How to Find Ancient Cities in Minecraft
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Minecraft
Finding ancient cities in Minecraft
Tips
Ancient Cities are one of the most dangerous structures in Minecraft — the Warden that patrols them is the strongest mob in the game and is designed to be avoided, not fought. The loot is worth the risk though: Swift Sneak is an exclusive enchantment that lets you move faster while crouching, and Echo Shards are used to craft the Recovery Compass which points to where you last died. Ancient Cities also contain unique sculk blocks and deepslate bricks not found anywhere else.
⚡ Quick Answer
Step by Step
Ancient Cities generate deep underground at Y: -52 inside the Deep Dark biome. Use the command /locate structure ancient_city to find the nearest one instantly. Without commands, dig straight down in a flat area until Y: -52, then mine horizontally looking for Sculk blocks — they mark the Deep Dark biome.
1
Use /locate (fastest method). Open chat and type /locate structure ancient_city. This gives you exact coordinates. Cheats must be enabled on your world. Travel to those coordinates and dig down to Y: -52.
2
Without commands — find a flat biome. Ancient Cities generate more often under flat biomes like Plains, Meadows and Snowy Plains. Avoid mountains and ocean areas — the terrain depth makes them harder to access.
3
Dig down to Y: -52. Use F3 to check your Y coordinate. Once you reach this depth start mining horizontally in a grid pattern. Ancient Cities are large — roughly 220×180 blocks — so you won’t miss one if you’re at the right depth.
4
Look for Sculk blocks. Sculk is a dark blue-black block that only generates in the Deep Dark biome. If you start seeing Sculk while mining, you’re in the right area. Follow it — it leads toward the Ancient City.
5
Move silently once inside. The Warden spawns when you trigger Sculk Shriekers — the flower-like blocks on the floor. If you want stronger gear before exploring, check how to level up quickly. Crouch (Shift) at all times to avoid activating them. The Warden is extremely dangerous and nearly impossible to kill early game.
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Bring a Silk Touch pickaxe — many Ancient City blocks including Sculk Catalysts are only obtainable with Silk Touch.
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Wool blocks silence your footsteps — place wool under your feet as you walk to avoid triggering Sculk Sensors.
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If the Warden spawns, run — don’t fight it. It has 500 HP and deals massive damage. Escape through a different tunnel.
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The main reward is the Swift Sneak enchantment book and Echo Shards for the Recovery Compass — both only found here.