Finding an End City involves traveling to the outer islands of the End dimension, typically after defeating the Ender Dragon. These impressive structures hold valuable loot, including the elusive Elytra, making them a primary objective for advanced players.
Accessing the End's Outer Islands
End Cities naturally generate all over the End's outer islands, distinct from the central island where the Ender Dragon resides. These expansive islands are easily recognized by their abundant, large forests of chorus trees.
Using the End Gateway Portal
The most convenient and common method to reach the outer islands is through the End Gateway Portal.
- Defeat the Ender Dragon: The first step is to defeat the Ender Dragon. Upon its defeat, an End Gateway Portal will appear near the bedrock fountain on the main End island, in addition to the main portal back to the Overworld.
- Enter the Portal: To use this small, 1x1 portal, simply throw an Ender Pearl into it. You will be instantly teleported to a random location on one of the outer End islands.
- Prepare for Arrival: Be ready upon arrival; you might spawn high in the air, inside blocks, or over the void. Having building blocks, an Elytra, or an Ender Pearl ready can prevent immediate danger.
Alternative Travel Methods
While the End Gateway Portal is the quickest way, it is possible to cross the vast void between the central island and the outer islands using other means:
- Bridging: You can build a long bridge of blocks across the void. This method is resource-intensive, time-consuming, and carries the risk of falling into the void.
- Elytra Flight: If you have already acquired an Elytra, flying is by far the fastest and safest way to cross the gap. Remember to bring plenty of firework rockets for propulsion.
- Ender Pearls: Continuously throwing Ender Pearls can cover distances, but it requires a large supply and is less precise.
Locating an End City
Once you've arrived on the outer islands, finding an End City becomes a matter of exploration. They are scattered across these large landmasses, often standing tall and distinct.
Tips for Exploration
To efficiently locate an End City:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Travel Far | End Cities can be quite distant from your initial gateway arrival point. Continue exploring in one general direction, as they are not guaranteed to be close by. |
| Utilize Elytra | The most efficient way to spot End Cities is by flying high with an Elytra and firework rockets. Their tall, intricate structures are easily visible from above, allowing you to cover vast distances quickly and safely. |
| Gain a High Vantage | If you don't have an Elytra, build a tall pillar of blocks (e.g., 60-100 blocks high) to gain a high vantage point. From this elevated position, you can look around for the distinctive purple spires of an End City. |
| Check Coordinates | On Java Edition, pressing F3 will display your coordinates. Traveling consistently along one axis (X or Z) while exploring can help ensure you cover new ground and avoid circling back to areas you've already checked. |
| Listen for Sounds | While not always reliable, End Cities are often accompanied by the distinct sounds of Shulkers, which can sometimes be heard before the city is seen, especially in quieter areas. |
What to Expect and Prepare For
End Cities are not unguarded. They are inhabited by unique hostile mobs and contain valuable treasures.
- Shulkers: These are the primary hostile mobs found within End Cities. Their projectiles cause levitation, which can be extremely dangerous over the void or near tall structures. A shield is vital for deflecting their shots.
- Loot: End Cities are the sole source of the Elytra, which is found in a specific type of structure called an End Ship (which sometimes generates alongside an End City, floating above it). They also contain chests filled with valuable enchanted diamond armor and tools, iron, gold, and other rare items.
- Chorus Fruit: The surrounding islands are rich with chorus trees. Eating a chorus fruit can teleport you a short distance, which is incredibly useful for escaping dangerous levitation effects or traversing gaps.
Recommended Gear for End City Exploration
Proper preparation is key to a successful and safe End City expedition:
- Armor: Full enchanted diamond or netherite armor is highly recommended to withstand Shulker attacks and other potential hazards.
- Weapons: A powerful sword (preferably enchanted) and a bow with plenty of arrows are essential for dealing with Shulkers from a distance.
- Shield: Crucial for blocking Shulker projectiles, preventing levitation.
- Elytra & Firework Rockets: (If already obtained) For quick, safe travel and avoiding fall damage.
- Building Blocks: At least a stack or two of durable blocks (e.g., stone, cobblestone, End Stone) for bridging gaps, pillar up, or creating safe spots.
- Ender Pearls: Useful for quick escapes from sticky situations or traversing small gaps quickly.
- Food: Bring plenty of high-saturation food to regenerate health.
- Potions: Potions of Slow Falling are incredibly useful for countering Shulker levitation. Potions of Healing and Strength can also be beneficial.
- Water Bucket: Can be used to break your fall or navigate challenging areas.
For more detailed information on End Cities and the End dimension, you can consult the Minecraft Wiki.
