Will Destroying a Pillager Outpost Stop Pillager Spawns?

The simple answer is: No, destroying a pillager outpost will not stop pillagers from spawning in the area. While demolishing the tower might feel like a victory, it only addresses the physical structure, not the underlying spawning mechanics. Pillagers are persistent, and their spawns are tied to a specific area around the outpost, not the outpost itself. Even if you dismantle every block, the game’s spawning algorithm will continue to attempt to generate them within a defined space. Let’s delve deeper into why this happens and what you can do about it.

Understanding Pillager Spawn Mechanics

The Spawn Area

Pillagers don’t just randomly appear. They spawn within a 71x71x71 cube centered on the location of the pillager outpost’s top floor in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, they spawn within a 72x54x72 block volume, also centered on the top floor. This means the spawn area extends both above and below the ground level of the outpost. Whether the tower remains or not, this designated zone will continue to try and generate pillagers.

Block Requirements

Pillagers, like many hostile mobs, have specific spawning requirements. They can spawn on any valid opaque block (except leaves) as long as:

• The sky light level is 11 or lower.
• The block light level is 8 or lower.

However, there’s an exception. Pillagers can also spawn on grass blocks or sand regardless of the sky light level, making these blocks particularly problematic around outposts. This is why simply illuminating the area, while helpful, isn’t a foolproof solution.

Patrols vs. Outpost Spawns

It’s important to distinguish between pillagers spawning directly at the outpost and pillager patrols. Pillager patrols are groups that spawn attempting to pathfind to a village or an outpost. They have a 20% chance of spawning every 10 minutes. While these patrols might pass through your area, their spawning is not tied directly to the outpost location itself the same way that outpost spawns are.

Effective Strategies to Control Pillager Spawns

So, if destroying the outpost doesn’t work, what does? Here’s a breakdown of proven strategies:

Block Replacement

This is the most effective method. You need to replace all grass and sand blocks within the pillager spawn zone with other materials like cobblestone, wood, or any other opaque block. By doing so, you are eliminating the special exception for grass and sand and forcing pillager spawns to obey the block light level rule. Then, light up the area with torches or other light sources to bring the block light level to 9 or higher, effectively preventing their spawns on the replaced blocks.

Comprehensive Lighting

While not a complete solution on its own, lighting up the area thoroughly is crucial. Ensure that the block light level is 9 or greater on all potential spawning surfaces within the spawn volume. This includes the area beneath the outpost and any caves nearby. Combining this with block replacement is the best way to control pillager spawning.

Pacifying the Outpost in Java Edition

In Java Edition, it’s possible to “pacify” some of the pillagers. After removing grass and sand blocks and lighting the area, you can break the crossbows of any remaining pillagers. This doesn’t prevent new spawns but may make the area safer. However, keep in mind this will not last and as new spawns arrive, there will be more pillagers with crossbows.

Transforming the Outpost

Many players choose to transform pillager outposts into bases. By clearing the area, lighting it up, and replacing the problematic blocks, you can reclaim the area for your purposes. This takes time and effort but provides a unique and defensible location.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about pillagers and their outposts:

1. How long does it take for pillagers to respawn at outposts?

The game attempts to spawn a pillager patrol every 10 minutes with a 20% success rate. However, this is different from the continuous spawning that occurs at an outpost. Within the outpost’s spawn zone, pillagers will attempt to spawn continuously if the appropriate conditions are met.

2. Do ominous banners attract pillagers?

No, ominous banners do not attract pillagers. However, acquiring a banner involves killing a pillager captain, which will grant you the Bad Omen effect.

3. Do pillager outposts have a secret room?

Yes, pillager outposts often have a secret room beneath the structure. This room usually contains a ravager and an illlusioner, as well as a chest with valuable loot that scales with difficulty.

4. What are the blue things at pillager outposts?

The “blue things” are called Allays. They are hunted by illagers and can sometimes be found caged at pillager outposts. They are useful for sorting items.

5. What blocks can pillagers not spawn on?

Pillagers cannot spawn on blocks that emit a light level of 14 or greater. They also do not spawn on leaves.

6. Do pillager outposts always spawn next to villages?

Pillager outposts and villages can generate in similar biomes, but their generation is independent. Finding them near each other is purely coincidental.

7. How do you increase pillager spawn rate?

To increase pillager spawn rates, you can simply stay on top of the outpost and within the spawn zone so they can be spawned without other spawning locations interfering. By remaining within this zone, all mob spawns are concentrated.

8. Do pillager raids ever end?

Yes, raids have a time limit. If a raid goes on for 48,000 ticks (40 minutes), the raid will expire, though any remaining illagers will stay until killed.

9. Can you cure a pillager?

No, you cannot cure a pillager. You can, however, cure a zombie villager back into a normal villager with a golden apple and weakness.

10. How long does the pillager curse (Bad Omen) last?

The Bad Omen effect can last up to 1 hour and 40 minutes and is acquired by killing a raid captain or pillager patrol leader.

11. Why do pillagers keep spawning at my base?

Pillagers might spawn at your base if you have a village nearby. In Minecraft a village requires at least one villager and a bell. If these conditions are met, pillager patrols will attempt to find your “village”. Pillagers also spawn around outposts regardless of light levels on sand and grass.

12. How do you stop bad omens in Minecraft?

You can remove the Bad Omen status effect by drinking a bucket of milk.

13. Do pillagers just randomly spawn?

While they may appear randomly, pillager spawns are governed by specific rules. They spawn continuously within the defined area around outposts and in patrols around the world.

14. What do pillagers hate?

Pillagers are hostile towards players, iron golems, wandering traders, and adult villagers.

15. Is there anything good in a Pillager outpost?

Pillager outposts contain chests with a chance of good loot, such as arrows, bottles o’ enchanting, and carrots. The secret room beneath is where the best loot is.

Conclusion

Destroying a pillager outpost will not stop pillagers from spawning. The key to managing them is understanding their spawn mechanics. By replacing problematic blocks, lighting the area thoroughly, and understanding the distinction between outpost spawns and patrols, you can gain control over pillager spawning. Instead of trying to obliterate the outpost, focus on altering the environment around it to suit your needs. With the right strategy, you can transform a pillager outpost from a menace into a defensible and valuable location in your Minecraft world.