How to Build a Minecraft Monster Trap: Automatically Gather Endless Resources

Minecraft is a game full of endless possibilities. However, gathering resources for many things can be quite challenging. That’s why many players focus on obtaining these resources more easily. Today, we’re looking at one of the simplest monster traps in the game. With this, you no longer need to hunt down skeletons or zombies yourself; you can easily collect and then kill them. This not only gives you valuable items but also experience points. The design is quite simple and has remained the same over time, so it will continue to work in future versions. We’ll show you how it’s done!

Why You Need an Automatic Monster Trap in Minecraft: Benefits and Advantages

Monster traps are one of the oldest automatic machines in Minecraft that work without Redstone. They collect mob spawns and use their natural pathfinding to make them fall into a pit. You stand ready at the bottom to easily defeat them and collect the items. But what items do different monsters drop?

• Creeper
  • 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 also gain valuable experience points that fill up your bar. You only get these if you kill the monsters yourself, which is why we build the monster trap!

These Minecraft Monsters Won’t Work in Your Monster Trap

You may have noticed that some monsters are missing from this list. There is a reason for that. We’ll 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 monster trap not to work properly.
• Endermen: Endermen only spawn 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: How to Build an Automatic Monster Trap in Minecraft

Now, let’s take a closer look at how you can build one of these automatic monster traps. The design has barely changed since the early days of Minecraft, so it should work in every version. This makes it pleasant and practical! You can also expand the trap, which we’ll cover at the end.

List of Materials

You should have all this in your inventory:

• Several stacks of building material (we used cobblestone)
• Several stacks of slabs
• About 100 ladders
• 64 trapdoors
• 4 hoppers
• 2 chests
• Water bucket
• 36 carpet

Construction Guide

Find a Suitable Location

You can build a monster trap almost anywhere, but it will be less effective if you don’t choose the right location. You need to be far enough from places where monsters can spawn. The ocean is ideal, and then another 100 blocks above sea level (Y=163). This way, you’re far enough from land and underground caves. Use the ladders to build a high tower over the sea and place a small 4x8 platform at the top.

Building the Drop Tower and Collection Basin for Your Monster Trap

Next, you need to build a type of tower that the monsters can fall down, taking enough fall damage for you to easily kill them. Build a 2x2 tower upwards—22 blocks high.

At the bottom, construct a collection basin. Place the chest at the front and then four hoppers leading into the chest. Lay some slabs on top, allowing items to be collected. Close it off, leaving only a small slit to attack through.

Building the Spawn Platform for Your Automatic Monster Trap

Now it’s time to build the spawn platforms. At the top, you need to create water channels that carry the monsters down. They resemble a plus sign and are 8 blocks long, exactly the distance water flows. Surround these 2x8 channels with a 2-block-high wall.

Then, fill in the form to create a level at the four corners. Build another long wall around the perimeter with a height of 2 blocks. Remember, this prevents Endermen from spawning. On the platforms themselves, place carpets every 3 blocks to prevent spiders from spawning. Attach the trapdoors along the water channels at the end. These trick the monsters into thinking they can walk on water, causing them to fall into it and be carried down.

Secure the Roof

Finally, you need to build a roof. Use full blocks first, followed by a layer of slabs. These prevent monsters from spawning on top of the trap. You can also secure the roof with torches if you prefer.

Enjoy Your Mob Items!

Now the monster trap is ready! Stand in front of the chest and wait a few minutes for the monsters to gather on the platform above. Soon, Creepers, Zombies, Skeletons, and Witches will rain down! Thanks to the fall damage, you can kill them with a swing of your sword or even just your fist. You’ll gain experience, and the items will end up in the chest.

Expand Your Monster Trap for Even More Resources

The great thing about this design is that you can expand it to two or three additional levels if you like. More than that usually isn’t worthwhile, as the monster limit will be reached. The additional levels should also keep the water channels clear so that all monsters fall to the bottom level first. Continue to use 2-block-thick platforms and trapdoors.

Conclusion: Why an Automatic Monster Trap is Essential in Minecraft

If you need simple mob items like gunpowder or bones, an automatic monster trap is the best design! It’s very easy to build and a great investment of resources for any beginner. The monster trap has been an essential part of any base since the Alpha version and allows you to collect endless monster items. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work for spiders or Endermen, but maybe we’ll introduce some traps for them later. Gather endless resources on your own server without interruptions. Rent your Minecraft server and build the ultimate monster trap for you and your friends!