Enderman Behavior Unveiled
The eerie silhouettes of Endermen, tall, shadowy figures with glowing purple eyes, are a staple of the Minecraft universe. They stalk the landscapes, often lurking in the shadows, and have a unique quirk: they can pick up and move blocks. This behavior, while seemingly random at times, adds another layer of complexity to the game, influencing building strategies, survival tactics, and overall gameplay. However, not every block in the vast Minecraft world is subject to an Enderman’s pilfering. The ability of an Enderman to transport materials can drastically change landscapes and build sites, and knowing the limitations of this behavior is key. This article delves into the intriguing question of what blocks can an enderman not pick up and move in Minecraft, exploring the rules that govern this unique interaction.
Enderman’s Quirks
Endermen are enigmatic creatures, primarily found in the Overworld, Nether, and The End. They thrive in dark environments, making the nights and deep caves their favorite haunts. They are naturally passive, but make direct eye contact with one, and you’ll provoke their wrath. The same goes for attacking them, of course. But what truly sets them apart is their ability to interact with the environment in a peculiar way: they can pick up and move certain blocks. They’re not the only mobs in the game that interact with blocks. However, they are the only ones that pick up specific blocks and transport them to other locations, and only a handful of blocks can actually be carried. An Enderman will randomly snatch up a block, and then will walk around carrying the block until it finds a new location. Once it finds a new location, it’ll place the block there.
Their behavior has led to confusion and speculation. One of the most common questions is, “what blocks can an enderman not pick up and move?” It’s a crucial question for anyone who wants to build structures that are resilient to Enderman intervention or manage landscapes more effectively. The behavior adds challenge to building, and also adds a touch of randomness to the world. You never know what an Enderman is going to pick up and move. Knowing the rules of this interaction can be the difference between a secure base and a landscape transformed by these silent wanderers.
Blocks With Special Properties That Are Safe From Endermen
One of the most significant categories of blocks that Endermen leave untouched are those with special properties. These are the blocks that are designed to serve a specific function within the game, or that have complex interaction with the environment. They are not the kind of blocks that would be suitable for transport. Blocks that are part of a structure are generally immune to their touch, and it’s very rare for Endermen to manipulate these blocks. They might try to, but the game code generally protects these blocks from being picked up.
Functional Blocks
This also extends to blocks that change their form when placed. Crafting tables, for instance, are generally safe. They are designed to have a specific function in the game. Similarly, furnaces, which are also designed to interact with the player, also tend to be immune. Chests, essential for storing items, are another example. Their function is very specific, and moving these blocks would seriously disrupt gameplay. The same can be said of blocks like anvils, or lecterns. These all have an important function in the game and are generally safe.
Non-Solid Blocks: A Realm Beyond Enderman’s Reach
Another large group of blocks that Endermen cannot manipulate are non-solid blocks. These are blocks that players can pass through, and they often have a dynamic interaction with the player and the world. The most obvious examples are water and lava. Neither of these blocks can be picked up and carried by an Enderman. While Endermen can theoretically walk through water, they don’t attempt to transport it, and they will take damage.
Examples
Banners are also safe. These decorative blocks are often used for aesthetic purposes. They are not blocks in the traditional sense, and are generally immune to an Enderman’s antics. Similarly, torches are generally immune. While they can be placed on a variety of blocks, they can’t be picked up by an Enderman.
Blocks With Special Interactions: A Defensive Strategy
Some blocks activate when stepped on or have specific interactions with the environment. These include various trap mechanisms, pressure plates, and other redstone components. Endermen will generally avoid these blocks, and will not try to pick them up. The function of these blocks is usually crucial for players, and they can be essential in creating traps and other defensive mechanisms. Manipulating these blocks would disrupt the gameplay, and they are generally safe from Enderman interference.
Rare Blocks: Protected by Their Scarcity
Certain blocks are considered “rare” within the game, making them less susceptible to Enderman interaction. Command blocks, which are used for advanced game modifications and server administration, cannot be picked up. These blocks are essential for many of the advanced aspects of Minecraft. Bedrock, the indestructible block found at the bottom of the world, is also immune. These are important blocks in the game, and it would cause serious problems if Endermen could pick them up and move them.
Dimension-Specific Restrictions
Finally, there are dimension restrictions to consider. Blocks that are unique to The End, such as the End Stone, are generally not transportable to the Overworld or the Nether. Similarly, blocks from the Overworld are rarely seen in The End. This limits the ability of Endermen to disrupt the unique environments of the different dimensions. The game is designed to make the worlds remain unique. The Enderman’s ability to pick up and move blocks doesn’t mean the worlds will completely mesh together. This is another factor to consider when thinking about what blocks can an enderman not pick up and move.
Common Blocks Endermen Will Pick Up and Move
Now that we’ve discussed the blocks that Endermen cannot manipulate, let’s look at what Endermen *can* pick up and move. The list, fortunately, is somewhat limited. They generally stick to a fairly small number of blocks. Their behavior is not completely random, but rather, it adheres to a set of rules.
Usual Targets
The most common blocks that Endermen will pick up and move are dirt, sand, and gravel. These are readily available blocks in most environments, and they are easy for the game to load, and manipulate. They are easily found in most locations, and they are not essential blocks for gameplay, like some of the other blocks we’ve already mentioned. They’re easy to obtain, and they don’t break the game if they are picked up and moved.
Grass blocks are another favorite, as are other similar blocks. Depending on the specific biome, you might also see Endermen picking up blocks like mycelium or podzol. The blocks usually come from the environment around them. Endermen tend to be the gardeners of the Minecraft world, picking up and moving natural blocks.
Uncommon Blocks: Variations and Specific Situations
While the blocks listed above are the usual targets, Endermen can, on occasion, pick up other blocks. These instances are typically tied to specific biomes or situations. For example, you might see them carrying blocks that are common to the biome in which they currently reside.
The rules for block selection are fairly well-defined. Endermen don’t typically stray far from their existing rules. They also will not carry blocks that are too far from their current location.
Blocks with Variations: Recognizing the Nuances
It’s also worth noting that blocks can have variations. For example, a dirt block can have different properties based on its surrounding environment. A grass block might have its top covered with snow. When considering what blocks can an enderman not pick up and move, keep in mind that these variations might have different rules.
Building Strategies: Mastering Enderman Resistance
Knowing what blocks can an enderman not pick up and move is crucial for building in Minecraft. You can use these insights to create structures that are resistant to Enderman interference. The easiest method is to build with blocks that Endermen cannot pick up. This is particularly useful for important buildings, such as your base. Choose blocks like stone, wood, or any of the other safe options.
Defensive Measures
Using non-pickable blocks can also be a strategic defense. Building a wall out of these blocks can prevent Endermen from reaching your base, and thus limit their ability to modify your surroundings. Non-pickable blocks can be used to create defensive systems. This can prevent Endermen from entering your base.
Survival Tactics: Turning Knowledge into Advantage
Understanding Enderman’s behavior also provides valuable survival tactics. When exploring the world, try to build your base or home on a spot that has a high proportion of non-pickable blocks, like stone or bedrock. This significantly reduces the chance of an Enderman rearranging your surroundings.
Proactive Planning
If you’re constructing a specific building, be aware of the potential for Endermen to rearrange nearby blocks. For example, placing dirt around your home is a bad idea if you want your base to stay the same. Using safer blocks makes it less likely that Endermen will alter your carefully planned structures.
Conclusion
The Endermen and their block-moving capabilities introduce a unique dynamic to Minecraft. While seemingly random, this behavior is governed by specific rules. We’ve explored which blocks Endermen cannot pick up and move, revealing the blocks that are safe from this unusual manipulation.
Knowing the answer to what blocks can an enderman not pick up and move is more than just interesting trivia; it is a practical advantage for building and survival. Using this knowledge, you can create secure bases, design landscapes that are more resistant to change, and survive in the world of Minecraft. Whether it’s building, survival, or just a curiosity about the game, understanding Enderman’s block-handling habits is an essential part of the Minecraft experience. Now you can strategize your builds and survive the night more effectively, knowing the secrets of the Enderman.
