Step 2: Equip a Saddle
Place a saddle on your tamed nautilus to make it rideable, similar to horses or pigs in the overworld.
Step 3: Mount and Explore
Once mounted, the Breath of the Nautilus effect activates automatically, replenishing your oxygen bar every two seconds. No potions, no brewing stands—just pure underwater freedom.
Strategic Advantages for Players
The introduction of this effect opens exciting gameplay possibilities:
Extended Ocean Exploration: Discover ocean monuments, shipwrecks, and underwater ruins without constantly surfacing for air. This makes treasure hunting and resource gathering significantly more efficient.
PvP Combat Dynamics: Players can use spears to dismount opponents from their nautilus mounts, forcing them to resurface before their oxygen depletes. This creates intense underwater battles with strategic depth.

Resource Efficiency: Save valuable brewing ingredients like pufferfish and Nether wart by relying on your nautilus mount instead of crafting multiple potions.
For players looking to master underwater combat mechanics, check out our comprehensive Minecraft survival strategies guide for advanced tips.
Could This Signal a Major Ocean Update?
The nautilus mob and Breath of the Nautilus effect might represent the first step toward a substantial ocean update. Currently, underwater biomes feel relatively sparse, featuring mainly ocean monuments and basic marine life.
With dedicated underwater mounts now in the game, the community speculates that Mojang Studios may introduce:
- New underwater biomes with unique terrain generation
- Additional ocean structures and mini-bosses
- Expanded marine mob variety
- Enhanced underwater loot and rewards
According to Minecraft’s official update roadmap, the development team continues exploring ways to enrich existing biomes.
Tips for Nautilus Riders
Pufferfish Preparation: Stock up on pufferfish for taming multiple nautilus mobs. Having backup mounts ensures you’re never stranded underwater.
Saddle Crafting: Since saddles can’t be crafted traditionally, explore dungeons, temples, and villages to find them in loot chests.
Coordinate with Teams: In multiplayer survival servers, coordinate nautilus expeditions with teammates for safer ocean exploration.
Discover more about optimizing your Minecraft gameplay with our latest gaming guides and update coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need potions when using the Breath of the Nautilus effect?
No, the Breath of the Nautilus effect automatically replenishes your oxygen every two seconds while riding a nautilus or zombie nautilus, completely eliminating the need for Water Breathing potions during mounted exploration.
Q: What happens to the Breath of the Nautilus effect if I dismount underwater?
Once you dismount from your nautilus, the Breath of the Nautilus effect stops refreshing. Your oxygen bar will begin depleting normally, requiring you to either remount, surface for air, or use a Water Breathing potion to continue exploring.


