How to Ride and Control a Strider
Finding a Strider
Striders spawn naturally in lava pools throughout the Nether, particularly in Basalt Deltas and Lava Seas. They're large, tan-colored creatures that walk across lava surfaces. Approach one carefully—they're not immediately hostile.
Saddling and Mounting
Equip a saddle in your hand and right-click the Strider to place it. Once saddled, right-click again to mount. You can now ride across lava without taking damage.
Steering Your Mount
Use standard movement controls (WASD) to move around. To make the Strider move faster, hold a Warped Fungus on a Stick in your hand and right-click repeatedly, similar to how you'd use a carrot on a stick with horses. The Strider will follow the fungus and accelerate.
Practical Uses
Striders are invaluable for crossing lava lakes and exploring dangerous terrain safely. They let you traverse areas that would otherwise require extensive bridge-building or risk of falling into lava. You can also use them to transport items or escape from hostile mobs.