A mysterious and tall figure that doesn’t appreciate being watched
When it comes to the most bizarre creatures in Minecraft, there’s a lot to choose from. But if I had to rank the weirdest mobs, my personal top three would go like this: number three, the strider, happily strolling through lava pools; number two, the mooshroom, an odd fusion of mushroom and cow; and at number one, taking the crown as the most peculiar, is the Enderman—our mob of the month. These lanky, dark beings are not only eerie in appearance, but they also have an unsettling ability to rearrange blocks, making them a true anomaly in the game.
Endermen were first introduced in the 2011 “Adventure Update,” which also brought us features like melons, glass panes, and iron bars. Initially, they had green eyes and emitted a smoky aura as they moved. However, these features were eventually replaced with their iconic pink eyes and portal-like particle effects that we recognize today.
Where to Find Endermen
Although they are quite elusive, Endermen are one of the few mobs that naturally spawn in all three dimensions: the Overworld, the Nether, and the End. However, they’re quite rare in the Overworld and Nether, which makes finding one a bit of a challenge. If you’re looking to encounter one in the Overworld, head to a flat area with a wide view. You’ll want to be able to see far and wide, especially to spot them from a distance at night. Once it gets dark, keep your eyes peeled and scan the area. Endermen typically shuffle around, often holding blocks in their hands.
But be warned: these mobs despise being stared at. If you accidentally cross your crosshair directly over their face, they will get agitated, beginning to scream and shake. At this point, they’ll teleport towards you and start attacking. So, it’s best to be cautious with your aim.
There are other situations where Endermen will teleport too. If you fire a projectile at them, they’ll quickly teleport away just before the shot hits. This makes it crucial to have a melee weapon at hand to deal with them effectively. Additionally, Endermen are sensitive to liquids and bright sunlight. If they come into contact with either, they’ll start teleporting randomly, often winding up in caves or other dark places where they’ll remain until night falls again.
Should You Fight an Enderman?
Endermen don’t always pose a threat if you don’t provoke them. They tend to mind their own business, often quietly moving blocks from one place to another. If you don’t bother them, they won’t bother you. However, if you’re aiming to complete the game, you’ll inevitably have to face a few. Here’s what you should know before taking one on:
First of all, Endermen pack a punch—about twice as much as a zombie. Additionally, they have twice the health of a zombie, so you’ll need to be well-prepared for the fight. Also, keep in mind that Endermen are tall and won’t fit under a two-block-high ceiling. A great strategy is to find shelter beneath a tree and strike them from below. Their height will prevent them from reaching you effectively.
When you defeat an Enderman, it will drop the block it’s holding, and sometimes it will drop an Ender Pearl. This mysterious item grants the player the ability to teleport, much like the Endermen, and is essential for accessing the End dimension—the location of the Ender Dragon. The Ender Dragon is the closest thing Minecraft has to a final boss, so preparing to battle Endermen will definitely help you get ready for the challenges that lie ahead in the End.
Code Example: Summoning an Enderman
To summon an Enderman using a command, you can use the following Minecraft command:
/summon minecraft:enderman ~ ~ ~
This will spawn an Enderman at the current location of the player. You can also specify the exact coordinates instead of the tilde (~ ~ ~) for a specific spawn location.
So, in summary, while Endermen can be intimidating with their eerie appearance and unsettling behavior, they are a fascinating part of Minecraft’s diverse mob ecosystem. Whether you choose to avoid them or face them head-on, just remember that they are critical to your progress in the game, especially when it comes to entering the End dimension and challenging the Ender Dragon.
