Minecraft is a game with endless possibilities. However, gathering resources for many things can be quite challenging. That’s why many players focus on ways to obtain these resources more easily. Today, we will look at one of the simplest monster traps in the game. This way, you no longer have to hunt for skeletons or zombies yourself but can easily collect and then kill them. This not only grants you valuable items but also experience points. The design is incredibly simple and has remained consistent over time, ensuring it will work in future versions. We’ll show you how it’s done!
Why Do I Need a Monster Trap?
Monster traps are one of the oldest automatic machines in Minecraft, operating without any redstone. They collect mob spawns and guide them to fall into an abyss using their natural pathfinding. You then stand ready at the bottom to easily defeat them and collect the items. But which monsters drop which items?
- Creepers
- Gunpowder
- Skeletons
- Arrow
- Bow
- Zombies
- Rotten flesh
- Carrot
- Potato
- Iron ingot
- Witches
- Stick
- Spider eye
- Glowstone dust
- Gunpowder
- Redstone (always)
- Sugar
- Glass bottle
Additionally, you will also gain valuable experience points, which fill up your XP bar. However, you only receive these points if you kill the monsters yourself. That’s why we are building the monster trap!
Which Monsters Are Not Suitable for Such a Trap
You may have noticed that some monsters are missing from this list. And there’s a reason for that. We will explain why spiders and endermen are not included.
- Spiders: Spiders spawn in a 3x3 block area (2x2 in Bedrock). They like to climb, which causes the trap to malfunction.
- Endermen: Endermen spawn only at a height of at least three blocks. Unfortunately, they have the habit of picking up blocks, which is not good for a self-built monster trap.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Simple and Effective Monster Trap
Now, let’s take a closer look at how you can build one of these automatic monster traps. The design has hardly changed since the early days of Minecraft, so it should work in every version. This makes it very convenient and practical! You can also expand the trap, which we will discuss at the end.
List of Materials
You should have the following in your inventory:
- Several stacks of building material (we used cobblestone)
- Several stacks of slabs
- Around 100 ladders
- 64 trapdoors
- 4 hoppers
- 2 chests
- Water buckets
- 36 carpets
Building Instructions
Finding the Right Location
While you can build a monster trap anywhere, it will be less effective if you do. You need to be far enough from areas where monsters can spawn. The ocean is ideal, and then build another 100 blocks above sea level (Y=163). This way, you are far enough from land and underground caves. The ladders are useful here; simply build a tall tower over the sea with a small 4x8 platform at the top.
Drop Tower and Collection Basin
Next, you need to build a tower for the monsters to fall down, taking enough fall damage so you can easily kill them. Build a 2x2 tower upward – 22 blocks high.
At the bottom, construct a collection basin. Place the chest in front and then four hoppers leading into the chest. Place some slabs over the hoppers, allowing items to be collected. Close off the area, leaving only a small gap for attacking.
Building the Spawn Platform
Now it’s time to construct the spawn platforms. At the top, you need to place water channels to carry the monsters down. These channels form a plus shape and are 8 blocks long, the distance water flows. Surround these 2x8 channels with a 2-block high wall.
Next, fill in the form to create a level at the four corners. Build another 2-block high wall around the edges. Remember, this prevents endermen from spawning. On the platforms themselves, place carpet every 3 blocks to prevent spiders from spawning. Finally, install the trapdoors along the water channels. These make the monsters think they can walk over the water, causing them to fall in and be carried down.
Securing the Roof
Finally, build a roof. First, use full blocks and then add a layer of slabs. This prevents monsters from spawning on top of the trap. Alternatively, you can secure the roof with torches if you prefer.
Enjoy Your Mob Items!
Now the monster trap is ready! Stand in front of the chest at the bottom and wait a few minutes for the monsters to gather on the platform above. Soon, creepers, zombies, skeletons, and witches will be raining down! Thanks to the fall damage, you can kill them with a single swing of your sword or even just your fist. You will gain experience, and the items will land in the chest.
Expanding the Monster Trap
The great thing about this design is that you can expand it to two or three more levels if you wish. More levels are usually unnecessary since the monster limit will be reached at some point. Ensure that the additional levels keep the water channels clear so that all monsters fall to the bottom level. Continue using 2-block thick platforms and trapdoors.
Conclusion – Monster Drops Forever
If you need simple mob items like gunpowder or bones, an automatic monster trap is the best design! It is very easy to build and a great investment of resources for any beginner. The monster trap has been an essential part of every base since the alpha days, ensuring you can collect endless monster items. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work for spiders or endermen, but we might introduce traps suitable for them in the future. Collect endless resources on your own server without interruptions. Rent your Minecraft server and build the ultimate monster trap for you and your friends!
