Are you eager to conquer Minecraft and become a speedrunner or gather rare resources right from the start? The secret to achieving both lies in swiftly locating a Minecraft Stronghold. This comprehensive guide equips you with three effective methods to find a Stronghold, applicable in both Minecraft Java and Bedrock editions. Let’s get started!
What is a Stronghold in Minecraft?
A Stronghold refers to a significant structure that generates underground in the Overworld of Minecraft. It houses numerous rooms, libraries, and is crucially the location of the End portal. This portal enables you to access the End dimension, home to the formidable Ender Dragon.
Strongholds primarily form below ground, and while some may appear underwater, they remain shielded from water exposure. In Bedrock Edition, Strongholds most commonly spawn under villages, whereas in Java Edition, they appear randomly every 2000-3000 blocks.
Interestingly, Strongholds do not have a fixed height but are usually found between the base level (Y=0) and the Bedrock level (Y=-64). Our extensive testing with various Minecraft seeds confirms that this is where you’ll predominantly find Strongholds.
How to Find a Stronghold in Minecraft (2025)
You can uncover Strongholds in Minecraft through three primary methods:
- Using Ender Pearls: The most authentic way to find a Stronghold in Survival mode without cheats.
- Map Tool: Utilize online tools to analyze your seed code for locating Strongholds.
- Commands: If you enable cheats, you can retrieve coordinates for the nearest Stronghold instantly.
Method 1: Find a Stronghold Using Eye of Ender
Items Required
To effectively locate a Stronghold in Survival mode, gather the following:
- An iron pickaxe (or stronger)
- 3 Eyes of Ender (you’ll need 12 more to activate the End portal)
Since Strongholds lie underground, you need a pickaxe to dig. But first, you must use Eyes of Ender, crafted from blaze powder and ender pearls, to pinpoint where to dig.
Using Eye of Ender
Now that you have your Eyes of Ender, follow these steps to locate Strongholds:
- In the Overworld, throw an Eye of Ender using your secondary action key. It will soar up to 12 blocks towards the nearest Stronghold.
- If the Stronghold is distant, the Eye will float upward.
- Conversely, if it’s nearby, the Eye will descend and may lead you underground. Be prepared to dig.
- If the Eye is heading directly to a spot, that’s where you should dig.
- Keep in mind that the Eye of Ender can shatter randomly during use, so carry more than 12 to ensure you have enough for your journey.
Method 2: Using Seed Codes and Online Map Tools
To find Strongholds through your seed code:
- First, determine your Minecraft world’s seed using the “/seed” command.
- Next, visit the Chunkbase map analyzer and paste your seed code.
- Select your game version and set the dimension to “Overworld.”
- The map will display all Strongholds in your seed marked with the Eye of Ender icon. Click the icons for specific coordinates.
Easiest Method to Find a Stronghold (Cheats and Commands)
If you prefer not to search laboriously, activating cheats provides a simple way to locate Strongholds:
- First, enable cheats in your world settings.
- In Java Edition, go to the pause menu and access LAN settings. For Bedrock Edition, toggle “Activate Cheats” in world settings.
After enabling cheats, enter the command:
/locate structure stronghold
- This command reveals the coordinates of the nearest Stronghold.
Use the teleport command to reach these coordinates instantly:
/tp <x coordinate value> <y coordinate value> <z coordinate value>
- Alternatively, switch to spectator mode and glide through the ground to find the structure easily.
Now that you can reach a Stronghold, venture into the End dimension! Don’t forget to prepare potions and enchantments for your quest. What other methods do you think could be effective for finding Strongholds? Share your thoughts!
Why can’t I find the Stronghold?
If you’re having trouble locating a Stronghold, consider expanding your search radius. It’s usually helpful to travel further before tossing another Eye of Ender.
What depth is the Stronghold at?
There isn’t a specific depth for Strongholds, but searching below Y=0 is effective.
How many Eyes of Ender do you need for a Stronghold?
For more tips and strategies, keep exploring related content on Moyens I/O.