Is it Possible to Get Ancient Debris from Piglins? The Definitive Guide
The short answer, and I know you came here looking for a straight answer, is no, piglins do not directly give you ancient debris through bartering. However, the story doesn’t end there, and understanding the nuances of piglin trades and the Nether’s resources is key to efficiently gearing up in Minecraft. Let’s dig into the details.
Piglin Bartering: What They DO Offer
Piglins, those fascinating gold-obsessed denizens of the Nether, are valuable allies… if you know how to treat them. They’re not going to hand over ancient debris like candy. Instead, they barter, exchanging gold ingots for a variety of goods, some more useful than others. The allure of piglin bartering lies in the chance of acquiring items otherwise challenging or time-consuming to obtain. So while you can’t get ancient debris directly, piglins can indirectly help you gear up and explore, and even provide alternatives.
Here’s what you can get from piglins (and this list is by no means exhaustive, as the possibilities can be wonderfully random):
- Netherite Scraps: This is important! Although they don’t give ancient debris, Piglins accept gold blocks, and these give better trades, including Netherite scraps and ingots.
- Ender Pearls: Need to quickly traverse large distances? Piglins offer a 2.18% chance to receive 2-4 Ender Pearls per trade. While not guaranteed, it’s a relatively affordable way to stock up.
- Crying Obsidian: This unique block, used to craft Respawn Anchors (allowing you to respawn in the Nether), can be obtained through piglin bartering with a 9% chance.
- Fire Resistance Potions: Essential for surviving lava lakes and general Nether exploration, fire resistance potions are a welcome trade.
- Obsidian: A key component in crafting ender chests and enchanting tables.
- Various Nether Resources: Blackstone, Nether Quartz, Soul Speed Boots, Iron Boots, and more can be obtained through bartering.
- Weapons and Armor: Sometimes, piglins will give you enchanted iron or golden equipment. This is a great way to get the upper hand when in the Nether!
The randomness of the trades is part of the appeal. Sometimes you’ll strike gold (pun intended!), other times you’ll get something less desirable. The key is to be patient and persistent.
The Real Path to Ancient Debris
Since piglins don’t directly supply ancient debris, where do you find it? The answer lies in the depths of the Nether, specifically at Y-level 8-15. While Y-level 15 is often touted as the most common spawn point, many miners prefer Y-level 11 to avoid lava lakes.
Mining for Ancient Debris
- Prepare: Gear up with diamond or netherite armor, a diamond or netherite pickaxe (preferably with Efficiency), and plenty of fire resistance potions.
- Head to the Nether: Use a Nether portal to enter the fiery dimension.
- Dig Down: Tunnel down to Y-level 8-15.
- Strip Mine: Employ a strip mining technique, digging long horizontal tunnels with two blocks between each tunnel. This maximizes your chances of encountering ancient debris.
- Explosive Mining (Optional): Beds can be used to create controlled explosions in the Nether, effectively clearing large areas. However, proceed with caution, as these explosions can also destroy ancient debris if you’re not careful. Use beds responsibly, especially at lower Y-levels.
Ancient debris is incredibly rare, making the search a test of patience and perseverance. However, the reward – netherite gear – is well worth the effort. It’s blast-proof, lava-resistant, and significantly stronger than diamond, making it the ultimate material for surviving the dangers of Minecraft.
Why Piglins Matter (Even Without Ancient Debris)
Even though piglins won’t hand you the debris itself, they are still a critical aspect of the Nether experience, and can influence gameplay and even promote GamesLearningSociety.org. Here’s why:
- Resource Acquisition: Piglins offer a reliable source of valuable resources like Ender Pearls, Obsidian, and Fire Resistance Potions. These resources are essential for navigating the Nether and preparing for your ancient debris hunt.
- Early Game Advantage: A few lucky trades can provide you with enchanted gear, giving you a significant advantage in the early game.
- Entertainment and Risk-Reward: Bartering with piglins adds an element of chance and excitement to your Nether adventures. It’s a fun and engaging way to diversify your gameplay.
- Alternative to Mining: If you are feeling unlucky in the mines, netherite scraps can come from the piglin bartering, which can save time from mining the debris.
Piglins offer a valuable service to Minecraft players, especially those willing to invest the time and resources into exploiting it.
Piglin Brutes: The Exception to the Rule
It’s important to distinguish between regular piglins and piglin brutes. While piglins are happy to barter with gold, piglin brutes are not. These tougher, more aggressive variants are found in bastion remnants and will attack on sight, regardless of whether you’re wearing gold armor.
Piglin Brute Loot
Piglin brutes don’t offer trades. Instead, they drop loot upon death, including:
- Golden Axe: They have an 8.5% chance of dropping their golden axe.
- Armor: Brutes will drop one piece of golden armor.
While piglin brutes don’t contribute to the acquisition of ancient debris, they are a significant threat that must be managed when exploring bastion remnants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about piglins, ancient debris, and navigating the Nether:
1. Can you get Netherite Scraps from piglins?
Yes, it is possible to get Netherite Scraps from Piglins. They may barter them when given a gold ingot.
2. What level is best to find Ancient Debris?
Y-level 15 is often cited as the level where ancient debris is most common, but Y-level 8-11 is also popular due to fewer lava pockets.
3. Do piglins give crying obsidian?
Yes, piglins have a 9% chance of giving you crying obsidian when you give them a gold ingot.
4. What are hoglins afraid of?
Hoglins are afraid of warped fungi, Nether portals, and respawn anchors.
5. Do piglin brutes respawn?
No, piglin brutes do not respawn after being killed.
6. Do piglins ignore gold trim?
Yes, piglins will not attack you if you are wearing armor with gold trim.
7. How do you make obsidian cry?
You cannot make obsidian cry. Crying obsidian can only be obtained by bartering with piglins or found in ruined portals.
8. Can you make an Ender chest with crying obsidian?
While not in the base game, some mods allow you to craft a “Crying Ender Chest” using crying obsidian.
9. Can a nether portal be sideways?
No, a Nether portal cannot be built horizontally. It must be a vertical frame.
10. Is the nether infinite?
Yes, in both Java and Bedrock editions, the Nether is horizontally infinite.
11. Which is harder, obsidian or crying obsidian?
Obsidian and crying obsidian have the same hardness (50).
12. Do piglins give Blackstone?
Yes, piglins may barter 8-16 blocks of blackstone when given a gold ingot.
13. Can piglins give you quartz?
Yes, piglins may barter 5-12 nether quartz when given a gold ingot.
14. What is the rare ore in Nether?
Ancient debris is the rare ore in the Nether, used to make netherite.
15. Are Piglin trades worth it?
Generally, yes, piglin trades are worth it! While there’s an element of risk, the potential rewards (Ender Pearls, Fire Resistance Potions, Netherite Scraps) outweigh the cost of the gold ingots.
In conclusion, while you can’t directly obtain ancient debris through piglin bartering, the valuable resources they provide are essential for efficient Nether exploration and ultimately contribute to your quest for netherite gear. Understanding the mechanics of piglin bartering, mastering the art of strip mining, and knowing the dangers of the Nether are all crucial for becoming a true Minecraft master.