Ocean monuments in Minecraft are vast, underwater structures brimming with unique challenges and valuable treasures. These imposing temples are primarily constructed from various prismarine blocks and are guarded by a host of aquatic enemies, making them a significant mid-to-late game objective for adventurers.
At its core, an Ocean Monument contains dangerous Elder Guardians, a substantial amount of gold blocks, and sometimes even valuable wet sponges.
Guardians and Elder Guardians: The Monument's Protectors
The most prominent inhabitants of an Ocean Monument are the Guardians and their more formidable counterparts, the Elder Guardians.
- Guardians: These hostile fish-like mobs patrol both the exterior and interior of the monument. They attack players with a laser beam and inflict the "Mining Fatigue" status effect when near the monument, severely slowing down mining speed.
- Elder Guardians: There are typically three Elder Guardians in each monument, each posing a unique threat.
- One Elder Guardian famously resides in the topmost room of the monument.
- The other two are generally found in specific wings or central areas, emitting a constant "Mining Fatigue III" effect on any player within a large radius, regardless of location within the monument. Defeating them removes this debilitating effect.
Structural Components and Materials
Ocean Monuments are architecturally complex structures built predominantly from various prismarine blocks. These include:
- Prismarine: The most common block, forming the walls and floors.
- Dark Prismarine: Often used for decorative accents and sometimes to encase valuable items.
- Prismarine Bricks: Provides a more refined texture, used for detailing.
- Sea Lanterns: These provide light throughout the monument, illuminating the murky depths. They are also a valuable source of light for players.
The Treasure Chamber: Gold at the Core
Deep within the central section of every Ocean Monument lies its most significant prize: the treasure chamber. This tall room is a key objective for any explorer.
- Gold Blocks: The treasure chamber is characterized by eight gold blocks meticulously encased in dark prismarine. These are a valuable resource, providing 72 gold ingots if all are mined. Mining these gold blocks often requires careful planning due to the presence of guardians and the Mining Fatigue effect.
Sponge Rooms: A Hidden Bounty
Occasionally, adventurers might stumble upon additional, specialized rooms within an Ocean Monument.
- Wet Sponges: Some monuments contain one or more unique rooms where approximately 30 wet sponges are found attached to the ceiling. These sponges are incredibly useful for draining water from build sites. When a wet sponge is mined, it can be dried in a furnace to become a regular sponge, ready for use.
What to Expect Inside an Ocean Monument
Navigating an Ocean Monument requires preparation and strategic thinking. Here's a quick overview of what you'll encounter:
| Feature | Description | Value/Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Guardians | Numerous hostile fish-like mobs, attack with laser beams and apply Mining Fatigue. | Constant threat, provide raw fish, prismarine shards/crystals upon defeat. |
| Elder Guardians | Three powerful boss-like mobs. One in the topmost room, others strategically placed. Inflict severe Mining Fatigue. | Defeating them removes Mining Fatigue, drops wet sponges, prismarine shards, and sometimes fish. |
| Gold Blocks | Eight gold blocks encased in dark prismarine within the central treasure chamber. | Primary valuable loot, can be crafted into gold ingots for various uses (e.g., golden apples, powered rails). |
| Wet Sponges | Found in occasional special rooms, approximately 30 on the ceiling. | Extremely useful for draining large bodies of water. Can be dried in a furnace for reuse. |
| Prismarine Blocks | Main building material (Prismarine, Dark Prismarine, Prismarine Bricks). | Decorative and functional building blocks, can be harvested for construction or crafting. |
| Sea Lanterns | Light sources embedded throughout the monument. | Provide ambient light, valuable light source for player bases. |
| Water-filled Corridors | The entire monument is submerged, requiring water breathing potions, enchantments, or conduits to explore effectively. | Creates a unique exploration challenge, necessitates specific gear or strategy. |
Exploring an Ocean Monument offers a thrilling challenge and a rich reward for any Minecraft player. For more details on these structures, you can visit the Minecraft Wiki on Fandom.
