Minecraft's vast oceans have always been a place of mystery and danger, where the ticking clock of your oxygen bar can turn a promising dive into a desperate scramble for the surface. But with the introduction of the Breath of the Nautilus effect, exploring the deep blue just got a whole lot easier—and a lot more immersive. This new status effect, tied to one of the game's latest additions, promises to revolutionize underwater adventures. In this article, we'll dive deep (pun intended) into what the Breath of the Nautilus is, how to get it, and why it's a game-changer for ocean explorers.

Minecraft Mounts Of Mayhem Drops A New Nautilius M

A Breath of Fresh Air Under the Waves

The Breath of the Nautilus is a positive status effect in Minecraft that prevents players from drowning by freezing their oxygen bar in place. Unlike traditional methods like the Potion of Water Breathing, which temporarily restores and extends your air supply, this effect simply pauses oxygen consumption altogether while it's active. This means you can stay submerged indefinitely without worrying about your air running out—perfect for scouring shipwrecks, hunting for treasures, or battling underwater guardians.

It's specifically designed for mounted players, making it a key feature of Minecraft's evolving underwater ecosystem. The effect was first revealed during Minecraft LIVE in September 2025 and added in Java Edition snapshot 25w41a as part of the upcoming Mounts of Mayhem update.

How to Obtain the Breath of the Nautilus Effect

Getting this effect is straightforward, but it requires befriending one of Minecraft's newest mobs: the nautilus. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Locate a Nautilus: These shelled cephalopods spawn naturally in ocean biomes, much like their real-life counterparts. You'll also encounter the hostile zombie nautilus variant in deeper waters, which can be tamed similarly.
  2. Tame It: Feed the nautilus pufferfish to gain its trust. Once tamed, it becomes a loyal underwater mount that can be bred with more pufferfish.
  3. Saddle Up: Equip a saddle on your nautilus to ride it. As soon as you mount, the Breath of the Nautilus effect kicks in at potency level I.

The effect lasts for just 2 seconds initially but automatically replenishes every 2 seconds as long as you're riding. Dismount, and it fades immediately—though if your oxygen was already depleted before mounting, it won't restore it; it only prevents further loss.

Mechanics and Gameplay Impact

Under the hood, the Breath of the Nautilus works by halting the depletion of your oxygen meter, effectively granting infinite underwater breathing time while active. This doesn't affect other status effects or gameplay mechanics like swimming speed or damage from other sources (e.g., drowning from blocks or guardian lasers still applies if you're not careful).

It's also noteworthy for achievement hunters: The effect counts toward the "How Did We Get Here?" advancement, which challenges players to collect every status effect simultaneously. Pair it with beacons, potions, and other sources for that elusive trophy.

One quirk? Nautiluses themselves take suffocation damage if brought onto land, so keep your mount in the water to avoid accidental tragedies.

Meet the Nautilus: Your New Underwater Steed

At the heart of this effect is the nautilus mob itself—a rideable, tamable creature inspired by the ancient marine animal. Nautiluses glide gracefully through the oceans, offering controlled movement that's faster and more maneuverable than free-swimming. The zombie nautilus adds a spooky twist, with the same taming and riding capabilities but a undead aesthetic that fits Minecraft's horror vibes.

Breeding nautiluses is simple: Toss pufferfish to two tamed ones in close proximity, and you'll get a baby nautilus. This opens up possibilities for nautilus farms or fleets for group explorations.

Uses and Tips for Ocean Dominance

The Breath of the Nautilus shines in extended underwater sessions. Forget chugging potions every few minutes—now you can methodically map out ocean monuments or hunt for drowned zombies without interruption. It's especially handy in multiplayer servers, where team dives become seamless.

Pro Tips:

  • Exploration Boost: Use it to access hard-to-reach areas like buried treasure or ancient cities hidden in deep oceans.
  • PvP Caution: In combat, enemies might use spears (a new weapon teased alongside nautiluses) to knock you off your mount, stranding you without air. Always have a backup plan, like nearby air pockets.
  • Combo Plays: Stack it with Conduit Power for even more underwater perks, turning you into an aquatic powerhouse.
  • Bedrock Compatibility: While currently in Java snapshots, it's slated for Bedrock Edition in the full Mounts of Mayhem release, so console and mobile players won't be left out for long.

As Mojang continues to flesh out ocean content, expect more synergies—like nautilus-specific structures or biomes—that make this effect even more essential.

A Glimpse into the Future of Minecraft's Seas

The Breath of the Nautilus isn't just a convenience; it's a step toward making Minecraft's oceans feel alive and explorable, rather than treacherous voids. With the Mounts of Mayhem update on the horizon, this effect signals bigger things for underwater gameplay. Whether you're a veteran diver or a newbie splashing your toes, taming a nautilus could be your ticket to untold depths.

Keep an eye on official snapshots for tweaks, and happy crafting—er, swimming!