Minecraft Strongholds: Locations & Hidden Treasures

Minecraft fortresses: mysterious, perilous underground structures brimming with secrets and valuable rewards. Dare to delve into their dark corridors and face the lurking monsters within? This guide is your key to unlocking their treasures.

Table of Contents

• What is a Stronghold in Minecraft?
• How to Find a Stronghold in Minecraft
• Eye of Ender
• The Locate Command
• Stronghold Rooms
• Library
• Prison
• Fountain
• Secret Rooms
• Altar
• Stronghold Mobs
• Rewards
• Portal to the Ender Dragon

What is a Stronghold in Minecraft?

Ancient underground labyrinths, Minecraft strongholds are filled with valuable loot and, most importantly, the portal to the End and the final boss battle against the Ender Dragon. Explore winding corridors, prisons, libraries, and more, but be warned: danger lurks around every corner. Activating the portal requires the Eye of Ender, detailed below. Finding a stronghold through random digging is impossible; you'll need a specific method.

How to Find a Stronghold in Minecraft

Eye of Ender

This is the intended method. Craft it using Blaze Powder (from Blaze rods dropped by Blazes) and Ender Pearls (dropped by Endermen, purchased from villager priests, or found in stronghold chests). Throw the Eye of Ender; it will float briefly in the direction of the nearest stronghold. Remember, each Eye is a consumable item. For survival mode, gather at least 30.

The Locate Command

For a less conventional (and arguably unfair) approach, enable cheats in your game settings. Then, use this command (for versions 1.20 and above):

/locate structure stronghold

This provides approximate coordinates. Use /tp to teleport near the stronghold, but further searching may be required.

Stronghold Rooms

Library

Spacious rooms with high ceilings, bookshelves, and cobwebs. Chests near the shelves often contain enchanted books and other valuable resources. Multiple libraries might exist within a single stronghold.

Prison

A confusing maze of narrow corridors and dim lighting, populated by skeletons, zombies, and creepers. Navigation requires caution.

Fountain

A central water feature, often creating a mystical atmosphere within the stronghold.

Secret Rooms

Hidden chambers behind walls, often containing valuable loot but potentially dangerous traps.

Altar

An eerie room, seemingly an ancient ritual site.

Stronghold Mobs

Expect skeletons, creepers, and silverfish. While manageable with basic iron armor, these mobs pose a significant threat.

Rewards

Loot varies, but potential treasures include enchanted books, iron and diamond horse armor, and more.

Portal to the Ender Dragon

The stronghold contains the portal to the End and the final confrontation with the Ender Dragon, concluding the main storyline of Minecraft survival mode. Explore fully to experience all the stronghold has to offer!