Fortresses in Minecraft, known as strongholds, are enigmatic structures teeming with secrets and perils. They are a crucial element of the game, offering players thrilling adventures in return for valuable resources and upgrades. If you're eager to delve into the shadowy corridors of Minecraft strongholds and face the lurking monsters, this guide is tailored for you!
What is a Stronghold in Minecraft?
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A stronghold is an underground catacomb, a relic of ancient times. As you navigate its winding corridors, you'll discover prison cells, libraries, and other intriguing areas. The most significant feature of a stronghold is the portal to The End, the final boss arena where you'll confront the Ender Dragon.
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To activate this portal, you'll need the Eye of Ender, which we'll discuss in detail shortly. Remember, finding a stronghold without assistance is nearly impossible, even with extensive digging. The game provides a specific mechanic for locating these structures, though there are alternative methods some might consider less fair.
How to Find a Stronghold in Minecraft
Eye of Ender
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The Eye of Ender is the official and intended method for locating strongholds. Crafting it requires:
- Blaze Powder, obtained from Blaze Rods dropped by Blazes.
- Ender Pearls, primarily dropped by Endermen, though they can also be purchased from priest villagers or found in stronghold chests.
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Once crafted, hold the Eye of Ender and use it to see it fly towards the nearest stronghold for about 3 seconds. Be cautious, as it's consumable and may either return to you or vanish. You'll need around 30 Eyes of Ender in survival mode to activate the portal to The End.
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The Locate Command
For a quicker, albeit less fair method, enable cheat commands in your game settings and use:
/locate structure stronghold
This command, available in game versions 1.20 and above, will provide coordinates to the nearest stronghold. Use the teleport command:
/tp
to reach the location. Note that the coordinates are approximate, so some additional searching might be necessary.
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Stronghold Rooms
Library
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The library, constructed from stone blocks, bricks, and bookshelves, is a spacious room with high ceilings and cobwebs, adding to its mysterious ambiance. Hidden deep within the stronghold, you might find multiple libraries, each containing chests with enchanted books and other useful resources.
Prison
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The prison resembles a maze with narrow corridors and dim lighting, creating a grim atmosphere. It's populated by skeletons, zombies, and creepers, making it a dangerous place to explore. The real threat here comes from the mobs, not the prisoners.
Fountain
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The fountain room is unmistakable, with its central water feature lending a magical aura. The light filtering through the stone cracks adds to the mystical atmosphere, hinting at past rituals or a place of solitude for the stronghold's inhabitants.
Secret Rooms
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Secret rooms are often hidden behind the stronghold's walls. These chambers contain chests with valuable resources, enchanted books, and rare equipment. Be wary of traps, such as hidden arrow mechanisms, and keep an eye on your health as you explore.
Altar
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The altar room, with its stone brick walls and central stone structure, initially appears more like a prison than a sacred space. Torches around the altar and the eerie atmosphere reveal its true nature as an ancient altar.
Stronghold Mobs
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The stronghold is guarded by relatively weak enemies like skeletons, creepers, and Silverfish, manageable even with basic iron armor. However, the stronghold also hosts formidable opponents, making it a challenging environment.
Rewards
Rewards in strongholds are random, offering a mix of luck and surprise. You might find:
- Enchanted books
- Iron chestplates
- Iron swords
- Iron, gold, or diamond horse armor
Portal to the Ender Dragon
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The stronghold is the gateway to the final chapter of Minecraft, housing the portal to The End where you'll face the Ender Dragon. After collecting all your gear and exploring the world, the stronghold marks the next step in your journey.
Minecraft strongholds are not just a means to an end but a place for exploration and combat. It would be a missed opportunity to not fully explore these structures and encounter all their inhabitants.