Minecraft Strongholds: Location & Hidden Treasures

Minecraft strongholds: mysterious underground structures brimming with secrets, dangers, and valuable rewards. These ancient catacombs offer thrilling adventures for players brave enough to explore their dark corridors. If you're ready to delve into the depths and face the lurking monsters, this guide is for you!

Table of Contents

• What is a Stronghold in Minecraft?
• How to Find a Stronghold in Minecraft
• Eye of Ender
• The Locate Command
• Stronghold Rooms
• Library
• Prison
• Fountain
• Secret Rooms
• Altar
• Stronghold Mobs
• Rewards
• Portal to the Ender Dragon

What is a Stronghold in Minecraft?

A stronghold is an ancient, sprawling underground complex. Beyond its valuable loot, you'll find intriguing areas like prisons, libraries, and more, culminating in the portal to The End – home to the final boss, the Ender Dragon.

You'll need Eyes of Ender to activate the End portal. Finding a stronghold without assistance is impossible; the game provides specific mechanics for locating it, though unofficial methods exist.

How to Find a Stronghold in Minecraft

Eye of Ender

This is the intended method. Craft it using Blaze Powder (from Blaze rods dropped by Blazes) and Ender Pearls (obtained from killing Endermen, villager trades, or stronghold chests).

Throw the Eye of Ender; it will float briefly in the direction of the nearest stronghold. Remember, they're consumable, so use them wisely! For survival mode, aim for at least 30.

You'll need these to activate the End portal, so gather plenty before embarking on your search.

The Locate Command

A less conventional (and arguably unfair) method involves enabling cheats and using this command:

/locate structure stronghold (for versions 1.20 and above)

This gives approximate coordinates. Use /tp to teleport near the stronghold. Note that the location might require further searching.

Stronghold Rooms

Library

Stone and brick-built libraries, often hidden deep within the stronghold, feature bookshelves and chests containing enchanted books and other valuable resources.

Prison

A maze-like area with narrow corridors, bars, and dim lighting, populated by hostile mobs like skeletons, zombies, and creepers.

Fountain

A central, visually striking room featuring a fountain, adding a mystical element to the stronghold.

Secret Rooms

Hidden chambers behind walls often contain chests with valuable loot, but beware of potential traps!

Altar

A mysterious, somewhat foreboding room that appears more like a prison than a sacred space.

Stronghold Mobs

Expect encounters with skeletons, creepers, and silverfish. While manageable with basic iron armor, these mobs still pose a threat.

Rewards

Loot is randomized, but potential rewards include enchanted books, iron armor, iron/gold/diamond horse armor.

Portal to the Ender Dragon

The stronghold houses the portal to The End and the final boss fight against the Ender Dragon. Explore fully and enjoy the adventure!