Introduction
Endermen, those tall, slender, teleporting denizens of the Minecraft world, are fascinating creatures. Their haunting sounds and peculiar behavior add a unique flavor to the game. However, one aspect of their existence can be incredibly frustrating for players, especially those who take pride in their meticulously crafted structures: their propensity for picking up blocks. You might spend hours carefully placing each brick, only to return and find a gaping hole in your wall, courtesy of a wandering Enderman.
In Minecraft version 1.13, this habit remains a persistent challenge. This article provides comprehensive guidance on effectively preventing Endermen from wreaking havoc on your builds, allowing you to maintain the integrity and beauty of your creations. We’ll explore various strategies, from basic environmental modifications to more advanced techniques, all tailored for optimal results in version 1.13.
Understanding the Enderman’s Block-Collecting Habits
Before delving into the solutions, it’s helpful to understand the mechanics behind Endermen and their affinity for blocks. Endermen can pick up a specific range of blocks in the game. Common targets include grass blocks, dirt, sand, gravel, flowers, mushrooms, and other relatively easily disturbed materials. It’s important to recognize that the range of blocks they can pick is limited, which provides an opportunity to utilize blocks they *cannot* pick as part of the solution.
Endermen don’t indiscriminately snatch blocks from the environment. Their block-picking behavior appears to be tied to a combination of random chance and proximity to the player. If an Enderman is in an area where it *can* pick up blocks and is sufficiently close to a player, there’s a chance it will attempt to do so. Natural spawning contributes to this issue, as Endermen will naturally appear in dimly lit areas, setting the stage for potential block theft. Understanding these factors is crucial in developing effective preventative measures.
Practical Methods for Enderman Deterrence
Several effective strategies can be employed to keep Endermen away from your prized builds and prevent them from picking up blocks. Each approach offers a different level of protection and can be combined for maximum effectiveness.
Embrace the Light: Illuminating Your Surroundings
One of the simplest and most effective methods is to ensure your build and its surrounding area are well-lit. Endermen, like many hostile mobs in Minecraft, do not spawn in areas with high light levels. By strategically placing light sources, you can effectively prevent Endermen from spawning near your creations in the first place.
Aim for a light level of twelve or higher within and around your buildings. Torches are a reliable and readily available source of light. However, for a more aesthetically pleasing solution, consider using glowstone, sea lanterns, or other light-emitting blocks. The key is to distribute these light sources evenly and cover a wide area. Ensure corners and shadowed areas receive adequate illumination, as these are prime spawning locations for unwanted mobs. Regularly check your lighting as the passage of time and gameplay can occasionally reduce lighting levels.
Water as a Natural Barrier
Endermen have a peculiar aversion to water. Contact with water causes them to teleport away. Exploiting this weakness can be a powerful defensive strategy.
Consider surrounding your build with a moat or a system of water channels. The presence of water will deter Endermen from approaching and prevent them from picking up blocks. Be mindful of the environment, as water can freeze in cold biomes. In such cases, you can use alternative, non-freezing liquids, such as potions or lava (with appropriate safety precautions!). Subtle placement of water sources, hidden under carpets or behind walls, can also create an invisible barrier.
Building with Enderman-Proof Materials
Endermen can only pick up a limited set of block types, meaning you can strategically construct your builds using blocks that they simply cannot manipulate. This approach provides a solid foundation for preventing block theft.
Blocks that Endermen cannot pick up include stone, cobblestone, obsidian, logs, planks, most crafted blocks, metal blocks, glass, and many others. By constructing the vulnerable parts of your buildings, such as walls and landscaping, with these materials, you can significantly reduce the risk of Endermen damage. Identify areas where you’re currently using susceptible blocks like dirt or grass and replace them with Endermen-proof alternatives. This simple change can have a dramatic impact on the integrity of your build.
Design with Deterrence in Mind
Consider the overall design of your base. A well-designed base can naturally minimize the risk of Endermen encounters.
Try to limit open areas where Endermen can easily spawn. Consider building on an elevated platform or within a walled enclosure. Efficient use of slopes and other methods to limit pathfinding can reduce the likelihood of Endermen reaching vulnerable areas. A little forethought in your design can go a long way in preventing Endermen-related headaches.
Advanced Techniques and Server Considerations
While the methods above are generally effective, there are advanced techniques and server-specific settings that can provide additional control over Endermen behavior.
Command Control (For Creative Mode and Administrators)
Minecraft offers powerful commands that can alter the game’s rules. One particularly useful command for preventing Endermen block pickup is `/gamerule mobGriefing false`. This command disables the ability of *all* mobs to interact with the environment, including Endermen picking up blocks, creepers blowing up terrain, and villagers planting crops.
Keep in mind that this command affects *all* mobs. If you still want creepers to be able to break blocks, this command is not ideal. For more targeted control, you can use command blocks to automatically kill Endermen within a specific area. This requires more advanced knowledge of commands and redstone circuitry, but it can provide a highly effective solution.
Setting up a basic area to kill Endermen with command blocks needs a repeating command block and a clock. Put a repeating command block with the command `kill @e[type=enderman,distance=..10]`. After that, create a simple redstone clock and hook it up to the command block. This will kill Endermen in a ten block radius from the block.
Leveraging Mods and Data Packs
The Minecraft community has created a wealth of mods and data packs that can customize the game in countless ways. Some mods specifically target Endermen block pickup, either completely disabling the behavior or allowing you to modify the blocks they can interact with.
Remember that using mods can alter the game’s balance and introduce compatibility issues. Be sure to download mods from reputable sources and carefully read the installation instructions. Data packs can often achieve similar results to mods but are generally less invasive and easier to install. Look for data packs that modify the `mobGriefing` rule or specifically target Endermen behavior.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best preventative measures in place, Endermen can sometimes still manage to cause problems. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting tips:
- Vulnerable Areas: Carefully inspect your build and its surroundings for any areas that may be overlooked. Ensure proper lighting, water barriers, and the use of Endermen-proof materials in all potentially vulnerable locations.
- Inconsistent Lighting: Light levels can fluctuate due to weather conditions or updates to the game. Regularly check the light levels around your base and adjust your lighting accordingly.
- Accidental Placement of Pick-Up-Able Blocks: Double-check your construction materials to ensure you haven’t accidentally used blocks that Endermen can pick up, especially in high-risk areas.
- Dealing with Existing Block Theft: If you find that Endermen have already picked up blocks, simply replace them. The preventative measures you’ve implemented will prevent future incidents.
Conclusion: Coexistence with Endermen
Preventing Endermen from picking up blocks in Minecraft is an ongoing process that requires a combination of strategies and diligent maintenance. By understanding Endermen behavior, implementing appropriate preventative measures, and troubleshooting any issues that arise, you can create a safe and secure environment for your creations.
While it may not be possible to eliminate Endermen encounters entirely, these techniques will significantly reduce their impact on your builds, allowing you to focus on enjoying the creative aspects of the game. Remember that a multi-faceted approach is usually the most effective, combining lighting, water barriers, Endermen-proof materials, and strategic design to create a comprehensive defense. With a little effort and planning, you can coexist peacefully with Endermen, minimizing their destructive tendencies and preserving the beauty of your Minecraft world. So go forth, build with confidence, and let Endermen be a mere curiosity rather than a source of frustration!
