What Do the Blue Flying Guys Do in Minecraft? Your Allay Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The Allay in Minecraft is a passive, blue, winged mob that serves as an incredibly helpful item-collecting assistant. Give it an item, and it will diligently search the surrounding area for more of that same item, gathering up a stack before returning to you with the spoils. Think of them as your personal, adorable, flying fetch robots!
Understanding the Allay: More Than Just a Pretty Face
While their cuteness is undeniable, the Allay’s utility is what truly makes them a sought-after mob. Let’s delve deeper into their behaviors and abilities:
-
Item Collection: This is the Allay’s primary function. You give it an item, and it seeks out more of that item within a defined radius (more on that later). It can carry one full stack (up to 64 for most items, 16 for stackable items like snowballs or eggs) before returning to the player.
-
Following Behavior: An Allay will lock onto the player who last gave it an item. It will follow this player from up to a 64-block cubic area away. It will actively seek items within a 32-block cubic area of the player. After delivering items, it pauses for three seconds before resuming its search.
-
Sound Source Association: Allays are also drawn to note blocks. If an Allay is near a playing note block, it will deliver gathered items to the location of that note block instead of the player who gave it the item. This is crucial for setting up automated sorting systems or item distribution networks.
-
Finding Allays: Naturally, Allays can be found only at:
- Pillager Outposts: They’re often trapped in cages, requiring you to liberate them from the clutches of the illagers.
- Woodland Mansions: Similarly, you might find them caged within these imposing structures.
-
Allay Health and Safety: Allays are fairly resilient. They regenerate health, so even if they accidentally fly into lava or get hit by a stray arrow, they usually recover. However, this doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Protect them!
Utilizing Allays Effectively: Practical Applications
The Allay’s abilities open up a plethora of possibilities:
-
Mining Assistance: Perhaps the most obvious use case. If you’re mining and accidentally leave behind some stray ores, the Allay can collect them for you. This is particularly useful in large mining operations.
-
Automated Farming: Place an Allay near your farm and give it a seed or other harvested crop. It will automatically collect any dropped crops, delivering them either to you or a designated note block.
-
Item Sorting Systems: Combine Allays with note blocks and hoppers to create sophisticated item sorting systems. By designating specific note blocks for each item type, you can automatically route items into different storage containers.
-
Cleaning Up After Combat: If you’re engaged in combat, particularly in areas with lots of dropped items (like a mob grinder), an Allay can quickly gather the loot for you, saving you valuable time and reducing the risk of losing items.
-
Retrieving Items After Death: An Allay can help you quickly recover items lost upon death. Give it one of the dropped items, and it will seek out the rest, minimizing the time you spend vulnerable searching for your belongings.
Demystifying the Allay: FAQs
Here are answers to common questions about Minecraft’s blue, flying assistants:
H3 FAQ 1: Can you tame an Allay like a wolf or cat?
No, you cannot “tame” an Allay in the traditional sense. You can’t feed it to gain its permanent allegiance. Instead, you give it an item, and it will follow you and collect more of that item for you. Removing the item from its possession will break this association.
H3 FAQ 2: Will Allays mine for diamonds?
No, Allays can only collect dropped items that are already visible on the ground. They cannot mine blocks, break containers, or interact with the environment in any way beyond picking up existing items. If you give your Allay a diamond, it can only find more diamonds that are already on the ground.
H3 FAQ 3: What happens if you give an Allay a diamond?
The Allay will search for nearby diamonds that are lying on the ground (as items, not in ore form). It won’t dig for more diamonds.
H3 FAQ 4: Will an Allay follow me forever?
An Allay will follow the player who last gave it an item within a 64-block radius. If you want it to stop following you, simply right-click on it with an empty hand to remove the item it’s holding.
H3 FAQ 5: Can Allays be bred?
The mechanics of Allay duplication can be achieved through the utilization of amethyst shards, as the allay will consume the shard and split in two. Voila! You now have two allays!
H3 FAQ 6: Can Allays follow you while using an elytra?
It’s best to avoid using an elytra while being followed by an Allay. Allays are already flying and are unable to keep up and if you fly too quickly with the elytra, the lead might snap and you could lose your Allay.
H3 FAQ 7: Do Allays take damage from lava or other hazards?
Yes, Allays can take damage from lava, fire, fall damage, and hostile mobs. While they do regenerate health, it’s essential to protect them from danger.
H3 FAQ 8: Can I use a lead on an Allay?
Yes, you can use a lead on an Allay to keep it close. This can be useful for transporting them over long distances or keeping them out of harm’s way.
H3 FAQ 9: How rare are Allays?
Allays are relatively rare. They only spawn in Pillager Outposts and Woodland Mansions, both of which can be challenging to locate. Be prepared for a search!
H3 FAQ 10: How do you attract Allays?
Allays are attracted to note blocks playing music. This feature can be used to draw them to specific areas, such as collection points in your base.
H3 FAQ 11: What is the best use of Allays?
The “best” use depends on your playstyle, but some popular choices include automated farming, mining assistance, and item sorting systems. Their versatility makes them valuable in many situations.
H3 FAQ 12: What happens when an Allay picks up a non-stackable item?
Allays can still collect non-stackable items, such as tools or armor. They will hold one of each individual item until their “inventory” of one is full.
H3 FAQ 13: How do you stop Allays from following you?
To stop an Allay from following you, right-click on the Allay while your hand is empty. This will take the item that they are holding and break the link between you.
H3 FAQ 14: Can Allays teleport to you like wolves?
No, Allays cannot teleport to you. If they get too far away (more than 64 blocks), they will simply stop following you. It’s important to keep them within range.
H3 FAQ 15: Can Allays pick up items from chests or other containers?
No, Allays can only pick up items that are already dropped on the ground. They cannot interact with chests, hoppers, or other containers.
The Allay represents a fascinating addition to Minecraft, blending functionality with charming aesthetics. Its presence encourages players to think creatively about automation, resource management, and even collaborative gameplay. For more on the educational applications of games, be sure to explore the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Experiment, explore, and discover the myriad ways the Allay can enhance your Minecraft experience. Happy crafting!