Minecraft expands its mounts with new hostile creatures, and zombie horses stand out as one of the most unusual additions in the Mounts of Mayhem update. These undead horses bring a different tone to the overworld and give players a rare mount to discover, tame, and use for fast travel. Here is a closer look at all of the details you need to know about Zombie Horses in Minecraft!

What are zombie horses in Minecraft?

Zombie horses are undead horse variants that spawn in the overworld as part of hostile encounters. They act as mounts for zombies and give these Minecraft mobs extra mobility. After players defeat the rider, the zombie horse becomes tamable and works like a normal horse. It can wear a saddle and horse armor, and players can ride it for travel, combat movement, or exploration. The zombie horse does not have special attacks, but it offers a unique theme and a rare mount option. Zombie horses have 25 health points, which equals 12.5 hearts.

How to find zombie horses in Mounts of Mayhem

Zombie horses spawn in areas where hostile mobs can appear. They usually spawn at night, and most encounters involve a zombie rider. The horse does not attack, yet the mounted zombie makes the first contact dangerous. Players should defeat the rider fast, because the zombie horse becomes tamable only after the rider is gone. Plains and open fields are the best places to find them because visibility is high and mobs are easier to spot.

A simple search process looks like this:

• Explore at night in open biomes
• Look for mounted zombies
• Approach with weapons ready
• Defeat the rider and prepare to tame the horse

Spawn rules and biomes

Zombie horses follow basic hostile mob rules. They require low light levels and do not spawn during the day. They appear less often than normal horses, based on current testing, so encounters feel rare and memorable. Players can expect to find them in:

• Plains biomes
• Savanna biomes
• Dark or shaded overworld areas

They often spawn in singles, not groups, and they are most common during active nighttime cycles. This design makes the zombie horse feel more like a special discovery than a standard overworld mob. Zombie riders may also drop a Red Mushroom upon death.

How to tame and ride a Zombie Horse

To tame a Zombie Horse, you must remove the rider and then use the standard horse taming method. These steps explain the process clearly and help you secure your new mount without losing it to sunlight or nearby mobs.

1. Defeat the Zombie Rider: Zombie Horses almost always spawn with a hostile rider. Clear the area first, then defeat the zombie. The horse does not attack you, so focus on the rider and avoid unnecessary damage to the mount. You can use an enchanted sword to take zombies down.
2. Mount Until You See Hearts: After the rider falls, approach the horse and mount it. The horse will throw you off several times. Mount again repeatedly until hearts appear. This confirms that the taming is successful.
3. Equip a Saddle for Full Control: You cannot steer the horse until you place a saddle on it. Open the horse inventory and equip a saddle to begin riding freely.
4. Equip Horse Armor to Prevent Sunlight Damage: Zombie Horses burn in direct sunlight. Horse armor stops sunlight damage, so it is essential for daytime travel. Always keep armor on the horse if you plan to ride during the day.
5. Heal and Manage the Horse with Red Mushrooms: Zombie Horses respond to Red Mushrooms. You can use them to heal the horse and keep it safe after combat or long travel.
6. Optional Step - Stable the Horse: Untamed Zombie Horses can despawn. Taming prevents this, but you should still place the horse in a stable or shaded area to keep it protected when not in use.

Zombie Horse stats, abilities, and behavior

Zombie horses share the same core stats as normal horses. Their health (12.5 hearts), speed, and jump height vary by spawn, so some zombie horses perform better than others. They cannot attack and they do not act aggressively after taming. They work best as fast travel mounts and support quick movement in dangerous areas.

Their key traits include:

• Travel speed similar to normal horses
• Jump strength based on individual spawn
• Full mobility on most terrain
• No special attacks
• Full loyalty after taming

Sunlight, armor, and survival

Sunlight is the main weakness of a zombie horse. It takes damage during the day and risks burning if left unprotected. Horse armor prevents sunlight damage and keeps the mount safe at all times. This makes armor a key item for long-term use. Players can also keep zombie horses inside stables, underground shelters, or shaded areas when resting between trips.

If you plan to move your mount into a covered stable or enclosure, check out our lead recipe guide that will help you craft leads and secure your horse.

For safe daytime travel:

• Equip armor
• Avoid leaving the horse idle in direct sun
• Stable the horse when not in use

Drops, despawn rules, and limitations

Zombie horses drop 2–3 Rotten Flesh when killed, and the Looting enchantment can increase drops by up to one extra piece. Wild zombie horses can despawn if players leave them untamed. They cannot breed, and they do not create herds through natural behavior. These limitations help keep zombie horses rare, and they prevent large-scale undead stables.

Are zombie horses worth using?

Zombie horses are worth the effort if you enjoy rare mounts and nighttime exploration. They create excitement, and they offer a different style compared to normal horses. Their sunlight weakness is the only major drawback. Armor removes most of that problem and makes them practical for everyday travel. Players who want pure efficiency may choose a strong normal horse, but zombie horses offer character, rarity, and atmosphere that regular mounts cannot match.