Are There Chests in Ocean Temples? Unveiling the Secrets of Ocean Monuments in Minecraft

No, Ocean Monuments (also known as Ocean Temples) do not contain any loot chests. This sets them apart from almost every other major structure in Minecraft. While they lack the treasure chests filled with goodies found in shipwrecks, strongholds, or even ocean ruins, Ocean Monuments are still incredibly valuable and sought-after for their unique resources and challenges. They are the sole source of sponge blocks and provide a plentiful supply of prismarine blocks, making them essential targets for players looking to acquire these materials. Raiding an ocean monument is a dangerous but rewarding endeavor for Minecraft players of all experience levels.

The Allure of the Underwater Fortress

Ocean Monuments are more than just empty stone shells. These imposing underwater structures are guarded by Elder Guardians and regular Guardians, posing a significant combat challenge. Overcoming these adversaries is necessary to gain access to the monument’s valuable interior. The monument’s structure itself is a labyrinthine maze, often flooding with water, further complicating exploration and resource acquisition.

While the absence of chests might initially seem disappointing, the real treasures of the Ocean Monument lie within the blocks that make up its structure and the unique drops from its guardians. Let’s delve deeper into what makes raiding an Ocean Monument worthwhile.

The True Treasures of the Ocean Monument

Here’s a breakdown of the rewards you can expect from successfully conquering an Ocean Monument:

• Sponge Blocks: These are arguably the most valuable resource. They are the only naturally occurring way to easily remove water from large areas, crucial for building underwater bases or clearing flooded structures. Sponges are obtained both as drops from the Elder Guardians and within Sponge Rooms inside the monument. Not all Ocean Monuments have sponge rooms.

• Prismarine Blocks: This family of blocks – including prismarine, prismarine bricks, and dark prismarine – offers a unique and visually appealing aesthetic for building. They’re essential for creating structures that stand out and add a touch of oceanic flair to your builds. Prismarine shards are also used to craft sea lanterns.

• Sea Lanterns: These luminous blocks provide a beautiful and efficient light source, perfect for illuminating underwater bases and structures. They can be mined directly from the monument and are also crafted using prismarine shards and crystals.

• Gold Blocks: A small number of gold blocks (eight) can be found in the uppermost room of the monument, guarded by one of the Elder Guardians.

• Elder Guardian Drops: Defeating an Elder Guardian rewards you with prismarine shards, prismarine crystals, and a wet sponge.

Preparing for the Raid: A Necessary Step

Ocean Monuments are not to be taken lightly. They are considered among the hardest structures to loot. Due to their underwater location and Guardian presence, proper preparation is crucial for a successful raid. Consider the following:

• Water Breathing: Potions of Water Breathing or Respiration enchantments are essential for extended underwater exploration.
• Depth Strider: Boots with the Depth Strider enchantment significantly increase your movement speed underwater.
• Night Vision: Night Vision potions or a helmet with the Night Vision enchantment will greatly improve visibility in the dark depths.
• Combat Gear: Strong armor, weapons, and a shield are necessary to withstand the attacks of the Guardians and Elder Guardians.
• Mining Fatigue Mitigation: Bringing milk to remove the Mining Fatigue effect inflicted by the Elder Guardians is highly recommended. Alternatively, a high-level Efficiency pickaxe helps to quickly mine through ceilings.
• Dolphin’s Grace: Consider the Dolphin’s Grace effect from swimming near dolphins for even more speed underwater.
• Doors or signs: to prevent the monument from flooding when mining.

Ocean Monuments and Education

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ocean Monuments

1. Do ocean monuments always have chests?

No, Ocean Monuments never have chests. This is one of their defining characteristics. The reward comes from the blocks within the temple and the mobs that dwell inside.

2. What are the rooms in an ocean monument?

Ocean Monuments generally consist of a central core with various interconnected rooms. Key rooms include the top room (with a gold block and an Elder Guardian), two wing rooms (each with an Elder Guardian), and potentially a Sponge Room (containing multiple sponges). There are also many other rooms with no distinctive features.

3. Is raiding an ocean monument worth it?

Yes, raiding an Ocean Monument is absolutely worth it for the sponge blocks, prismarine blocks, sea lanterns, and gold blocks it provides. These resources are highly valuable for building and decoration.

4. What loot is there in underwater temples (Ocean Monuments)?

Technically, there is no “loot” in the traditional sense (i.e., items found in chests). The “loot” comes in the form of:

• Sponges (from Elder Guardians and Sponge Rooms)
• Prismarine Blocks (making up the monument structure)
• Sea Lanterns (illumination)
• Gold Blocks (in the uppermost room)

5. Are ocean monuments hard?

Yes, Ocean Monuments are considered a difficult structure to conquer due to their underwater location, the presence of Guardians and Elder Guardians, and the Mining Fatigue effect inflicted by the Elder Guardians.

6. What breaks sponge the fastest?

While you can break a sponge block with any tool or your hand, a hoe is the fastest tool to use for mining sponges.

7. How do you not get mining fatigue in an Ocean Monument?

You can avoid Mining Fatigue by drinking milk (which removes status effects). Alternatively, you can mine through the ceiling of the Elder Guardians’ rooms with a high-level Efficiency pickaxe, to counteract the slowing effect.

8. Can Elder Guardians respawn?

No, Elder Guardians do not respawn after being defeated. Once you’ve killed the three Elder Guardians in an Ocean Monument, they’re gone for good.

9. How do you not get attacked by Guardians in Minecraft?

In the Java Edition, wearing a full set of armor or using Invisibility potions can prevent Guardians from attacking you. In Bedrock Edition, Invisibility may only work with one piece of armor.

10. Why is there a spoon on my screen in Minecraft when near an Ocean Monument?

The “spoon” icon indicates the Mining Fatigue status effect, inflicted by the Elder Guardians. This effect significantly slows down your mining speed.

11. Where do Elder Guardians spawn?

Elder Guardians spawn in three specific locations within an Ocean Monument: one in the top room and one in each of the two wing rooms.

12. Can you dye prismarine?

No, you cannot directly dye prismarine blocks. However, you can create dark prismarine by crafting prismarine shards with black dye or an ink sac in the crafting table.

13. Can ocean monuments spawn without sponge rooms?

Yes, it is possible for an Ocean Monument to spawn without a Sponge Room. This is determined by world generation RNG.

14. How rare are ocean monuments in Minecraft?

Ocean Monuments are relatively uncommon compared to structures like villages. They are easier to locate with an Ocean Explorer Map, which can be purchased from a cartographer villager.

15. Do ocean ruins have chests?

Yes, ocean ruins almost always contain a loot chest with various items. These chests are often buried.

Conclusion: Embrace the Challenge

While Ocean Monuments lack traditional treasure chests, their unique resources and challenging gameplay make them a worthwhile destination for any Minecraft player. By preparing properly and understanding the structure’s layout and the threats within, you can successfully raid an Ocean Monument and reap the rewards of sponges, prismarine, and more. So, dive in and conquer those underwater fortresses!