How to Breed Striders in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Feed warped fungus to each of two striders. A baby strider spawns right away, the parents need about 5 minutes before breeding again (1 minute in Bedrock), and you get 1-7 XP.

What you need

Warped fungus (2 per breeding)
2 striders
A safe spot next to a lava lake

Step by step

Gather warped fungus in the Nether: it grows on warped nylium in warped forests and can be bone-mealed for more.
Find striders wandering the Nether's lava lakes and seas. They are passive and walk on lava.
Hold the warped fungus so striders follow you, or use a lead, and bring two together on solid ground.
Feed warped fungus to each strider: hearts appear and a baby strider spawns, plus 1-7 XP.
The parents can breed again after about 5 minutes (1 minute in Bedrock). Babies grow up in 20 minutes; each warped fungus you feed a baby cuts the remaining time by 10%.

Java vs Bedrock

Breeding works the same in Java and Bedrock except the parents' cooldown: about 5 minutes in Java, 1 minute in Bedrock. Follow range is 10 blocks in Java and 16 in Bedrock.

Versions: Striders were added in the Nether Update (1.16, June 2020) as the first rideable Nether mob. They are also the only mob besides players that walks safely on lava.

Frequently asked questions

Can I breed a strider with a warped fungus on a stick?

No. The warped fungus on a stick only lures striders and steers a saddled strider while you ride it. To breed, feed loose warped fungus.

What are striders good for?

Saddled striders are the best way to cross the Nether's lava oceans - great for reaching distant biomes and fortresses. Adults also drop string when killed, an alternative to spiders.

Do striders survive out of lava?

They live, but they get cold: out of lava a strider turns purple-ish, shivers and moves much slower. Rain and water also hurt them, so keep your pen dry and close to lava.