How to Summon a Wandering Trader That Doesn’t Despawn in Minecraft

The key to summoning a wandering trader that doesn’t despawn in Minecraft involves a combination of the /summon command, adjusting its DespawnDelay, and using a name tag. First, summon the trader using the command: /summon wandering_trader ~ ~ ~ {DespawnDelay:2147483647}. This command summons a wandering trader and sets its DespawnDelay to the maximum integer value, effectively preventing it from despawning naturally. Second, apply a name tag to the trader. This prevents despawning even if the DespawnDelay somehow resets.

Understanding Wandering Traders and Despawning

Wandering traders are unique mobs in Minecraft that offer players a chance to acquire rare and unusual items. Unlike villagers, they don’t stay in one place and will eventually despawn, taking their llamas and valuable goods with them. Understanding the mechanics behind their spawning and despawning is crucial to keeping one around permanently.

Natural Despawning Behavior

By default, a wandering trader spawns with a timer, typically lasting between 40 to 60 minutes (48000 to 72000 ticks). After this time expires, the trader will despawn, even if you’ve traded with them or contained them. This behavior can be frustrating for players who want to establish a consistent source of specific items. The only way to prevent this is to manipulate the DespawnDelay and use a name tag.

The Importance of DespawnDelay

The /summon command in Minecraft allows players to control various attributes of the mobs they create, including the DespawnDelay. This value determines how long the mob will remain in the world before despawning. When a wandering trader is summoned with the standard /summon wandering_trader command, the DespawnDelay defaults to 0 or a relatively low number, which means it will despawn after its normal timer. By setting the DespawnDelay to a very high number, like the maximum integer value (2147483647), you essentially tell the game never to remove the trader automatically.

The Power of Name Tags

While setting the DespawnDelay is essential, it is not foolproof. Bugs or glitches in the game could potentially reset the DespawnDelay value. To ensure that your wandering trader remains permanently, you should also give it a name tag. Naming a mob prevents it from despawning regardless of other conditions, serving as a reliable backup method.

Step-by-Step Guide to Summoning a Permanent Wandering Trader

Follow these steps to summon a wandering trader that will never despawn:

1. Enable Cheats: Ensure cheats are enabled in your Minecraft world. This is usually done when creating a new world or by opening the world to LAN with cheats enabled.

2. Open the Chat Window: Press the ‘T’ key to open the chat window.

3. Enter the Summon Command: Type the following command into the chat window: /summon wandering_trader ~ ~ ~ {DespawnDelay:2147483647}. The ~ ~ ~ specifies the current location for the trader to spawn.

4. Execute the Command: Press Enter to execute the command. A wandering trader should appear at your location.

5. Prepare a Name Tag: Obtain a name tag from a dungeon, mineshaft, or by trading with villagers.

6. Rename the Name Tag: Place the name tag in an anvil and rename it to something of your choosing.

7. Apply the Name Tag: Right-click on the summoned wandering trader with the renamed name tag in your hand. The trader should now have a name displayed above its head.

8. Secure the Trader: Consider building an enclosure to prevent the trader from wandering too far or being attacked by hostile mobs.

By following these steps, you will have successfully summoned a wandering trader that is immune to natural despawning. The high DespawnDelay and the name tag ensure its permanent presence in your world.

Additional Considerations

• Llama Management: Remember that the wandering trader always comes with two llamas. These llamas will also despawn if not named. Apply name tags to the llamas as well to ensure they stick around. Alternatively, you can leash them to a fence post to keep them in place.

• Trade Quality: Keep in mind that killing wandering traders can negatively impact the spawn rate and trade quality of future traders. While summoning one for permanent residence is beneficial, avoid unnecessary harm to others that may spawn naturally.

• World Settings: Ensure that mob spawning is enabled in your world settings. If mob spawning is disabled, no wandering traders will appear, regardless of your commands.

• Bedrock vs. Java: The commands and mechanics are generally consistent between Bedrock and Java editions of Minecraft. However, slight variations might exist due to version differences. Always test commands in a creative world before implementing them in your survival world.

Minecraft offers a variety of ways to customize your gaming experience, and summoning a permanent wandering trader is just one example. The game encourages creativity and problem-solving, making it a favorite among players of all ages. If you’re interested in further exploring the educational aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society website. Learn more about how games enhance education at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do wandering traders always despawn?

Yes, under normal circumstances, wandering traders will despawn after 40-60 minutes (48000-72000 game ticks). This is part of their intended behavior unless you manipulate their DespawnDelay and/or give them a name tag.

2. How do you spawn a wandering trader in survival mode without commands?

Wandering traders spawn naturally in the game world after a certain amount of time has passed. Typically, one will spawn within a few in-game days. There is no way to directly force a natural spawn without using commands.

3. Will named mobs despawn in Minecraft?

No, named mobs will not despawn in Minecraft. Applying a name tag is a reliable method to prevent despawning, regardless of other factors like DespawnDelay.

4. Do wandering traders despawn if you put them in a boat or minecart?

Yes, putting a wandering trader in a boat or minecart will not prevent them from despawning if their DespawnDelay timer expires. You must use the command to set a higher DespawnDelay and apply a name tag for permanent retention.

5. Does killing a wandering trader affect future spawns?

Yes, killing a wandering trader can negatively impact the spawn rate and trade quality of future traders. The game uses a system similar to Village Popularity, where killing a trader decreases this value.

6. Why did my wandering trader disappear even though I trapped it?

Trapping a wandering trader only prevents it from wandering away; it does not stop the despawn timer. Without altering the DespawnDelay or using a name tag, it will still despawn after the set time.

7. Can wandering traders breed with villagers?

No, wandering traders cannot breed with villagers. They are a separate type of mob with no breeding capabilities.

8. Do wandering traders sell rare items?

Yes, wandering traders are known for selling rare items that can be difficult to obtain through other means. These can include saplings for different tree types, unique decorative blocks, and other valuable resources.

9. Can wandering traders open doors?

Wandering Traders will open doors in attempts to trade with someone new, but they cannot open Iron doors like most mobs.

10. Do wandering traders run out of trades?

Yes, similar to villagers, the wandering trader will lock a trade after the player has purchased it several times But unlike villagers the wandering trader cannot unlock those trades again. After a while the trader will despawn and another one will eventually show up.

11. Does killing the llamas affect the wandering trader spawning?

Killing the llamas of a wandering trader has the same effect as killing the trader itself. Killing the llamas can negatively impact the spawn rate and trade quality of future traders.

12. Do wandering traders sleep?

No, wandering traders do not sleep. They will remain active throughout the night, often drinking invisibility potions to protect themselves from hostile mobs.

13. Can I cure a zombie wandering trader?

No, wandering traders cannot become zombie villagers. The zombie villager transformation only applies to regular villagers.

14. How far away can I go from a wandering trader without it despawning if I used the command?

If you’ve successfully used the command to set the DespawnDelay to a very high number and applied a name tag, you can travel an unlimited distance from the wandering trader without it despawning.

15. Are wandering trader trades worth it?

The worth of wandering trader trades varies. Some trades offer rare and valuable items that are difficult to obtain elsewhere, while others may be overpriced or less useful. It’s important to carefully evaluate each trade before committing your emeralds.