How to Keep Zombified Piglins Away: A Minecraft Masterclass

So, you’re braving the fiery depths of the Nether, huh? Good on ya! But those pesky Zombified Piglins just won’t leave you alone? Fear not, intrepid explorer! I’m here to arm you with the knowledge to keep those bacon-brained baddies at bay. The key to controlling Zombified Piglin encounters lies in understanding their spawning mechanics, behavior, and a little bit of Nether know-how.

Here’s the straight dope: you can keep Zombified Piglins away by focusing on three main strategies: spawn-proofing, aggression management, and environmental manipulation. Let’s break each of those down:

Spawn-Proofing: The Key to a Piglin-Free Zone

Zombified Piglins, while technically able to spawn just about anywhere in the Nether, have some limitations. Exploit those!

• Half-Slabs and Transparent Blocks: This is your bread and butter. Zombified Piglins need a solid block to spawn on. By covering potential spawning areas with half-slabs (upper or lower, doesn’t matter) or transparent blocks like glass or glass panes, you effectively deny them a foothold. Think of it as paving over their parking lot. Be meticulous! Cover every single block you don’t want them spawning on.
• Height Restrictions: Ensure the area you’re trying to protect is only one block high. They need a certain amount of vertical space to spawn, so a low ceiling can disrupt their party. This is particularly useful in tunnels or enclosed spaces.
• Nether Wart Blocks: Avoid these blocks. While not ideal building blocks, they are a valid block they can spawn on.

Aggression Management: Don’t Poke the Piglin!

Sometimes, you can’t prevent them from spawning entirely. In these cases, damage control is key.

• Avoid Provocation: This seems obvious, but it’s crucial. Hitting any Zombified Piglin within a 32-block radius will trigger the whole horde. Use a bow and arrow at long range if you absolutely must engage, minimizing the risk of aggroing others. If you do accidentally hit one, RUN.
• The “Forgiveness” Factor: Zombified Piglins have a limited attention span. They’ll stay angry for 20 to 39.95 seconds (Minecraft time), and will continue to pursue you out to a distance of about 40 blocks. After that, they will cool off so either make sure you are out of sight or out of reach.
• Peaceful Mode: The ultimate solution! Setting your game to Peaceful difficulty removes all hostile mobs, including Zombified Piglins. It’s not exactly sporting, but it’s effective.

Environmental Manipulation: Nether Know-How

The Nether is a unique environment. Understanding its quirks can give you an edge.

• Soul Fire’s Repelling Power: Zombified Piglins are terrified of soul fire. Build soul fire torches, lanterns, or campfires around your base or pathways. This isn’t a 100% guarantee, but it significantly reduces their numbers.
• Nether Portals: Zombified Piglins can spawn near active Nether Portals. If you’re not actively using a portal, consider deactivating it (by breaking a block in the frame and removing the lava, for example). Just remember to carry flint and steel and some obsidian to relight it when you need it again.
• Lighting: While not as effective as in the Overworld, lighting can still have a minor impact. Spam torches everywhere.

Additional Tips and Tricks

• Gold Armor: Wearing at least one piece of gold armor will prevent Piglins (the non-zombified variety) from attacking you on sight. This is important because Piglins can become hostile if you break gold blocks, open chests, or otherwise disturb their precious valuables, which can then trigger nearby Zombified Piglins.
• Sound Awareness: Zombified Piglins make distinctive grunting sounds. Pay attention to your surroundings and listen for approaching hordes.
• Preparedness is Key: Always carry a weapon, armor, and a means of escape (Ender Pearls are your friend!).
• Experimentation: Minecraft is all about creativity. Try different combinations of these strategies to find what works best for your specific situation.

Mastering these techniques will transform you from a scared newcomer to a seasoned Nether veteran, capable of navigating the fiery landscape without constantly looking over your shoulder. Now get out there and conquer the Nether! And, if you’re interested in the intersection of games and learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society and visit GamesLearningSociety.org to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 of the most frequently asked questions regarding Zombified Piglins.

Can I completely eliminate Zombified Piglins from my base?

Yes, with diligent spawn-proofing using half-slabs, transparent blocks, and height restrictions, you can effectively eliminate Zombified Piglin spawns within a defined area. It takes time and effort, but it’s achievable.

Do torches stop Zombified Piglin spawns?

Not reliably. While increased lighting can slightly reduce spawn rates, it’s not nearly as effective as using half-slabs or transparent blocks. Torches are better used to navigate and mark your territory.

What blocks can Zombified Piglins spawn on?

They can spawn on most solid blocks found in the Nether, including Netherrack, Soul Sand, Magma Blocks, and even Nether Wart Blocks.

How long do Zombified Piglins stay angry?

They remain hostile for 20 to 39.95 seconds. However, they’ll continue pursuing you if they already have a lock on you, even after the timer runs out.

Does wearing gold armor stop Zombified Piglins from attacking?

No, gold armor only prevents Piglins (the non-zombified variants) from attacking you on sight. It has no effect on Zombified Piglins.

Will Zombified Piglins attack me if I’m in a boat or minecart?

They can still attack you while you’re in a boat or minecart, but it might make it easier to escape if they do.

Can Zombified Piglins open doors?

No, unlike regular zombies, Zombified Piglins cannot break down doors, regardless of the difficulty setting.

What happens if a pig is struck by lightning in the Nether?

Nothing. Pigs don’t naturally spawn in the Nether, and lightning strikes have no effect on Zombified Piglins. However, in the Overworld, lightning striking a pig transforms it into a Piglin.

Are Zombified Piglins afraid of anything besides soul fire?

Not really. Soul fire is the only element that seems to have a repelling effect on them.

Can I trap Zombified Piglins?

Yes, you can trap them in pits or enclosures. They are relatively slow-moving, making them easy to contain.

Do Zombified Piglins despawn?

Yes, Zombified Piglins will despawn if they are too far away from the player and haven’t been named with a name tag or picked up with a sculk sensor.

Why are Zombified Piglins called “Zombified Piglins” now?

Before the Nether Update (1.16), they were called “Zombie Pigmen.” The name was changed to better reflect their lore and relationship with the Piglin race. The model was also tweaked.

Can I cure a Zombified Piglin?

Yes! Using a splash potion of Weakness and then a golden apple can cure them.

Do Zombified Piglins notice turtle eggs?

Undead mobs do not often try to pathfind towards turtle eggs to destroy them, but they can notice the eggs, but it usually takes some time.

What angers Zombified Piglins besides being attacked?

While directly attacking them is the most common trigger, TNT blasts can also enrage them towards the player.