Terraria Mounts I Still Swear By In 2026 (Journey’s End Classics)

Look, I know it’s 2026. Terraria 1.4 Journey’s End dropped way back in 2020, and here I am still obsessing over mounts that are older than my gaming PC’s dust collection. But let’s be real — no matter what shiny new content Redigit might be cooking in a potential 1.5 (fingers crossed!), the mounts from 1.4 are timeless. They’re the vehicular soul of Terraria: part utility, part chaos, and 100% fun. I’ve clocked more hours flying a giant bee than I’ve slept some weeks. So, from a veteran player to you, here are my all-time favorite rides — pre-Hardmode and Hardmode — that I still rush to get in every single world I generate.

🍯 Pre-Hardmode: The Early Game Joyrides

Before the world gets corrupted, hallowed, or just plain mean, there’s a window of innocent exploration. And nothing says “innocent” like riding a bee while raining arrows on zombies.

Bee, Honeyed Goggles

The Bee mount and I go way back to Terraria 1.2 (2013, for those keeping score). Even today, it’s my go-to “I just started a new character” mobility crutch. Getting the Honeyed Goggles requires killing Queen Bee — which is a rite of passage anyway — and hoping for that 5% drop. I’ve shamelessly farmed her dozens of times, not just for the loot, but for that sweet, sweet airborne buzz.

On land, the Bee is pathetically slow. Like, “grandma with a walker” slow. But once you’re in the air? Oh baby. The flight time is longer than any other pre-Hardmode mount, and if you pair it with a Cloud in a Bottle or a Featherfall Potion, you basically have wings before even touching a Harpy feather. I still use it to cheese early boss fights: float, dodge, repeat. It’s glorious.

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Lava Shark, Superheated Blood

Then there’s the absolute MVP for miners: the Lava Shark. Added with Journey’s End, this mount changed the Hellstone game forever. I remember the old days of scarab potions and panicked bridge-building over lava pits. Now? Just fish up some Hellstone Crates or Obsidian Crates with a Lavaproof Fishing Hook (don’t forget the Lavaproof Fishing bag, by the way — it’s still a must), and pray for that Superheated Blood. Once that shark appears, you can swim in lava like it’s a warm bath. No damage. Honey? Water? It doesn’t care. The only thing that still hurts is the Hellstone blocks themselves, but honestly, if you’re touching those, skill issue.

You’ll feel invincible. And then a Fire Imp will still one-shot you because you forgot armour.

Other Pre-Hardmode Mounts Worth a Giggle

🔥 Hardmode: Flying, Drilling, and World Domination

Once you’ve murdered a mechanical boss or two, the mount game escalates quickly. Hardmode mounts aren’t just transportation — they’re statements.

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Unicorn, Blessed Apple

The Unicorn is speed incarnate. Farm Hallowed Unicorns (they’re pretty common once the Hallow spawns) and eventually you’ll get the Blessed Apple. This mount doesn’t just run fast — at top speed, you plow through enemies with invulnerability frames. It’s my favourite pre-Plantera ride because you can zoom across the world, delete annoying critters, and feel like a mythical beast. Sharp turns? Not its strength. But straight lines? Chef’s kiss.

Winged Slime, Gelatinous Pillion

Queen Slime drops the Gelatinous Pillion with a 25% chance, and it’s a game-changer for Summoners. The Winged Slime glides, falls slowly, and basically works as free wings. But here’s the cool part: it does summon damage when you bounce on enemies. My summoner builds always rush this boss just for the mount. Dodging is smoother, and it opens up an accessory slot where you’d normally use wings. Plus, you’re riding a regal blob of slime — that’s a power move.

UFO, Cosmic Car Key

The Cosmic Car Key drops from the Martian Saucer event, and it summons the famous UFO. Look, it’s slow. I’ll admit it. But infinite flight? Unbeatable for building. I’ve constructed entire sky fortresses while hovering in place, sipping tea. Not recommended for boss fights unless you enjoy getting slapped around, but for precise tile placement, nothing comes close. It’s the architect’s dream.

Witch’s Broom (Expert Mode Only)

If you’re playing Expert mode, Mourning Wood during the Pumpkin Moon event can drop the Witch’s Broom. This mount flies infinitely, just like the UFO, but it’s better. Smaller hitbox, faster, and it travels through liquids without dismounting you. I’ve slipped through tiny corruption tunnels like a ghost. It’s my go-to for exploring after I’ve died 14 times trying to get it. Worth every death.

Drill, Drill Containment Unit

And finally, the big one. The Drill Containment Unit is basically creative mode in a can. It requires 160 Luminite (that’s at least two Moon Lord kills), 600 Chlorophyte Ore, 600 Glowing Mushrooms, plus some ectoplasm and other nonsense. But when you craft it, you become a flying mining god. Infinitely hovering and instantly destroying blocks. I once deleted an entire biome just because I could. It’s the ultimate flex mount. If you see someone riding it, they’ve beaten the game three times over and have no chill.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Even after all these years, Terraria mounts remain some of the most creative and satisfying collectibles in any sandbox game. Whether you’re bouncing on a slime or drilling through the planet at light speed, there’s a ride for every mood. So grab your fishing rod, slay those bosses, and fill that Bestiary — the stables of 1.4 are still waiting for you. And if 1.5 ever introduces a rideable Cthulhu? I’ll be first in line. 🐙✨