Introduction
Endermen. These tall, slender creatures, known for their ability to teleport and their distinctive purple eyes, add a unique element to the world of Minecraft. However, one of their behaviors can be incredibly frustrating for players: their tendency to pick up and move blocks. This seemingly harmless action can lead to significant landscape destruction and even griefing of meticulously crafted bases. For those playing in version 1.13, learning how to control or eliminate this behavior is crucial for preserving the integrity of your Minecraft world. This comprehensive guide explores effective methods for preventing endermen from picking up blocks in version 1.13, ensuring your builds remain intact and your landscapes undisturbed. We’ll delve into various strategies, from utilizing game rules to employing clever building techniques, providing you with the knowledge needed to tackle this common issue.
Understanding Endermen’s Block Acquisition in Minecraft 1.13
Before we dive into solutions, it’s important to understand the mechanics behind why endermen pick up blocks in the first place, specifically within the context of Minecraft version 1.13. Endermen are programmed to randomly select and pick up certain blocks from the environment. The game code dictates a specific list of blocks that endermen are capable of carrying. These typically include blocks considered “loose” or easily movable, such as dirt, grass blocks, sand, gravel, and certain flower types. Endermen usually replace any block they picked up with an air block or sometimes a dirt block.
Understanding this behavior is key. They aren’t specifically targeting your precious builds; rather, they are randomly selecting blocks within their range. Their logic is indiscriminate, making even the most well-intentioned structures vulnerable. Preventing endermen from picking up blocks in 1 13, in this context, means understanding how the game mechanics allow this to happen and using that knowledge to your advantage.
It’s also important to address common misconceptions. Some players believe that endermen are drawn to specific structures or that their block picking is somehow linked to the player’s actions. However, the reality is far simpler: the block selection is primarily random within the confines of the programmed rules.
Methods for Avoiding Endermen Block Removal
Several effective methods exist to address the issue of endermen picking up blocks in Minecraft 1.13. These methods vary in their complexity and impact on the overall gameplay experience, allowing you to choose the approach that best suits your needs and preferences.
The Power of Game Rules
One of the simplest and most direct solutions involves manipulating the game rules, specifically the mobGriefing gamerule. This rule controls the ability of certain mobs, including endermen, to alter the environment. Disabling this rule effectively prevents endermen from picking up blocks entirely. To implement this, use the command /gamerule mobGriefing false in the chat. This command disables a wide array of actions that mobs can do to the environment. This affects creepers’ explosions and the damage they cause to the surrounding terrain, the ability of sheep to eat grass, and more.
While highly effective in preventing endermen from picking up blocks in 1 13, it’s crucial to understand that this command has broader implications. It also prevents creepers from causing block damage with their explosions, villager farming of crops, and other similar behaviors. This can be beneficial in preventing accidental destruction but might alter other aspects of gameplay you enjoy. For those seeking a comprehensive solution to mob-related griefing, this command is a powerful tool. However, if you prefer a more targeted approach, consider the alternative methods described below. The advantage of this method is that it is simple, effective, and requires almost no labor to implement. The major downside is that is also removes the ability for Villagers to naturally farm.
Strategic Block Replacement
A more targeted and aesthetically conscious approach involves replacing vulnerable blocks with endermen-proof alternatives. Endermen are restricted in the types of blocks they can carry. Certain blocks are programmed to be immune to their grasp. These include bedrock, obsidian, cobblestone walls, and any block that is “unmovable”. By strategically replacing vulnerable blocks, such as dirt or grass, with these endermen-resistant blocks, you can effectively protect your structures and landscapes.
For example, you could replace the dirt pathways surrounding your base with cobblestone or use cobblestone walls to create decorative barriers. This method requires more planning and effort than simply changing a game rule, but it offers greater control and allows you to maintain a specific aesthetic within your world. It’s a particularly useful strategy for protecting valuable structures or areas prone to endermen encounters. Moreover, this method has no unintended side effects, only impacting endermen’s behavior regarding the blocks you’ve altered. So while it may require more effort upfront, in the long run it can prove a more satisfying and sustainable solution to preventing endermen from picking up blocks in 1 13.
Leveraging Water and Lava
Endermen have a well-known aversion to water and lava. Contact with either of these liquids causes them damage and prompts them to teleport away. This inherent weakness can be exploited to deter endermen from approaching certain areas, effectively preventing them from picking up blocks. Placing water or lava strategically around your base, for example, can create a barrier that endermen are unlikely to cross.
A simple moat filled with water around your walls can be incredibly effective. Similarly, strategically placed lava flows can create a visually striking and highly effective deterrent. While water is a generally safe solution, it is worth remembering that lava is hazardous to both players and mobs. Thus the player should use extreme caution when placing lava for this purpose.
This method offers a practical and relatively inexpensive way to mitigate the problem. It can be integrated into your builds and can add to the aesthetic of your build. The downside of this method is that many players find the addition of water or lava to detract from the visual appeal of their builds. It’s less about directly preventing endermen from picking up blocks in 1 13, and more about deterring them from entering an area where they might pick up blocks.
Illumination to Reduce Spawning
While not a direct prevention method, controlling the lighting levels in your area can significantly reduce the number of endermen spawns. Endermen, like many hostile mobs, prefer to spawn in areas with low light levels. By ensuring your base and surrounding areas are well-lit, you can minimize the chance of endermen appearing in the first place, thereby reducing the likelihood of block picking. Torches, lanterns, and glowstone can all be used to effectively illuminate your surroundings.
This is more of a preventative measure than a direct solution. The method relies more on discouraging the hostile mob from appearing at all than preventing the behavior that the user is trying to prevent. However, a reduced number of Endermen will invariably reduce the risk of block damage.
Troubleshooting Common Difficulties
Even with these strategies, you might encounter issues. Understanding the common problems and their solutions is crucial for successfully preventing endermen from picking up blocks in 1 13.
One common issue is forgetting to apply the mobGriefing gamerule to the correct world or dimension. Ensure you are executing the command in the specific world or dimension where you are experiencing the problem.
Another issue may be with building materials. Make sure you are, in fact, using endermen-proof blocks. It is possible that you’re using a block that looks like obsidian, but is not quite.
If endermen are still picking up blocks despite your efforts, double-check that you have correctly implemented the chosen method. For example, ensure that the water or lava barriers are complete and that there are no gaps that endermen can circumvent. Similarly, verify that the mobGriefing gamerule is set to false and that no other plugins or mods are interfering with the game’s default behavior.
In some cases, you might need to combine multiple methods to achieve the desired outcome. For instance, you could use a combination of block replacement and water barriers to create a layered defense.
Conclusion
Preventing endermen from picking up blocks in Minecraft version 1.13 requires a multifaceted approach, one that combines understanding the game’s mechanics with strategic implementation. By carefully considering the methods outlined in this guide and tailoring your approach to your specific needs and preferences, you can effectively protect your builds and preserve the integrity of your Minecraft world. Whether you opt for the simplicity of disabling the mobGriefing gamerule, the strategic placement of endermen-proof blocks, or the deterrent effect of water and lava, the key is to be proactive and consistent in your efforts. Experiment with different strategies, adapt to changing circumstances, and remember that a little planning can go a long way in safeguarding your creations from the block-grabbing tendencies of endermen.
