How to Obtain Ender Pearls in Minecraft: A Master Guide

The shimmering, purplish Ender Pearl is a vital item in Minecraft, acting as both a teleportation device and a key ingredient in crafting the all-important Eye of Ender. Acquiring these pearls is crucial for progressing through the game and ultimately facing the Ender Dragon. So, how do you get your hands on them? The primary method is by defeating Endermen, those tall, shadowy figures that teleport away if you look at them directly.

Hunting Endermen: The Primary Source

Locating Endermen

Endermen naturally spawn in various dimensions, but their spawn rates differ considerably.

• The Overworld: You can find them in any biome, though they are more common in warped forests and deserts. They spawn most frequently at night, with their numbers depending on the moon phase (more on full moons).
• The Nether: Warped forests are the primary location for Endermen to spawn in the Nether, making them significantly easier to find than in other Nether biomes.
• The End: This dimension is absolutely teeming with Endermen. Once you’ve activated the End Portal, you’ll have no trouble finding them here.

The Art of Enderman Engagement

Fighting Endermen requires a specific strategy to avoid frustration and unnecessary damage.

• Avoid Direct Eye Contact: This is the golden rule. Looking directly at an Enderman’s head will provoke it, causing it to shriek and aggressively pursue you. The best way to avoid accidental provocation is to look at their legs.
• Water’s Your Best Friend: Endermen take damage from water. Standing in water will prevent them from teleporting directly to you, forcing them to find another path and making them easier to hit.
• Enclosed Spaces: Fighting Endermen in a small, enclosed space can be effective. Their teleportation abilities become less useful, and you can consistently land hits. Build a small shelter or use a naturally occurring cave.
• Pumpkin Head: Wearing a carved pumpkin on your head will prevent Endermen from becoming hostile, even if you look directly at them. However, this obscures your vision, making combat more challenging. This is generally a less effective method than simply avoiding eye contact.
• Weaponry: A strong sword is recommended. Enchantments like Sharpness, Smite (especially in the End), and Looting can greatly increase your chances of success and improve the number of Ender Pearls you acquire per kill.

Increasing Your Yield: Looting and Beyond

Maximizing the number of Ender Pearls you obtain is key.

• Looting Enchantment: The Looting enchantment on your sword significantly increases the chance of Endermen dropping Ender Pearls. Looting III is highly desirable.
• Luck of the Sea: This enchantment only applies to fishing.
• Cats: Bringing a tamed cat with you can scare Endermen.

Other Methods of Obtaining Ender Pearls

While hunting Endermen is the most reliable method, there are alternative, albeit less consistent, ways to acquire Ender Pearls.

Trading with Piglins

In the Nether, Piglins may offer Ender Pearls in exchange for gold ingots. This is a random occurrence, and the number of Ender Pearls you receive is also variable. The advantage is that it provides a safer alternative to actively hunting Endermen, especially early in the game. Throwing a gold ingot at a Piglins triggers the trade.

Bartering with Breeds

Bees and Cats can be bred and brought into the Nether to trade.

Chest Loot

Ender Pearls can sometimes be found as loot in chests within:

• Abandoned Mineshafts
• Desert Temples
• Strongholds

However, the chance of finding them this way is relatively low, and relying solely on chest loot is not an efficient strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the drop rate of Ender Pearls from Endermen?

The base drop rate is 50% (1 Ender Pearl per kill). The Looting enchantment increases this. Looting III can bring the average drop rate to about 87.5%, and increases the number of Ender Pearls dropped by 0-3.

2. Do Endermen always teleport away when I hit them?

Not always. They teleport when damaged or when they become hostile if you’ve looked at them. Their teleportation ability has a cooldown. Using a weapon with high knockback can sometimes prevent them from teleporting immediately after being hit.

3. Are Ender Pearls stackable?

Yes, Ender Pearls stack up to 16 in a single inventory slot.

4. Can I farm Endermen?

Yes, Enderman farms are a common and efficient way to gather large quantities of Ender Pearls. The most effective farms are typically built in The End, exploiting the high Enderman spawn rates in that dimension.

5. How do I make an Eye of Ender?

Combine one Ender Pearl with one Blaze Powder (obtained from Blazes in the Nether) in a crafting table.

6. What is the Eye of Ender used for?

The Eye of Ender is primarily used to locate Strongholds, which contain the End Portal. You throw the Eye of Ender into the air, and it will fly in the direction of the nearest Stronghold. It’s also required to activate the End Portal itself.

7. Can Endermen pick up any block?

No, they can only pick up certain blocks. The most common include dirt, grass, sand, gravel, red sand, and a few flower types.

8. Do Endermen spawn more frequently during a full moon?

Yes, Endermen spawn rates increase during a full moon in the Overworld.

9. Can Endermen teleport through solid blocks?

No, Endermen cannot teleport through solid blocks. They need a valid space to teleport to.

10. What’s the best way to transport Endermen?

Endermen can be transported using minecarts. Lure them onto a minecart track, and they will remain in the minecart even when teleporting.

11. Are there any advancements related to Ender Pearls?

Yes, there is an advancement called “Eye Spy” for throwing an Eye of Ender to locate a Stronghold.

12. How can I prevent Endermen from despawning?

Endermen will not despawn if they are holding an item, or are named using a name tag.

By mastering these strategies and understanding the nuances of Enderman behavior, you’ll be well-equipped to amass a vast collection of Ender Pearls and conquer the challenges that await in the world of Minecraft. Happy hunting!