Minecraft is a game with endless possibilities. However, gathering resources for many things is not exactly easy. That’s why many players focus on obtaining these resources more effortlessly. Today, we will look at one of the simplest monster traps available in the game. This way, you no longer need to hunt down skeletons or zombies yourself; you can simply collect and then eliminate them. This not only grants you valuable items but also experience points. The design is very straightforward and has remained consistent over time. Therefore, it will also work in future versions. We will 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 do not require Redstone. They collect mob spawns and ensure they fall into an abyss thanks to their natural pathfinding. You stand ready at the bottom to easily defeat them and collect the items. But which monsters drop which items?
- Creepers
- Gunpowder
- Skeletons
- Arrows
- Bows
- Zombies
- Rotten Flesh
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Iron Ingots
- Witches
- Sticks
- Spider Eyes
- Glowstone Dust
- Gunpowder
- Redstone (always)
- Sugar
- Glass Bottles
Additionally, you also gain valuable experience points that fill up your bar. You only receive these when you kill the monsters yourself. That’s 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’s a reason for that. We will explain why spiders and Endermen are not included.
- Spiders: Spiders spawn in a 3x3 block area (Bedrock only 2x2). They like to climb, which prevents the monster trap from working correctly.
- 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 hardly changed since the early days of Minecraft, so it should work in any version. This makes it 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 materials (we used cobblestone)
- Several stacks of slabs
- Around 100 ladders
- 64 trapdoors
- 4 hoppers
- 2 chests
- Water buckets
- 36 carpets
Construction Instructions
Find a Suitable Location
You can build a monster trap anywhere, but it is less effective if you are too close to places where monsters can spawn. The ocean is the best choice, and then another 100 blocks above sea level (Y=163). This way, you are far enough from land and underground caves. This is where the ladders come in handy—build a tall tower over the sea with a small 4x8 platform at the top.
Building the Fall Tower and Collection Basin for Your Monster Trap
Next, you need to build a type of tower where monsters can fall and take enough fall damage so you can 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. Place some slabs over this setup so that items are still collected. Build everything to leave just a small slit for attacking.
Building the Spawn Platform for Your Automatic Monster Trap
Now it’s time to build the spawn platforms. At the top, you need to lay water channels that will carry the monsters downwards. These look like a plus sign and are 8 blocks long, exactly as far as water flows naturally. Surround these 2x8 channels with a 2-block high wall.
Then, fill in the form to create a level surface at the four corners. Build a long wall around the perimeter, 2 blocks high. Remember, this prevents Endermen from spawning. On the platforms, place carpets every 3 blocks to prevent spiders from spawning. Finally, install the trapdoors along the water channels. These trick the monsters into thinking they can walk over the water, causing them to fall in and be carried down.
Secure the Roof
Finally, you need to build a roof. First, use full blocks and then another layer of slabs. This prevents monsters from spawning on top of the trap. You can also secure the roof with torches if you prefer.
Enjoy 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 gain experience, and the items 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 more levels if you want. More levels are usually not worth it because there is a monster limit. The additional levels should also keep the water channels clear, so all monsters fall to the lowest level. Continue to use 2-block thick platforms and trapdoors.
Conclusion: Why an Automatic Monster Trap in Minecraft is Essential
If you need simple mob items like gunpowder or bones, an automatic monster trap is the best design! It’s easy to build and a really good investment of your resources for every beginner. The monster trap has been an essential part of every base since Alpha, allowing you to collect endless monster items. Unfortunately, the trap doesn’t work for spiders or Endermen, but we might introduce some traps suitable 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!
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