Ocean Monuments in Minecraft: A Complete Guide

Finding Ocean Monuments

Ocean Monuments in Minecraft represent one of the game’s toughest aquatic challenges, but the rewards and the sheer satisfaction of overcoming the odds make them well worth conquering. These imposing structures, guarded by relentless creatures, hold valuable treasures and resources that can significantly enhance your Minecraft experience. Venturing into the depths to claim them is a test of skill, preparation, and courage.

This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to successfully locate, prepare for, and conquer an Ocean Monument in Minecraft. Whether you’re a newcomer just discovering the wonders of the game or an experienced player looking to optimize your strategy, this article will equip you with the knowledge to tackle these underwater fortresses head-on. We’ll cover location techniques, essential gear, combat strategies, loot details, and even some advanced tips for maximizing your gains.

Ocean Monuments are naturally generated structures found deep within the ocean biomes of Minecraft. They aren’t the most common sight, meaning stumbling upon one randomly can take quite some time. These structures typically appear in deep ocean biomes, identifiable by their vast expanse of dark water and a noticeable lack of landmasses.

One visual indicator can be the presence of dark prismarine blocks in the surrounding ocean floor. The monument extends into the ocean floor which means these blocks can be an early indicator that you are near the monument.

A common and more reliable method for pinpointing these submerged fortresses involves utilizing Cartographer Villagers. These villagers, identifiable by their paper hat, can be found in villages scattered across the Minecraft world. Engaging with them and trading emeralds will eventually allow you to purchase Ocean Explorer Maps. These maps, once acquired, will reveal the location of a nearby Ocean Monument on your in-game map. Keep in mind the cost can vary, but be prepared to spend a good amount of emeralds.

While cartographer maps are great, there are a few drawbacks. First, it will reveal the location of the closest ocean monument, which might be very far away from where you are located. Also, if you want to find another ocean monument, you will have to find another cartographer villager.

For players in Creative mode, a much faster method exists. The /locate command allows you to instantly pinpoint the coordinates of the nearest Ocean Monument. Simply type /locate structure minecraft:ocean_monument into the chat, and the game will provide you with the exact coordinates. This method is excellent for testing strategies or quickly finding a monument for building purposes in Creative mode.

Finding these monuments presents its own set of challenges. Underwater visibility can be limited, making it difficult to spot the structure from a distance. The vastness of the ocean means you might spend hours searching with no luck. And of course, the ocean depths are home to various hostile mobs that can pose a threat during your search.

Preparing for an Ocean Monument Raid

Preparation is key to a successful Ocean Monument raid. Diving in unprepared is a recipe for disaster, given the hostile environment and formidable guardians that await. Let’s discuss the essential gear and strategic planning required for a successful operation.

First and foremost, you’ll need appropriate armor. Diamond or Netherite armor is highly recommended, enchanted with the following enchantments: Respiration (to extend your underwater breathing time), Depth Strider (to increase your underwater movement speed), and Protection (for overall damage reduction).

For weapons, a sword enchanted with Sharpness, Smite, or Fire Aspect will be invaluable for dispatching the guardians. A bow enchanted with Power and Infinity (or Mending) is also recommended for ranged attacks. A trident with Impaling will also do very high damage to any aquatic mob.

Potions are also vital to success. Water Breathing potions are absolutely essential, allowing you to survive underwater for extended periods. Night Vision potions greatly improve underwater visibility, making it easier to navigate and spot enemies. Strength potions provide a significant boost to your melee damage, while Regeneration or Healing potions will help you recover from damage.

Be sure to carry a generous supply of high-saturation food such as steak or golden carrots. Maintaining your hunger level is critical for regenerating health while exploring and fighting.

Your inventory should be thoughtfully organized with some extra tools. Bring extra weapons and armor in case yours break or become damaged. You will need some sort of block to build temporary air pockets, so bring plenty of cobblestone or dirt. Buckets of water and lava can be useful for various purposes, such as creating temporary air pockets or dealing with guardians. You might need a pickaxe if you plan to mine any prismarine blocks.

Strategic planning is just as important as gear. Before diving in, consider your entry points. Are you going to swim in from the surface, or tunnel in from below? Plan how you’ll systematically clear each room of guardians, and devise a strategy for dealing with the Elder Guardians that reside within.

Inside the Ocean Monument: Enemies and Challenges

The Ocean Monument is guarded by two distinct types of hostile mobs: Guardians and Elder Guardians. Understanding their attack patterns and weaknesses is crucial for survival.

Guardians are the smaller, more common enemies found throughout the monument. They attack by firing laser beams that inflict damage over time. The key to avoiding these attacks is to strafe continuously, making it harder for them to lock on to you. Shields can also be used to block the laser beams, though they will take damage.

When fighting guardians, strafing is very important. Maintain a safe distance and use your bow to pick them off from afar. If you’re fighting them up close, use your sword and continuously strafe to avoid their attacks.

Guardians will drop prismarine shards, prismarine crystals, and raw fish upon death. These are essential ingredients for crafting prismarine blocks and conduits.

Elder Guardians are the three mini-bosses that reside within the Ocean Monument. Each one is located at the top and sides of the monument. These formidable foes possess a unique ability: they inflict Mining Fatigue on nearby players. This effect significantly slows down your mining speed, making it difficult to break blocks and escape.

The best way to counter Mining Fatigue is to drink a bucket of milk. This will temporarily remove the effect, allowing you to move and mine normally.

When fighting the Elder Guardians, use blocks for cover to avoid their laser attacks. Ranged attacks with a bow are also effective, but be sure to move quickly to avoid their beams. Clear the area around them ahead of time to ensure you have enough room to fight.

Clearing the Ocean Monument: Step-by-Step Strategies

Once you’re properly prepared, it’s time to venture inside and begin clearing the Ocean Monument. Here’s a step-by-step strategy to help you succeed:

Begin by dealing with the guardians patrolling the perimeter of the monument. Establish a safe zone near your entry point where you can retreat if needed.

Next, systematically clear each room of guardians. A good approach is to clear the perimeter first, then move towards the central area. A very important technique for gaining a temporary air pocket is to use doors or signs. By placing the door or sign on a wall, you can create an air pocket behind it.

Tactics for fighting the Elder Guardians depend on their locations. Always remember to drink milk to remove the mining fatigue.

Ocean Monument Loot and Rewards

The primary reward for conquering an Ocean Monument is the loot found within the Gold Room. This room is usually located near the top of the monument. The Gold Room contains numerous gold blocks and a good amount of sponges.

Elder Guardians will drop a sponge and prismarine crystals upon death. Guardians also drop Prismarine Shards and Crystals.

After Conquering the Monument

Once you’ve conquered the Ocean Monument, you can put your newfound resources to good use. Prismarine shards and crystals can be used to craft various prismarine blocks, which are excellent building materials.

Sponges can be used to dry out areas of water, allowing you to create underwater bases or explore flooded areas more easily.

For the advanced players, you can set up a guardian farm to collect unlimited Prismarine.

Tips and Tricks

Consider placing beacons to provide regeneration or strength.

Conduits can also provide water breathing, night vision, and strength.

Shields will help block guardian attacks.

If you find dolphins, you can be given the Dolphin’s Grace buff which increases swim speed.

A loyalty trident will return to you after throwing it.

An impaling trident will deal increased damage to aquatic mobs.

Conclusion

Ocean Monuments in Minecraft represent a significant challenge, but the rewards and prestige associated with conquering them make the effort worthwhile. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can confidently venture into the depths, defeat the guardians, and claim the treasures within. Now that you’re armed with the knowledge, it’s time to dive in and conquer an Ocean Monument in your own world. Go forth and explore!