How Long Does It Take to Get a Peaceful Pillager in Minecraft?

The process of turning a hostile pillager into a relatively harmless mob in Minecraft hinges on a single, surprisingly tedious task: breaking their crossbow. On average, it takes about 15 minutes to render a pillager peaceful by exhausting the durability of their weapon. However, this timeframe is highly variable, influenced by factors such as your own armor, the pillager’s accuracy, and the availability of shields. This guide will delve into the strategies and mechanics involved in achieving a peaceful pillager and address common questions players have about these ill-willing villagers.

Understanding the Mechanics

Before diving into the process, let’s break down the core mechanics that govern pillager behavior and weapon durability. Pillagers are hostile mobs that spawn in patrols and during raids. Their primary method of attack is using a crossbow, which has a durability of 326. Each time a pillager fires its crossbow, its weapon loses one point of durability. Once the durability reaches zero, the crossbow breaks, and the pillager becomes significantly less threatening, though it will still frighten villagers. Since you can’t directly damage a pillager’s weapon, you must rely on the pillager using it until it breaks naturally.

The Shield Strategy: Your Key to Success

The most effective method for enduring a pillager’s attacks is to utilize a shield. Shields can block incoming projectiles, including crossbow bolts, without the player taking damage. By strategically using a shield, you can force the pillager to continuously fire its crossbow, thus depleting its durability.

Steps to Pacify a Pillager

1. Gear Up: Equip yourself with at least 5-6 shields. Shields can break from repeated use, especially if the pillager’s crossbow is enchanted. Consider bringing some food for healing if you take damage. Armor is also recommended to reduce accidental damage.
2. Locate a Pillager: Find a single pillager away from other threats. The easiest way to encounter a pillager is to stumble upon a patrol or find one at a pillager outpost.
3. Engage the Pillager: Approach the pillager and allow it to target you. Make sure there are no other hostile mobs nearby that could distract you or the pillager.
4. Block and Wait: Hold up your shield to block the incoming crossbow bolts. Make sure to time your blocks effectively. The pillager will continue to fire as long as you are within range and visible.
5. Monitor Durability: Keep an eye on your shield’s durability. Switch to a fresh shield when one is about to break.
6. Patience is Key: This process takes time. A crossbow has a durability of 326. You need that pillager to use up all of its durability. It takes approximately 15 minutes under ideal conditions. However, it could take longer if the pillager sometimes misses, moves out of range, or you are interrupted.
7. Observe the Outcome: Once the crossbow breaks, the pillager will no longer attack with projectiles. It will still approach and may try to “attack” you, but it is harmless by comparison.

Alternative Methods and Considerations

While using a shield is the most common and reliable method, here are some alternative approaches and factors that can affect the duration:

• Pillar Strategy: Build a pillar with one block on top and climb up, leaving just enough room for the Pillager to see you and take a shot.
• Crossbow Enchantments: If the pillager’s crossbow has enchantments like Quick Charge or Multishot, it can deplete its durability faster. However, these enchantments are relatively rare.
• Accuracy: If the pillager frequently misses its shots, the process will take longer.
• Interruptions: Other mobs, terrain obstructions, or environmental factors can interrupt the pillager’s attacks, extending the time needed to break its crossbow.
• Bedrock Edition Differences: While the fundamental mechanics are the same across Minecraft editions, minor variations in AI behavior or mob spawning could influence the duration.

Why Bother Pacifying a Pillager?

You might be wondering why someone would invest the time and effort to pacify a pillager. Here are a few potential reasons:

• Novelty: It’s an unusual and challenging task that appeals to players seeking unique experiences.
• Decoration: A harmless pillager can be used as a bizarre and unconventional decorative mob in your base.
• Curiosity: Some players may be interested in observing the behavior of a pillager without its primary weapon.
• Games Learning Society: Pacifying a pillager can be seen as a way of learning about the game mechanics related to durability, mob behavior, and combat strategies. These sorts of skills can be translated into real world experiences that lead to a successful career. For more on games-based learning, see GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about pillagers and their behavior in Minecraft:

1. Can you turn a Pillager into a Villager?

No, there is no legitimate way to directly transform a pillager into a villager in vanilla Minecraft. The article you referenced is incorrect. Pillagers and villagers are distinct mobs with separate AI and characteristics.

2. Do pillager banners attract pillagers?

No, displaying a pillager banner will not attract pillagers to your base. However, having the Bad Omen effect and entering a village will trigger a raid, bringing pillagers and other illager mobs to attack.

3. Why do pillagers stare at you?

Pillagers stare at the player when the player is in creative mode or has the invisibility status effect. This behavior is likely a visual cue for the pillager to recognize the player under unusual circumstances.

4. What mobs do pillagers ride?

Pillagers commonly ride ravagers during raids. In some waves of a raid, pillagers will spawn on top of these large, powerful beasts.

5. Do pillagers take your stuff?

During a raid, pillagers may attempt to loot chests and other storage containers within the village. It’s essential to secure your valuables to prevent them from being stolen.

6. Can you live in a pillager tower?

While you can occupy a pillager outpost, it is not recommended as a permanent residence. Pillagers continuously spawn in these structures, making it challenging to maintain a safe and peaceful environment.

7. Do bells make pillagers glow?

In a raid, ringing a bell can highlight pillagers, making them easier to spot through blocks and in chaotic situations.

8. Are villagers scared of pillagers?

Yes, villagers are scared of pillagers, even unarmed ones. Iron golems are also hostile toward pillagers.

9. Do pillagers shoot at villagers?

Pillagers are hostile towards adult villagers, players, iron golems, and wandering traders. They will actively target these entities with their crossbows.

10. What curse do pillagers give you?

Killing a pillager captain grants the player the Bad Omen effect. This effect triggers a raid when the player enters a village.

11. Do pillagers break beds?

Pillagers cannot break beds. However, removing beds from a village can disrupt the village mechanics and potentially prevent raids from occurring.

12. What are pillagers good for?

Pillagers are primarily sources of loot and experience points. Killing them can also be a necessary step in completing raids and obtaining certain achievements.

13. What are the grey people in Minecraft?

The “grey people” are illagers, which includes pillagers, vindicators, evokers, and witches. They are humanoid mobs that are hostile toward villagers, players, and iron golems.

14. What do pillagers hate?

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

15. Can pillagers see you through glass?

Yes, mobs, including pillagers, can see through glass, stained glass, glass panes, and stained glass panes. This allows them to detect players even when they are behind these transparent blocks.

Conclusion

Turning a pillager into a peaceful, crossbow-less mob is a test of patience and strategy in Minecraft. While it may not have significant practical benefits, it can be a rewarding and unique experience. By understanding the mechanics of crossbow durability and utilizing a shield, you can effectively render a pillager harmless and add a quirky touch to your Minecraft world. Whether you are using the experience to learn game mechanics or simply for fun, this process highlights the depth and engaging nature of Minecraft.