The upcoming Mounts of Mayhem update is set to surprise players with the introduction of the Zombie Nautilus mob. While on its own it may appear harmless, its association with Drowned enemies makes it a formidable foe. The Zombie Nautilus shares characteristics with its normal counterpart, including the ability to be tamed and ridden. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you tame and ride this unique mob in Minecraft.
Locating the Zombie Nautilus in Minecraft
Unlike many neutral mobs, the Zombie Nautilus does not spawn independently. Instead, it appears as a result of Drowned spawning in various ocean biomes. Specifically, when a Drowned holding a trident emerges, there’s a 50% chance that it will be accompanied by a Zombie Nautilus.
It’s important to note that while the Drowned controls the Zombie Nautilus, this creates a hostile environment for players, making the Zombie Nautilus jockey aggressive and quick to attack. Approach with caution, as the Drowned’s trident can inflict significant damage.
However, there is a silver lining—eliminating the Drowned will cause the Zombie Nautilus to revert to a neutral state. Once the Drowned is defeated, it will no longer pose a threat unless provoked. This interesting dynamic makes the Zombie Nautilus a potential contender for the next charming yet dangerous character in the anticipated Minecraft 2 movie.
Steps to Tame a Zombie Nautilus in Minecraft
To tame a Zombie Nautilus, your first objective is to take down the Drowned. You will also need to gather pufferfish either by fishing or using a water bucket. Follow these steps to successfully tame the Zombie Nautilus:
- Equip a pufferfish and approach the Zombie Nautilus.
- Right-click on the mob. You should see black sparks indicating that it needs to be fed more pufferfish.
- After feeding it a few more pufferfish, red hearts will appear, signifying that the Zombie Nautilus is now tamed.

Defeating the Drowned Riding the Zombie Nautilus
Taming a Zombie Nautilus is straightforward if you can defeat its Drowned rider. Drowned mobs equipped with tridents can deal substantial damage, typically ranging from 8-9 hearts. Consider these strategies to efficiently dispatch them:
- Utilize a bow or crossbow equipped with enchantments for a safe distance attack.
- If you’re not already riding a regular Nautilus, taking a Water Breathing potion can enhance your combat effectiveness in the water.
- Conversely, if you are riding a Nautilus during the fight, wielding the new Spear will allow you to combine the dash ability of the Nautilus with the spear’s charge attack for a swift victory over the Drowned.
Riding Your Tamed Zombie Nautilus in Minecraft
Once you have successfully tamed the Zombie Nautilus, prepare for aquatic adventures! Equip yourself with a saddle and an armor set for added defense. Here’s how to get started:
- Hold the saddle and right-click on the Zombie Nautilus to equip it.
- Click on the mob again to mount it.
- You can now control its movements using your directional keys.

To enhance your riding experience, hold the spacebar to charge the dash meter, releasing it for a burst of speed in your desired direction.
You can also equip the Zombie Nautilus with armor of varying tiers, from copper to Netherite, providing significant protection. Keep in mind that while Zombie Nautiluses can suffer damage from sunlight when above water, equipping armor will prevent them from burning.
This guide has equipped you with the knowledge to tame and ride a Zombie Nautilus in Minecraft. Were you able to outsmart the Drowned and master these swift underwater creatures? Share your adventures in the comments below!
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