Do Minecraft Villages Still Have Blacksmiths? The Definitive Guide
Yes, Minecraft villages still have blacksmiths, although the presence of a traditional “blacksmith” building, specifically, is tied to the toolsmith villager and their associated workstation, the smithing table. The classic building you might be thinking of, with the lava pool, furnace, and chest, is now considered a toolsmith’s house and is not guaranteed to spawn in every village. The chance of finding one varies depending on the village size and layout. This article will delve into the intricacies of finding blacksmiths, their roles, and how they function in the ever-evolving world of Minecraft.
Understanding the Role of the Toolsmith
The “blacksmith” of old has been essentially replaced by the toolsmith villager. This villager is identifiable by their leather apron and plays a vital role in the village economy. To become a toolsmith, a villager needs access to a smithing table. These tables are usually found within the aforementioned “toolsmith’s house” in villages.
The Smithing Table: A Cornerstone of Tool and Armor Progression
The smithing table is not just a decorative element; it’s a crucial workstation for players. Here’s what you can do with it:
- Upgrade diamond gear to netherite gear: This is the only way to get the best armor and tools in the game.
- Apply armor trims: Personalize your armor with various cosmetic trims using different materials.
- Tools and Armor Alteration: Modify existing tools and armor.
What Do Toolsmiths Offer?
Toolsmiths offer a variety of trades, making them valuable assets to any player. Typical trades include:
- Selling iron tools: Axes, pickaxes, shovels, and hoes.
- Selling enchanted iron tools: Occasionally, you can find enchanted tools for sale.
- Buying iron ingots: This allows you to offload excess iron.
- Buying coal: Provide them with fuel to keep the village economy going.
- Selling bells: These items are very important in villages.
- Selling diamond tools: The ultimate reward from these village artisans.
Finding a Toolsmith and Their Workshop
While not guaranteed, finding a toolsmith’s house is a matter of exploration. Here are some tips:
- Explore villages thoroughly: Check every building, no matter how small.
- Look for the lava pool: This is a key identifier of the classic blacksmith building.
- Check desert villages: While trees might be scarce, desert villages can still contain toolsmiths’ workshops.
- Listen for the sounds: A toolsmith actively working at their smithing table makes a distinct hammering sound.
- Check Village Seeds: These are numerical codes you can use when creating a world to generate specific and desired features within the Minecraft game.
FAQs About Blacksmiths and Toolsmiths in Minecraft
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the role of blacksmiths (toolsmiths) in modern Minecraft:
1. Are the chests in blacksmith buildings still valuable?
Yes! The chests in toolsmiths’ houses can contain valuable loot, including iron ingots, obsidian, apples, bread, and even diamond gear. Always check these chests when you find a blacksmith.
2. What happens if a village doesn’t have a toolsmith?
If a village lacks a toolsmith, you can create one. Find an unemployed villager and place a smithing table near them. They should claim the workstation and become a toolsmith. Make sure there are enough beds for the villager to claim, otherwise they will not take the job.
3. Can I move a toolsmith to my base?
Yes, you can move a toolsmith. The easiest method is to use a boat or minecart to transport them to your desired location. You’ll also need to bring a smithing table along so they can maintain their profession.
4. Are there different tiers of toolsmiths?
Yes, like all villagers, toolsmiths have different experience levels, which are indicated by the badge on their sleeves. Higher-level toolsmiths offer better trades and more valuable items.
5. How do I level up a toolsmith?
You level up a toolsmith by trading with them. The more you trade, the higher their level becomes.
6. Can a zombie villager become a toolsmith?
Yes. If you cure a zombie villager that was previously a toolsmith (or an unemployed villager that becomes a toolsmith after being cured), they will retain their profession or take on the toolsmith profession if a smithing table is nearby.
7. Do toolsmiths need beds to work?
While beds aren’t directly required for a toolsmith to work, they are essential for the village’s overall functionality and the villager’s well-being. A villager needs to claim a bed to remain linked to the village.
8. Is it rare to find two toolsmiths in one village?
Finding two toolsmiths in one village is uncommon but possible, especially in larger villages. It requires two unemployed villagers to claim separate smithing tables.
9. Can nitwit villagers become toolsmiths?
No, nitwit villagers cannot take on any profession, including toolsmith. They are permanently unemployed and serve no functional purpose within the village.
10. What is the best way to find a village with a toolsmith?
Using online mapping tools that reveal world seeds and village locations can be helpful. Alternatively, exploring your world by air using elytra is a fast way to locate villages.
11. Are toolsmiths useful early in the game?
Yes! Even early in the game, toolsmiths can provide you with valuable iron tools and building materials, making them a helpful addition to your village.
12. Do different biomes affect the trades offered by toolsmiths?
No, the biome does not affect the trades offered by toolsmiths. The trades are determined by their profession and level, not the environment.
13. Can I break a toolsmith’s smithing table to change their profession?
Yes, if you break a toolsmith’s smithing table, they will become unemployed after a short period. You can then place a different job block to assign them a new profession.
14. Do toolsmiths work at night?
No, villagers, including toolsmiths, typically stop working and return to their beds at night.
15. Are smithing tables only found in villages?
No, while most commonly found in villages, smithing tables can also generate in certain structures like strongholds.
The Evolving Role of Blacksmiths in Minecraft
The blacksmith has evolved from a simple building to a more complex system involving villagers and workstations. Understanding the toolsmith’s role and how to interact with them is crucial for progressing in Minecraft. By finding or creating toolsmiths, players can access valuable trades and upgrade their gear, ultimately enhancing their gameplay experience.
Remember, the core of Minecraft is exploration and discovery. Keep searching, keep building, and keep trading! For more on game-based learning, consider visiting the GamesLearningSociety.org website.