What is a Pillager with an Axe Called?
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 straightforward answer is: a pillager with an axe is called a vindicator. However, while they might share a similar appearance with pillagers at a glance, they are distinct mob types within the Minecraft universe with different behaviors, spawn locations, and roles. Understanding the differences between them is essential for any serious Minecraft player.
Understanding the Vindicator
Distinct Characteristics of a Vindicator
Vindicators are easily recognizable by their hostile nature and the iron axe they wield. Unlike pillagers who typically use crossbows, vindicators are melee combatants that relentlessly charge at players. They are identifiable by their grey skin and furrowed brows, shared with other illagers, and their aggressive demeanor. They do not patrol the Overworld, like pillagers; rather, they are found in specific locations or during certain events.
Where to Find Vindicators
- Woodland Mansions: Vindicators are a common mob within the confines of Woodland Mansions. They patrol the halls and rooms, often in small groups, making these structures particularly dangerous to explore.
- Raids: Vindicators also participate in raids, acting as some of the most formidable attackers alongside pillagers and ravagers. They form an aggressive frontline, charging toward villagers and players.
Vindicator Combat
Vindicators are considered one of the most dangerous illagers due to their potent melee attacks. Their iron axe strikes deal significant damage, particularly on higher difficulty settings. Vindicators also have a chance of spawning with randomly enchanted axes, further increasing the danger they pose. The chance of having an enchanted axe is increased as the regional difficulty increases.
The “Johnny” Vindicator
One of the more interesting aspects of vindicators is the unique behavior when they are named “Johnny” using a name tag. This is a reference to the character Jack Torrence from the movie The Shining. When named Johnny, a vindicator becomes hostile towards all mobs, including other illagers, with the exception of other vindicators. They will even attack vexes, despite vexes being considered illagers. This changes their role on the battlefield completely.
Distinguishing Pillagers from Vindicators
While both pillagers and vindicators are considered illagers, they have distinct differences:
- Weaponry: Pillagers wield crossbows while vindicators wield iron axes.
- Spawn Location: Pillagers are found in patrols and outposts, while vindicators are mostly found in woodland mansions and during raids.
- Combat Style: Pillagers engage in ranged attacks while vindicators fight in melee.
- General Behavior: Pillagers are exploratory, venturing into the Overworld and forming hunting parties. Vindicators, on the other hand, are more often found in specific locations or events.
The Broader Illager Family
It is also important to understand that both vindicators and pillagers are part of a larger group called the illagers. Other members of this hostile group include:
- Evokers: Spellcasters that can summon vexes and attack players.
- Ravagers: Large, beast-like mobs that often join raids.
- Witches: Potion-throwing mobs that are not technically illagers but can join raids.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 FAQs to further clarify the details of vindicators, pillagers, and their relations:
1. What is an illager in Minecraft?
Illagers, short for “ill-willing villagers,” are humanoid mobs that are outcasts from villages. They are hostile toward players, Iron Golems, and villagers. They are recognizable by their grey skin color and often their aggressive behavior.
2. Can a Pillager become a Villager?
Yes, a pillager can be transformed into a villager using a Potion of Weakness and a Golden Apple. This mechanic also works for zombie villagers.
3. What does the Evoker drop in Minecraft?
Evokers are the only source of the Totem of Undying, an uncommon combat item that can save the holder from death. They drop at least one totem upon death, and they are also able to summon vexes during battle.
4. Are vexes undead in Minecraft?
Despite their ghostly appearances and the fact that they can phase through walls, vexes are not considered undead mobs. They are small, flying hostile mobs summoned by evokers.
5. Can you tame a vex in Minecraft?
You cannot technically “tame” a vex in the traditional sense of the term. However, there is the unproven rumor about an interaction with a cookie that may turn a vex into an ally. Furthermore, the vex cannot be tamed when its Evoker is nearby.
6. How do you tame an Allay?
Allays cannot be tamed, but they can be controlled. By giving an Allay any item, it will follow you and then collect more of that item, bringing them back to you. Allays will also follow the music of a nearby noteblock.
7. What is the blue pillager?
The “blue pillager” you might be referring to is the Allay. They are cute, small, blue flying creatures that are often found in cages near pillager outposts and woodland mansions.
8. What blocks can Ravagers Break?
Ravagers can break a variety of blocks on Bedrock edition including: bamboo, bamboo saplings, beetroots, brown mushrooms, carrots, carved pumpkins, chorus flower, and chorus plant.
9. What are the behaviors of Pillagers?
Pillagers are hostile to players, iron golems, wandering traders, and adult villagers. They wander in patrols and spawn in outposts. Pillagers also participate in raids.
10. Can Pillagers steal items in Minecraft?
During a raid on Normal difficulty or higher, Pillagers will try to loot chests, barrels, and other storage items. Players can kill the Pillager to retrieve any items they looted.
11. What is the Arch Illager?
The Arch-Illager, known as Archie, is the first main antagonist of Minecraft Dungeons. This is a unique character, and not found in standard Minecraft.
12. Can you tame a Ravager?
Yes, a Ravager can be tamed by using a saddle on it. Once tamed, the Ravager can be ridden and used for transportation.
13. Is the witch considered an illager?
No, the witch is neither an illager nor a villager. Witches do not have any housing, they do not use the equipment in their swamp huts, and they cannot open doors. Witches are peaceful towards villagers and wandering traders, except during raids where their potions can hit one by accident.
14. Who is the strongest illager?
In terms of raw strength, the Vindicator is often considered the strongest illager. They deal significant damage using their iron axes and have a chance to spawn with enchanted weapons.
15. Can you Tame a Pillager?
While not a typical “taming” process, you can prevent a pillager from using its crossbow by breaking it. A crossbow has a durability of 326, so you would need the pillager to use it that many times to break it, and remove their ability to attack.
By understanding the unique characteristics of each of these mobs, you can be more prepared for the challenges that they present and approach the game with a deeper knowledge of the illager world.