The ‘Mine’ part of Minecraft used to be pretty monotonous–no more.
By Eric Frederiksen on August 13, 2024 at 4:02PM PDT
When Minecraft came out over a decade ago, exploring underground was already spooky, but it was pretty monotonous; lava and the rare diamond block were the most exciting things to see. Nowadays, though, heading underground is a much more exciting experience. Caves are far more varied and interesting, and there are even deep-buried Ancient Cities to loot–if you can avoid the Warden.
There are dozens of biome types and subtypes aboveground, but below ground you’ll find fewer biomes and more danger.
Note: This guide focuses on the Bedrock version of Minecraft, available on Windows 10, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile.
Dripstone caves are named aptly as they are abundant with dripstone stalactites descending from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the ground. Dripstone is valuable for several purposes, such as creating self-sustaining lava farms and it can also act as spikes that injure players and creatures. Furthermore, dripstone caves are notable for their high copper content.
Lush caves introduce a visually appealing element to the underground realms of Minecraft. Historically, Minecraft caves did not offer much variation—mostly composed of stone and sprinkled with precious materials like iron ore and diamonds. In contrast, lush caves are rich with vegetation. They are draped with moss blocks, moss carpets, azalea bushes, grass, and flowers covering the floor. Hanging from above are glowberries—serving both as a fruit and light source—along with vines and spore blossoms. Additionally, you might come across shallow ponds populated with dripleaf plants and occasionally, axlotls.
Deep Dark caves offer a more formidable adventure. These ominous caves are primarily found in areas where stone transitions into deepslate. In these depths, you might encounter sculk sensors and shriekers capable of summoning wardens. Deep Dark is also the place to find Ancient Cities that yield items like enchanted golden apples and a unique music disc, among other precious items. Wardens are the sole mobs inhabiting this biome, and they possess the ability to defeat fully armored players in Netherite armor almost instantly, hence caution is advised while exploring this biome.
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