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Biomes7 min read

Finding and surviving the deep dark

The deep dark holds the best loot in the Overworld and its most dangerous mob. Here is how to find it, loot it and leave without waking the Warden.

Minecraft screenshot: Finding and surviving the deep dark

Where to find it

The deep dark generates far underground, mostly below Y 0 under mountains. Ancient cities sit inside it at around Y -51. Look for sculk spreading across the cave floor.

Dark cave covered in sculk with glowing sensors and ancient city ruins
Glowing sculk sensors mean you are close to an ancient city.

How the Warden is summoned

Sculk sensors pick up vibrations like walking, placing blocks and opening chests. They trigger sculk shriekers, and the fourth warning summons the Warden.

Stay quiet

  • Sneak everywhere. Sneaking does not set off sensors.
  • Place wool on sensors. Wool blocks vibrations from reaching them.
  • Bring blocks to wall yourself in if a Warden appears.
  • Bring a Night Vision potion so you can see when the Darkness effect hits.

Loot worth the risk

Ancient city chests
  • Swift Sneak booksOnly here
  • Echo shardsRecovery compass
  • Enchanted golden applesRare
  • Diamond gearEnchanted