Taming the Teleportation: How to Keep an Enderman in a Boat

Keeping an Enderman in a boat is a surprisingly simple yet effective strategy in Minecraft, particularly in Java Edition. The core principle relies on exploiting a quirk in their AI: while in a boat, Endermen in Java Edition cannot teleport away, regardless of external factors like rain or water exposure (though they will continuously try to teleport, leading to a comical, glitchy display). Bedrock Edition does not have this quirky feature. To successfully contain an Enderman, you need to carefully maneuver it into the boat without entering the boat yourself. Position the boat near the Enderman, and gently push it towards the vessel. Since Endermen often walk while attacking, provoking it can encourage it to move into the boat. Once inside, the Enderman is effectively trapped, allowing for a (relatively) safe opportunity to collect Ender Pearls or conduct other experiments.

Strategies for Successful Enderman Boat Capture

Mastering the art of trapping an Enderman in a boat requires some finesse and an understanding of their behavior. Here’s a breakdown of effective strategies:

• Preparation is Key: Before engaging an Enderman, ensure you have a boat readily available. It’s best to craft a few, as mistakes happen! Also, clear the area around the Enderman’s location to avoid accidental teleportation due to obstructed landing spots.
• The Provocation Technique: Endermen become hostile when looked at directly. Use this to your advantage. A quick glance, followed by immediate boat placement, can trigger the Enderman to walk towards you and, hopefully, into the boat.
• The Pushing Method: If the Enderman isn’t cooperating, gently push the boat towards it. Be careful not to enter the boat yourself, as this negates the trapping effect. Use blocks or the environment to your advantage, nudging the boat strategically.
• Dealing with Rain: If it’s raining, the Enderman will teleport erratically. Wait for the rain to stop or find a covered area. This makes the capture process significantly easier. Alternatively, you can use a roof to provide cover.
• Post-Capture Considerations: Once the Enderman is in the boat, be mindful of its surroundings. If the boat is near the edge of a cliff, the Enderman might still be able to attack you. Consider placing blocks around the boat for added safety.

Why Trap an Enderman in a Boat?

The reasons for wanting to trap an Enderman in a boat are varied and depend on your goals within the game. Here are some common motivations:

• Ender Pearl Farming: Trapped Endermen offer a controlled environment for farming Ender Pearls. By repeatedly attacking the trapped Enderman, players can collect Ender Pearls without the risk of chasing them across vast distances.
• Scientific Observation: For the curious Minecraft player, a trapped Enderman provides an opportunity to study their behavior without the constant teleportation disruptions. You can observe their reactions to different environmental stimuli, like light levels or block placement.
• Defense Strategy: In multiplayer scenarios, a trapped Enderman could serve as a unique defensive mechanism. Placing a boat with an Enderman near your base entrance can deter unwanted visitors, although this approach has limited effectiveness.
• Redstone Contraptions: The erratic teleportation attempts of a trapped Enderman in Java Edition can be exploited in redstone contraptions. While complex, these setups can potentially generate random signals or power sources.

Limitations and Caveats

While the boat-trapping method is effective, it’s important to be aware of its limitations:

• Java Edition Specific: This trick primarily works in Minecraft: Java Edition. Bedrock Edition does not exhibit the same behavior, and Endermen will teleport out of boats without issue.
• Durability of the Boat: Boats are fragile. An Enderman’s attacks can destroy the boat, freeing it. Reinforce the surrounding area or use more durable boats (if mods are available) to mitigate this risk.
• The Glitch Factor: The constant teleportation attempts in Java Edition can lead to visual glitches. The Enderman might appear to be halfway out of the boat or clipping through blocks.
• Aggro Management: Even trapped, the Enderman will remain hostile if you look at it. Be cautious and avoid direct eye contact unless you’re prepared to fight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you keep Endermen in boats?

In Java Edition, an Enderman cannot teleport while it is in a boat, although it will constantly try to when exposed to rain or water. This does not occur in Bedrock Edition. This makes boats a temporary holding cell, but not a permanent solution if the boat breaks.

2. How do you stop Endermen from escaping?

For a short time, get it stuck in a boat! Place the boat down near the Enderman, and then let it walk right in (they do walk while attacking). The Enderman will then be completely incapable of teleporting — so long as the boat remains intact.

3. How do you keep an Enderman from teleporting?

Endermen cannot teleport away during the day when standing on soul sand. However, if they jump on a minion storage chest, they will be able to escape – put a block two blocks above said chest to prevent them from jumping up there. Also, hurting them and looking at them will still make them teleport.

4. Can we tame Enderman?

While there’s no “taming” mechanic for Endermen in the traditional sense, some players suggest unusual methods (like prolonged staring in daylight). However, these are not reliable ways to make an Enderman friendly. You can name an Enderman to keep it from despawning.

5. What happens when you attack the Enderman with arrows?

Attacking an Enderman with arrows will trigger its hostility, causing it to teleport towards you and attack. Be prepared for a swift counterattack.

6. Can I befriend Enderman?

You can’t befriend an Enderman in the true sense, as there’s no way to tame it. You can name it and contain it to prevent despawning. Be VERY careful though, because if you look at it, it will get angry and it will try to attack you.

7. How do you keep an Enderman in Minecraft?

Knowing this, the ways to prevent them from teleporting into your abode would be to make your rooms 2 blocks high, with a solid block as the ceiling or, alternatively, make your floor out of blocks from non-movement-blocking material.

8. What block attracts Enderman?

An Endermite lure trap is a good option. By naming the Endermite and trapping it in a minecart, a permanent lure is created, and all Endermen that spawn within 62 blocks and sight of the Endermite pathfind to the Endermite and attack it. The Endermen can then be routed to a collection point where they can be farmed.

9. What can an Enderman not teleport out of?

Endermen can teleport through any type of block if there is ample space on the other side. As far as my understanding goes, the only blocks they can’t teleport to are water lava and transparent blocks.

10. Can Endermen see you with a pumpkin on your head?

Yes! The simplest method to prevent Endermen from attacking altogether is to wear a pumpkin in the helmet slot; while it significantly hinders vision, Endermen will not be provoked by staring.

11. Why do Endermen hate being looked at?

This is lore speculation, but an Enderman come to the overworld, searching for blocks as a sacrifice to the enderdragon. When you look at them they think they’ve been caught at their block stealing, so they attack thinking they’ve been intimidated.

12. Why do Endermen hate water?

Water damages Endermen. The AI is programmed to avoid water because it damages the mob, and something that can damage Endermen can eventually kill Endermen.

13. What happens if I name an Enderman?

Naming an Enderman with a name tag prevents it from despawning, ensuring it remains in the world. However, it does not alter its behavior. It will still become hostile if you look at it.

14. What do Endermen not like?

Aside from fire mobs who might not fare well in water, Endermen are the only mob that truly hates anything that has to do with water. It’s why during rain, Endermen will often wildly teleport around to avoid getting damaged by the water.

15. What can Endermen steal?

Endermen can pick up several blocks, including: Cactus, Clay, Coarse Dirt, Dirt, Flowers (Short), Grass Block, Gravel, and Melon.

Conclusion

Trapping an Enderman in a boat is a testament to the creative problem-solving inherent in Minecraft. While the specific mechanic may be subject to change in future updates, the principles of understanding mob behavior and exploiting game quirks remain relevant. Whether you’re farming Ender Pearls, conducting experiments, or simply looking for a unique challenge, mastering this technique can add another layer of depth to your Minecraft experience. For more insights into how games can educate and engage, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.