Introduction
Tired of returning to your Minecraft world only to find your meticulously crafted landscape has been…rearranged? Endermen, those tall, shadowy figures with a penchant for picking up blocks, can be both fascinating and frustrating. Their ability to teleport and manipulate their environment sets them apart, but it also raises a critical question for builders and survivalists alike: what blocks can an Enderman not pick up and move? This comprehensive guide will delve into the specifics, offering a definitive list and practical advice for safeguarding your creations.
Understanding Endermen and Their Block-Moving Behavior
Before we dive into the list of impenetrable blocks, it’s important to understand the mechanics behind the Enderman’s block-moving antics. These slender, purple-eyed mobs, native to the End dimension but also found in the Overworld, exhibit a unique behavior: randomly picking up and placing certain block types. This behavior is driven by the Enderman’s artificial intelligence, essentially a scripted action they perform under certain conditions.
However, this ability isn’t as common as you might think. Endermen don’t constantly reshape the world around them. They’re more likely to attack if provoked (especially if you look directly at them) or teleport away from danger. The block-moving behavior is a relatively rare occurrence, but when it happens, it can be quite impactful, especially if your home or base is within their reach. Understanding that it is not their main purpose but rather a part of their AI is important when you consider that their main threat is when you provoke them.
The purpose behind this block-moving behavior, within the Minecraft universe, isn’t explicitly defined. It could be interpreted as a form of territory marking, a subconscious effort to reshape the environment, or simply a quirk of their code. Regardless of the reason, it adds a layer of unpredictability to the game, forcing players to be mindful of their surroundings and how their structures interact with the surrounding environment and those tall, gangly inhabitants of it.
The Impermeable Fortress: A List of Enderman-Proof Blocks
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter. What are the blocks that Endermen simply cannot get their slender fingers on? Understanding this list is crucial for building Enderman-resistant structures, designing efficient farms, and generally maintaining the integrity of your carefully planned world. We’ll break it down into categories for clarity:
The Bedrock of the World: Naturally Fixed Blocks
These blocks are an integral part of the Minecraft world generation and are not intended to be moved by any means (aside from creative mode). They form the foundation of the landscape and the core of the world’s structure. Because of this function, endermen are unable to manipulate it.
- Stone: The ubiquitous building block, found in countless caves and mountains. Endermen can’t touch it.
- Dirt: The surface layer of the Overworld, essential for plant growth. It remains firmly rooted in place when an enderman teleports through.
- Sand: Found in deserts and beaches, sand is a common resource. It’s immune to Enderman interference.
- Gravel: A pesky, gravity-affected block found in caves and rivers. However, the only thing gravel is dropping is on its own.
- Ores: Iron ore, gold ore, diamond ore, emerald ore, copper ore, and all other variants. Your hard-earned resources are safe from their teleporting grasp.
- Deepslate: The denser stone found deep underground. This means your valuables are not only underground but also safe from endermen.
- Deepslate Ore Variants: Much like the ores found on stone, any ore found within deepslate is protected from Endermen.
- Netherrack: The iconic red block of the Nether dimension. You can rest assured that an Enderman can’t move the Netherrack.
- Soul Sand/Soil: The slow-moving blocks of the Nether are safe from Endermen.
- Magma Blocks: These dangerous blocks found in the Nether are unable to be moved by Endermen.
Player’s Domain: Blocks Placed and Modified
This category encompasses blocks that, once placed by the player or modified by their actions, become “anchored” in place and resist Enderman manipulation. It is not enough to simply hold the block, but to place it in the world as the player has.
- Inventory Items: Any block that is in the player’s inventory is unmovable, since it is not in the world.
- Player-Placed Blocks: Once a player places a block, it is considered anchored. Endermen cannot move these anchored blocks.
The Unbreakable Core: Special and Technical Blocks
These blocks serve special functions or are designed to be static within the game world, making them immune to Enderman manipulation. Some are used for the creative aspect of Minecraft, and others serve more as utility. In short, they all have an important purpose that cannot be removed by Endermen.
- Bedrock: The unbreakable barrier at the bottom and top of the world. It’s the ultimate Enderman-proof block.
- Command Blocks: Powerful blocks used for advanced game modifications. Their placement and function are inviolable.
- Structure Blocks: Used for saving and loading structures within the game. Their integrity is essential, so Endermen cannot touch them.
- Reinforced Deepslate: Used in the ancient cities, these cannot be moved by either the player in survival or Endermen.
Practical Application of Enderman-Proof Fortification
Knowing what blocks can an Enderman not pick up and move is invaluable for a variety of scenarios.
- Constructing a Safe Haven: If you’re frequently troubled by Endermen altering your builds, consider using a high proportion of unmovable blocks. Building the walls of your house with stone, deepslate, or even dirt will dramatically reduce the chance of Endermen causing damage.
- Enderman Farm Design: Endermen farms rely on manipulating Endermen behavior to efficiently collect ender pearls. By strategically using unmovable blocks, you can create channels and pathways that guide Endermen to specific locations without the risk of them breaking your farm.
- Strategic Advantage in Combat: In combat situations, knowing which blocks Endermen cannot move can provide tactical advantages. For example, quickly building a small shelter out of stone will provide instant cover, as Endermen will not be able to remove the blocks and expose you.
Debunking Enderman Myths and Misconceptions
Despite the well-defined limitations, there are some common misconceptions surrounding Endermen’s block-moving abilities.
- Endermen and Chests: While it can be alarming to see an Enderman near your valuable belongings, they cannot pick up chests. Your items stored safely inside are not at risk.
- Endermen and Spawners: Mob spawners are integral parts of the game mechanics and cannot be moved by Endermen. You don’t have to worry about them relocating your dungeon.
It’s crucial to rely on verified information and in-game observations rather than perpetuating inaccurate claims about Endermen behavior. Knowing what blocks can an Enderman not pick up and move depends on accuracy and understanding of the Minecraft code.
Conclusion: Mastering the Enderman’s Limits
In conclusion, while Endermen possess the intriguing ability to pick up and move blocks, their power is far from limitless. By understanding what blocks can an Enderman not pick up and move, players can effectively protect their structures, optimize their farms, and gain a tactical edge in the game. This knowledge empowers you to build with confidence, knowing that your creations are safe from the wandering hands of Minecraft’s teleporting troubleshooters. Now that you’re armed with this information, venture forth and build with the peace of mind that comes from understanding the limits of even the most enigmatic mobs.
