For Minecraft players looking for an even bigger challenge after the End and the Ender Dragon, they will likely encounter the Wither sooner or later. This mystical creature is probably the strongest entity in the entire game and one of the toughest challenges you can face in Minecraft. A battle is only for true pros who want to take their world to the next level. And even though the battle is tough, the reward at the end is absolutely worth it! Today, we show you how to defeat the Wither in Minecraft, how to summon it, and what strategy will help you in the battle! With this, you’ll be well-prepared for the challenge!
Minecraft Wither – What Kind of Boss Is It?
The Wither is probably one of the strangest monsters in Minecraft and adds significantly to the game’s mythology. It is a black, three-headed skeleton that is more or less made up of dead souls. Besides its three heads, it consists only of ribs. It has no arms and no legs. Additionally, the Wither can fly, which makes it truly eerie!
What exactly the Wither is and how it really ties into the game is never fully explained. However, it is closely linked to the Nether, which we will discuss in the following section.
One of the first hints about this boss can be found in a very unusual place. The Wither is immortalized in one of Minecraft’s many paintings, hinting at its existence and summoning. And you’re sure to have seen this picture once or twice.
Summoning the Wither – Instructions & Materials
The painting already gives you clues on how to summon the Wither. Unlike the Ender Dragon or the Warden, you can decide when and where you want to fight the Wither. It doesn’t just appear spontaneously; it must be intentionally brought to life by you.
For this, you need four soul sand or soul soil blocks arranged in a T-shape. On the top row, you must place three wither skeleton skulls. However, you can’t just get these; you must obtain them from wither skeletons in the Nether.
Defeating Wither Skeletons – How to Get Skulls!
Wither skeleton skulls are an essential component but are only dropped by wither skeletons. These black and slightly larger skeletons can only be found in a Nether fortress. They often patrol the open hallways and carry a sword. They spawn only at a light level below 7 and can spawn in groups of up to four skeletons. You especially want to avoid the “Wither” effect, which can even kill you!
You can defeat wither skeletons fairly easily by blocking the fortress’s corridors at head height and then luring the skeletons. Since they are tall, they won’t fit through, and you can easily take them down. Unfortunately, wither skeletons often only drop coal or bones. The skulls have only a 2.5 to 5.5% (or up to 8.5% in Bedrock) chance of dropping, depending on the “Looting” enchantment on your sword.
Minecraft Wither Battle – Best Strategies & Tips
Once you’ve gathered the four soul sand/soul soil and the three wither skeleton heads, you can summon the Wither. However, you should definitely prepare properly and be very sure that you can win the battle.
The Wither has 300 health points, making it a truly tough boss. The Warden, which we’ve written another article about (Defeat the Minecraft Warden – How to Beat the Strongest Enemy!) , has 500 health points. Interestingly, the Ender Dragon, the game’s main boss, only has 200 health. This gives you an idea of what to expect in the battle against the Wither. In the Bedrock edition, the Wither can even have 450 or 600 health, depending on the difficulty level. In this version of Minecraft, the Wither is much stronger!
The best weapons against the Wither:
- Netherite sword with “Smite” enchantment
- Golden carrots as food
- Buckets of milk (negates Wither effect, but also your own potions)
- Potion of regeneration
- Potion of strength
The Best Place for the Wither Battle in Minecraft
The location where you fight the Wither is crucial. It’s best to carry the battle out far from your base, as the Wither shoots projectiles at you that cause explosions. And you certainly don’t want your beloved structures to be destroyed.
The easiest way to defeat the Wither is underground. Choose a cave without large openings – ideally in your own mine. In a narrow alcove, you can summon and control it more easily. This avoids the Wither flying away and attacking you from above. However, in the Bedrock edition, this method is not recommended, as the Wither exhibits some different attack patterns.
You can also fight the boss normally, but it’s much more challenging. Here we recommend bringing along a bow with “Power V” to deal some damage from afar.
Wither Attack Patterns – How to Defend Yourself!
- Summoning: When the Wither is first summoned, you cannot attack it for 10 seconds. It must first charge up and takes on a light blue tint. Then it explodes, so make sure you are far enough away!
- Projectiles: Normally, the Wither attacks with projectiles that look like wither skeleton skulls. These explode on impact. Be particularly wary of the light blue skulls, as they inflict the “Wither” effect on you.
- Wither Rose: The Wither also attacks all other living creatures, turning them into wither roses through its attacks. This can be a temporary distraction for you and give you a breather.
- Regeneration: Simultaneously, the Wither can also regenerate, making the battle a bit more challenging. If you’re not quick enough, it will recharge its health bar.
- Shield: When you’ve depleted half of its health, the Wither enters its second phase. It is then surrounded by a shield, and you can only kill it with melee attacks. In Bedrock, the Wither also summons wither skeletons.
Defeating the Wither – What Reward Do You Get?
For such a tough battle, a great reward awaits you! Regardless of the difficulty level, the Wither always drops a Nether Star. Be cautious, as it can burn in lava if you defeat the Wither underground. You can use the Nether Star to craft a beacon, which grants you many exciting effects! We’ll cover that in another article if you’re interested.
Conclusion: Is the Wither Battle Worth It in Minecraft?
If you’re already a veteran in Minecraft and want to expand your world, a battle against the Wither is the next step. The boss is tough, but not unbeatable! With the right means, you’ll be able to prevail against it and receive the Nether Star for the beacon in the end. Rent your own Minecraft server and try the battle together with your friends! You’ll likely have a better chance, especially in the Bedrock edition.
