Introduction
The earth rumbles slightly as you break through the final layer of stone. The familiar texture of stone bricks fills your vision – you’ve found a stronghold! A mix of excitement and apprehension washes over you. This sprawling, underground structure holds the key to completing Minecraft, but it’s also fraught with danger. What do you do now? The path to the End Portal isn’t a simple one, filled as it is with winding corridors, lurking monsters, and potential dead ends. Ignoring the potential peril is not an option.
Strongholds are subterranean fortresses randomly generated within your Minecraft world. They are identifiable by their stone brick construction and unique internal structures, like libraries and prison cells. Most importantly, strongholds house the End Portal, the gateway to the final boss fight with the Ender Dragon. Without finding and activating this portal, you can’t truly complete the game.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know and do after discovering a stronghold in Minecraft, from meticulous preparation to securing the End Portal and preparing for the ultimate challenge. Let’s embark on this journey together.
Preparation is Key: Before You Venture Deeper
Before you even think about delving further into the stronghold’s depths, meticulous preparation is absolutely critical. Rushing in unprepared is a surefire way to meet a swift and unfortunate end. Think of this as gearing up for a marathon, not a sprint.
Gear and Inventory Checklist
Let’s break down the essential items you’ll need to survive and thrive within the stronghold.
Weapons
You’ll need something to defend yourself against the denizens of the stronghold. A Diamond or Netherite sword, ideally enchanted with Sharpness, Smite (particularly effective against Silverfish), Fire Aspect, or Looting, is your primary weapon. Don’t underestimate the power of a good bow and plenty of arrows, preferably enchanted with Power, Punch, Flame, or Infinity. A bow allows you to engage enemies from a safe distance and trigger traps.
Armor
Protection is paramount. Full Diamond or Netherite armor is a must. Enchantments like Protection, Feather Falling, Blast Protection, and Projectile Protection can significantly reduce the damage you take. Consider Thorns to turn the tables on your attackers.
Tools
A durable pickaxe is essential for breaking through obstacles, whether it’s a misplaced stone brick or a cluster of infested blocks. Diamond or Netherite is preferred, and enchantments like Efficiency for faster mining and Fortune or Silk Touch (depending on whether you want to collect blocks or just clear them) are highly valuable. A shovel can be useful for clearing gravel or sand, and an axe, while less critical, can help if you encounter any wooden structures or need to quickly harvest wood for torches.
Food
Exploration and combat drain your hunger bar quickly. Carry plenty of high-saturation food items like Steak, Cooked Porkchop, Golden Carrots, or even Enchanted Golden Apples for emergency healing and status buffs. Hunger is a silent killer; don’t let it catch you off guard.
Potions
Potions are your lifeline in the stronghold. Healing Potions (Instant Health II) provide immediate health restoration. Regeneration Potions offer sustained healing over time. Strength Potions increase your damage output. Fire Resistance Potions are crucial if you anticipate encountering lava. Night Vision Potions illuminate dark corridors. Slow Falling Potions are invaluable for navigating precarious drops. Bring as many as you can reasonably carry.
Blocks
A stack or two of building blocks, such as Cobblestone, Dirt, or any readily available material, is essential for bridging gaps, marking paths, creating temporary shelters, and blocking off enemies. These blocks are your construction tools in a pinch.
Special Items
Ender Pearls are crucial for quick teleportation, escaping dangerous situations, or navigating tricky terrain. A bucket of water is indispensable for neutralizing lava flows and quickly extinguishing flames if you find yourself on fire. A shield will help you to block incoming damage. A bed can be used to set your spawn point near the stronghold entrance; make sure to do this before venturing too deep. It’s not advisable to sleep in the stronghold.
Mental Preparation
Beyond physical supplies, mental preparation is equally important. Be aware of the dangers that lurk within. Expect Silverfish swarms, lava pockets, confusing layouts, and the occasional dead end. Formulate a plan for retreat if necessary, and don’t hesitate to mark your path to avoid getting lost. Knowing what you might face will help you act fast.
Exploring the Stronghold: Navigation and Hazards
Now that you’re equipped, it’s time to venture into the stronghold itself. But proceed with caution!
Common Stronghold Features
Familiarize yourself with the typical characteristics of a stronghold: winding stone brick corridors, libraries overflowing with bookshelves (a treasure trove for enchanting), prison cells hinting at past inhabitants, storage rooms potentially containing valuable loot, and perhaps even decorative fountains, sometimes concealing hidden secrets. Understanding these common features will help you orient yourself and anticipate what lies ahead.
Identifying and Dealing with Threats
The stronghold is not an empty shell; it’s home to several dangers.
Silverfish
These small, hostile insects are the stronghold’s primary residents. They spawn from infested blocks, which look almost identical to regular stone bricks but crumble to reveal a Silverfish when broken. Silverfish often attack in swarms, making them particularly dangerous. Use area-of-effect attacks like splash potions or sweeping sword attacks to deal with them effectively. Consider blocking off corridors to limit their numbers.
Cave Spiders
If your stronghold intersects with a mineshaft (a common occurrence), be wary of Cave Spiders. Their poisonous bite can quickly drain your health. Bring milk to cure the poison effect.
Lava Pockets
Lava frequently appears in strongholds, often hidden behind unassuming walls. Always be vigilant and listen for the telltale bubbling sound. Use your water bucket to neutralize lava flows before they become a hazard.
Traps
Pressure plates and tripwires might trigger hidden mechanisms, such as opening doors or releasing arrows. Pay close attention to your surroundings and disarm any traps you encounter.
Navigation Tips
The stronghold’s labyrinthine layout can easily disorient you. Employ these techniques to stay on track:
Torch Placement
Establish a consistent pattern for placing torches. For instance, always place them on the right side of the corridor as you proceed. Use different torch patterns to indicate explored versus unexplored areas.
Block Markers
Use distinctive blocks like wool or colored terracotta to mark important intersections or your path back to the entrance.
Mapping
Consider creating a mental map of the stronghold, noting key landmarks and connecting corridors. Alternatively, use an external tool or even a notebook to create a more detailed map.
Finding and Activating the End Portal
The ultimate goal is to locate and activate the End Portal. This requires patience, persistence, and a bit of luck.
The Eye of Ender’s Guidance
Review how Eyes of Ender function. When thrown, they fly in the direction of the nearest stronghold. Once you’re close enough, they will descend, indicating that you’re directly above it. Confirm that you’re indeed within the stronghold’s boundaries before proceeding further.
Locating the Portal Room
The End Portal room is typically situated deep within the stronghold. Follow the Eyes of Ender carefully. They will lead you to the general vicinity of the portal room. However, the exact location can still be tricky to pinpoint. Explore thoroughly, checking every corridor and room.
Activating the Portal
The End Portal consists of a series of End Portal Frames arranged in a rectangular shape. To activate the portal, you must fill each frame with an Eye of Ender. The number of Eyes of Ender already present in the frames varies, but often several are missing. If you don’t have enough Eyes of Ender, you’ll need to return to the surface and craft more by combining Ender Pearls with Blaze Powder. Right-click on each empty frame to insert an Eye of Ender. Once all frames are filled, the portal will activate, revealing a swirling black void – the gateway to the End.
Final Preparations Before Entering the End
You’re almost there! Before taking the plunge, conduct a final inventory check and ensure you’re fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
Last-Minute Inventory Check
Confirm that you have all the essential items: weapons, armor, ample food, potions, a stack of building blocks, and several Ender Pearls. Consider bringing extra beds to set respawn points in the End (a risky strategy but potentially advantageous).
Setting Your Spawn Point
Place a bed outside the stronghold entrance. This will ensure that you respawn close to the stronghold if you die in the End. It’s not possible to sleep inside the stronghold.
A Word of Caution
Entering the End is a significant commitment. Until you defeat the Ender Dragon or perish, you are essentially trapped in the End dimension. Be absolutely certain that you’re ready for a challenging and potentially lengthy battle before taking that final step.
Conclusion
You have now successfully located and activated the End Portal! Finding a stronghold what should I do is a question you can now answer yourself. This underground fortress presented numerous challenges, from navigating its labyrinthine corridors to battling hordes of Silverfish. But with careful preparation, strategic exploration, and a bit of courage, you have overcome these obstacles and stand ready to face the Ender Dragon.
Remember, the key to success lies in meticulous preparation. Make sure you have the right gear, the right potions, and the right mindset. The End is a dangerous place, but with the knowledge and resources you’ve gathered, you are well-equipped to conquer it. Now go forth, brave adventurer, and claim your victory! The rewards of defeating the Ender Dragon are substantial: an End Gateway to explore the outer End islands and a well-deserved sense of accomplishment. Good luck!
