Key Highlights:
- The Netherite Horse Armor is a relatively new addition to Minecraft.
- This is only available in the test builds of the game at present.
- More on how to unlock the Armor, and of how to access these test builds in the sections below.
Introduced with the Mounts of Mayhem update were a bunch of rideable mounts, of which the Netherite Horse Armor happens to be the newest addition to Minecraft. However, these mounts are locked behind test builds, which means that you can’t ordinarily unlock them in the stable builds just yet.
That being said, here’s how to access the beta and test out the Netherite Horse Armor in Minecraft.
How to Get the Netherite Horse Armor in Minecraft
To get the Netherite Horse Armor in Minecraft, you’ll require the following items:
- Diamond Horse Armor
- Netherite Ignot
- Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template
Bring all three items to a Smithing Table and craft the Netherite Horse Armor. Once crafted, it can be equipped on your mounts to give them a rather cool look. It’s also very effective in negating damage, and against environmental hazards such as lava.
Our final testing moment is here for Mounts of Mayhem!
— Minecraft (@Minecraft) November 4, 2025
Gear up your horse with Netherite armor! Available now in Java Snapshot and Bedrock beta/preview!
Read more about it here! https://t.co/8baSoTIEr4 pic.twitter.com/DI00RUjwS1
That being said, this upgrade is currently only available in the test builds of the game. You can find a breakdown on how to access test builds in the section below.
How to Test the Beta Versions of Minecraft
There are two ways to test out the Horse Armor, and both involve playing the beta versions of the game:
Install a Snapshot (Minecraft Java Edition)
- Fire up the Minecraft Launcher.
- Head to the Installations tab.
- Click on Enable Snapshots here.
Doing so should enable the latest snapshot, giving you access to the latest beta in the Java edition of the game.
Enable Preview/Beta Builds (Minecraft Bedrock Edition)
There’s a few ways to go about this, depending on your platform of choice:
Android
- Fire up the Play Store on your device of choice.
- Head on over to the Minecraft game page.
- Scroll down till you see a ‘Join the Beta’ option.
- Enroll in the beta, and wait for it to download.
Do note that this replaces your current Minecraft install.
iOS
- Install the TestFlight app from the App Store.
- Head to this particular link and join the Minecraft beta from here. Slots are limited, and you might have to wait until the next beta testing to get a chance, if you haven’t already.
- Hit the install button and begin the download.
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Do note that iOS devices automatically revoke users’ access if they are inactive for long periods of time. As such, it is recommended to log in and play a few times every month.
PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
- Fire up your console, and head to the Minecraft page.
- Click on the Get PlayStation 4 (or 5) Preview button to enroll in the beta.
- Once applied, hit the Download button to start downloading the game.
Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
- Head on over to the Xbox Game Store.
- Search for Minecraft Preview.
- Hit the Install button from its homepage, and wait for the download to finish.
Windows 10/11 PCs
- Make sure you have the Minecraft launcher installed and running.
- Click on the drop down menu and select Latest Preview from the list of available game editions.
- Once downloaded, hit Play to begin the game.
