Minecraft is a game with endless possibilities. However, gathering resources for many things is not always easy. 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. This way, you no longer need to hunt and search for skeletons or zombies; you can simply collect and then kill them. This not only yields valuable items but also experience points. The design is incredibly simple and has remained largely unchanged, ensuring it will work in future versions too. Let’s show you how it’s done!
Why Do I Need a Monster Trap?
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 an abyss. You stand ready at the bottom, easily defeating them to 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 also get valuable experience points, which fill up your level bar. You only get these if you kill the monsters yourself, which is why we’re building this monster trap!
Which Monsters Are Not Suitable for Such a Monster Trap
You may have noticed that some monsters are missing from this list. And there’s 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 means the monster trap doesn’t 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.
Instructions for 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 so convenient and practical! You can also expand the trap, which we’ll cover 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
Instructions
Find a Suitable Location
You can build a monster trap anywhere, but it will be less effective if not placed correctly. You need to be far enough away from places where monsters can spawn. The ocean is ideal, and then another 100 blocks above sea level (Y=163). This keeps you far from land and underground caves. Use the ladders to build a high tower over the sea with a small 4x8 platform at the top.
Fall Tower and Collection Basin
Next, you need to build a tower where the monsters can fall, taking enough fall damage to be easily killed. Build a 2x2 tower upwards – 22 blocks high.
At the bottom, create a collection basin. Place the chest at the front and then four hoppers leading into the chest. Lay some slabs over the hoppers so that the items are still collected. Build it up so that only a small slit remains for attacking.
Build the Spawn Platform
Now, it’s time to build the spawn platforms. At the top, lay out the water channels that will carry the monsters down. These channels form a plus shape and are 8 blocks long, just as far as water normally flows. Surround these 2x8 channels with a 2-block-high wall.
Then, fill in the form so that a level surface is created at the four corners. Build another 2-block-high wall around it. Remember, this prevents endermen from spawning. On the platforms themselves, place carpet every 3 blocks to prevent spiders from spawning. Finally, add the trapdoors along the water channels. These make the monsters think they can walk over the water, causing them to fall in and get carried down.
Secure the Roof
Finally, build a roof. Use full blocks first, 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 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, it will rain creepers, zombies, skeletons, and witches! Thanks to the fall damage, you can kill them with a swing of your sword or even just your fist. You’ll get 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 usually aren’t necessary, as there’s a limit to how many monsters can spawn. The additional levels should still keep the water channels free so that all monsters fall to the lowest level first. Continue using 2-block-thick platforms and trapdoors.
Conclusion – Monster Drops for Eternity
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 great investment of resources for any beginner. The monster trap has been an essential part of every base since the alpha version, ensuring you can gather infinite monster items. Unfortunately, this trap doesn’t work for spiders or endermen, but we might introduce traps for them later. Collect endless resources on your own server without interruptions. Rent your Minecraft server and build the ultimate monster trap for you and your friends!
