The Parched is the latest addition to Minecraft's roster of hostile mobs, debuting in Java Edition Snapshot 25w44a on October 28, 2025, as part of the "Mounts of Mayhem" game drop. This desert-exclusive skeleton variant brings fresh danger to sandy biomes, pairing perfectly with the undead Camel Husk mount. Unlike regular skeletons, the Parched doesn't fear the sun and packs a debilitating punch with its arrows. Whether you're exploring dunes or building farms, here's your complete guide to this thirsty terror.
Appearance
The Parched resembles a classic skeleton but sports a rugged, desert-adapted look. It wears tattered beige rags that blend with sand, has slightly darker bones, light beige glowing eyes, and a dark gray mouth. This mummified aesthetic evokes a sun-baked wanderer, setting it apart from the pale, generic skeleton.
Spawning
Parched mobs spawn exclusively in desert biomes, following standard hostile mob rules with some tweaks:
- Light Level: 0 (block light).
- Surface Only: Requires skylight level 15 at spawn position (no caves).
- Space: Solid full block with 2 air blocks above.
- Rates: In deserts, husks take 80% of zombie slots, leaving 20% for zombies. Skeletons and Parched split the skeleton pool 50/50.
They also spawn as rear riders on Camel Husks, creating deadly "camel jockeys" that roam at night or during thunderstorms.
Behavior and Combat
Parched act like skeletons: they detect players from afar, prioritize ranged attacks, and pick up nearby items (bows, arrows). Key differences:
- Sunlight Immunity: No burning during the day, making deserts deadlier 24/7.
- Health: 8 hearts (16 HP) – frailer than skeletons' 10 hearts (20 HP).
- Fire Rate: Slower than regular skeletons, balanced by its special ammo.
- Attacks: Fires Arrows of Weakness, reducing melee damage by 4 (2 hearts). Arrow damage matches skeletons (3-4 hearts on Normal), but the debuff lingers.
As undead, they're healed by Harming potions, hurt by Healing, and immune to Poison/Regeneration. Target weak spots or use shields to close the gap.
| Feature | Regular Skeleton | Parched |
|---|---|---|
| Health | 20 HP (10 hearts) | 16 HP (8 hearts) |
| Sunlight | Burns | Immune |
| Arrows | Normal | Weakness |
| Spawn Biome | Anywhere | Deserts only |
Drops and Loot
Defeating a Parched yields:
- Always: 0-2 Bones.
- Common: 0-2 Arrows.
- Special: 50% chance for 1 Arrow of Weakness.
- Equipment: Bow (if held) at 100% drop rate with current durability; rarely enchanted.
These drops make Parched farms ideal for early-game weakness arrows, simplifying zombie villager curing (no Nether potions needed!).
Farming Tips
Parched farms leverage desert surface spawns:
- Build dark platforms (light 0) in deserts.
- Use 2-block height with glass for skylight.
- Filter mobs: Trapdoors/cats for creepers/zombies/husks; grids for spiders; endermen hate 2-high spaces.
- Funnel to kill chamber (lava/fall damage).
- Night-only viable – no roof needed.
Yields pure skeletons + Parched for bones/arrows/weakness.
Unique Interactions
- Parrots: Mimic Parched rattles, hurts, and death sounds.
- Villager Curing: Dropped weakness arrows enable instant zombie villager conversions with golden apples.
- Camel Husks: Dismount riders to tame the husk for riding.
Comments