Ever come back to your Minecraft base to find your perfectly arranged garden scattered? Perhaps your carefully constructed path is missing a few key pieces, leaving unsightly dirt patches in their wake? The culprit is often the enigmatic Enderman, that tall, slender creature with a penchant for picking up and relocating blocks seemingly at random. While they add a touch of chaos and challenge to the game, their block-moving habits can be incredibly frustrating, especially when they target your meticulously planned structures. But fear not, Minecraft player! This article delves deep into the limitations of Endermen, revealing exactly which blocks they *cannot* pick up and move, arming you with the knowledge to build defenses and reclaim your peaceful Minecraft existence.
Endermen are a unique mob in Minecraft, known for their teleportation abilities and their habit of picking up blocks. This behavior, while integral to their character, can be a significant annoyance for players. Imagine spending hours crafting a beautiful garden, only to have an Enderman decide that a dirt block would look better somewhere else. Understanding what blocks Endermen *can’t* interact with is vital for mitigating this nuisance and creating structures that are resistant to their unwanted modifications. It’s not just about aesthetics; strategically using unmovable blocks can protect vital resources and even deter Endermen from lingering near your base.
This comprehensive guide will explore the blocks that are immune to Endermen’s sticky fingers, explain the underlying game mechanics that dictate their behavior, and provide practical tips for incorporating this knowledge into your base design. Prepare to say goodbye to rearranged landscapes and hello to a more stable, Enderman-proof Minecraft world.
The Enderman’s Limitations: What Blocks Can’t They Carry?
While Endermen seem to possess the power to manipulate their surroundings, their abilities are surprisingly constrained. A significant number of blocks are completely immune to their block-grabbing whims. Let’s explore the key materials that provide a solid defense against Enderman interference.
Bedrock
Perhaps the most obvious entry on this list, bedrock is completely immovable by any entity within the game, including the mighty Enderman. Bedrock forms the very foundation of the Minecraft world, the unyielding barrier at the bottom of the Overworld and the top and bottom of the Nether. Its purpose is to define the boundaries of the playable area, preventing players (and mobs) from falling into the void. Because it is literally part of the game’s foundational structure, the question of whether or not an Enderman can pick it up is immediately moot. The game engine simply doesn’t allow it.
Nether Portal Frame
Nether Portal Frames, while similar in appearance to Obsidian, have different properties when it comes to interactions with mobs. Endermen won’t be picking up these blocks anytime soon. This comes down to the way that the Nether Portal Frames function within the game’s code. It is designated as a structure block that can’t be moved by regular mob AI.
Anything Placed by Player in Adventure Mode
Adventure mode in Minecraft is designed for players to experience pre-built worlds and stories with restrictions on block placement and breaking. If a block is placed in adventure mode by the player, it cannot be picked up by an Enderman. This is because Adventure Mode inherently limits interactions with the environment, preventing alterations that could disrupt the intended gameplay experience. The block’s properties are essentially locked, making them immune to the Enderman’s block-moving behavior.
Anything Placed by Structure Block or World Gen
Similarly to Adventure Mode, blocks that are placed as part of the initial world generation, or by a structure block cannot be picked up by Endermen. These blocks are flagged within the game’s code as being integral to the world’s design, and are therefore protected from being moved by any standard entity interaction. This ensures that generated structures like villages, temples, and strongholds remain intact and unchanged by wandering Endermen.
Any Naturally Generating Block That Isn’t in Their Pick Up List
The key to understanding what Endermen can and cannot pick up lies in a simple list programmed into the game. This list, within the Minecraft code, specifies the exact types of blocks that Endermen are allowed to interact with. If a naturally generating block isn’t on this list, Endermen simply ignore it. This list is relatively short and mostly includes blocks like dirt, grass, sand, gravel, and some flowers. The majority of blocks, particularly those more valuable or complex, are excluded.
Blocks Affixed to the Ground
Certain blocks, by their very nature, are not designed to be easily moved. While not explicitly programmed as unpickable by Endermen (though some might be covered above), they effectively act as such due to their behavior. Examples include things like large Mushrooms that are directly attached to the ground and grow out from that spot. Endermen are less likely to disrupt these structures due to how these specific blocks interact with the ground.
Why Can’t Endermen Pick These Up? (Technical Explanation)
The reason why Endermen are selective about which blocks they can pick up boils down to the underlying game mechanics. Minecraft’s code defines a specific set of rules governing mob behavior, including block interaction. Endermen operate within these rules, adhering to a designated “whitelist” of blocks they are permitted to manipulate.
This whitelist is essentially a data list stored within the game’s files. Each block type is represented by a unique identifier. When an Enderman attempts to pick up a block, the game checks whether that block’s identifier is present on the whitelist. If it is, the Enderman can pick it up; if not, the attempt is rejected.
This system ensures that Endermen don’t disrupt critical aspects of the game world. Allowing them to move any block indiscriminately could lead to significant problems, such as dismantling essential structures or breaking the game’s physics. The whitelist approach provides a controlled and balanced level of environmental interaction.
While the default whitelist is determined by the game’s developers, it’s worth noting that modding can alter this behavior. Modders can create custom mods that either add blocks to the Endermen’s pickup list or completely remove their ability to carry blocks altogether. This opens up possibilities for customizing the game experience and adjusting the challenge posed by Endermen.
Practical Applications: Enderman-Proofing Your Builds
Now that you understand the limitations of Endermen block-picking, let’s explore how you can apply this knowledge to protect your precious creations. Strategically using unmovable blocks can significantly reduce the risk of Endermen interfering with your base, garden, or any other structure you build.
Base Design Strategies
* Solid Foundations: When building your base, consider starting with a foundation made of Endermen-proof blocks such as stone brick, cobblestone, or even obsidian. This will prevent them from removing the blocks underneath your structure, causing collapses or unwanted modifications.
* Perimeter Protection: Construct a perimeter wall around your base using unmovable materials. This acts as a physical barrier, preventing Endermen from accessing the blocks within your compound. A wall only a few blocks high can be effective, as Endermen don’t typically jump or climb over obstacles.
* Elevated Builds: Consider building your base high above the ground. While Endermen can teleport, they are less likely to target blocks that are significantly elevated. This provides an added layer of protection, as they would need to expend extra effort to reach your structure.
* Biome Awareness: Endermen spawn more frequently in certain biomes, such as deserts and the End dimension. If you’re building in one of these biomes, take extra precautions to Enderman-proof your base.
Garden Protection
* Enclosed Gardens: The most effective way to protect your garden from Endermen is to enclose it with a fence or wall made of unmovable blocks. This prevents them from accessing the soil and plants within, ensuring that your crops remain undisturbed.
* Strategic Lighting: Endermen tend to avoid well-lit areas. Place torches, lanterns, or other light sources around your garden to deter them from approaching. While this won’t completely prevent them from entering, it can significantly reduce their frequency.
* Unmovable Paths: Instead of using dirt paths around your garden, opt for stone brick, cobblestone, or other unmovable materials. This prevents Endermen from replacing your pathways with random blocks, maintaining the aesthetic integrity of your garden.
Avoiding Annoyance
* Block Replacement: If you find that Endermen are constantly moving a particular type of block near your base, consider replacing it with an unmovable alternative. For example, if they keep moving dirt blocks, replace them with stone blocks or slabs.
* Strategic Placement: Pay attention to the blocks that Endermen tend to target and avoid placing them in vulnerable areas. For example, if they frequently move grass blocks, avoid using them as part of your base design.
Common Misconceptions About Endermen and Blocks
There are several common misconceptions about Endermen and the types of blocks they can pick up. Let’s clarify some of these myths.
* Endermen can’t pick up diamond blocks: This is false. While Endermen cannot pick up most valuable blocks, diamond blocks are not specifically excluded from their pickup list. However, the rarity of diamond blocks means that Endermen are unlikely to encounter them frequently.
* Endermen can only pick up dirt blocks: This is also false. Endermen can pick up a variety of blocks, including dirt, grass, sand, gravel, and some flowers. The key factor is whether the block is on their designated pickup list.
* Endermen can’t teleport into enclosed spaces: This is generally true, but not always. Endermen require a certain amount of space to teleport successfully. However, they can sometimes teleport into small spaces if they are standing close enough to the edge.
Conclusion
Understanding the limitations of Endermen’s block-picking behavior is essential for building a secure and aesthetically pleasing base in Minecraft. By utilizing unmovable blocks strategically, you can protect your creations from unwanted modifications and reclaim your peaceful Minecraft existence. Remember, a well-designed base that takes Endermen behavior into account is a base that will stand the test of time.
So, now you’re armed with the knowledge of what blocks Endermen can’t move, go forth and build your dream base! Experiment with different designs, incorporate unmovable materials strategically, and create a Minecraft world that is both beautiful and resistant to the whims of these teleporting block-lovers. Happy building!
