Table of Contents

Nether Fortress vs. Bastion: A Comprehensive Guide to Nether Structures in Minecraft

Quick answer

This page answers What is the difference between a nether fortress and a bastion? quickly.

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 Nether, a fiery and perilous dimension in Minecraft, is home to many dangers and valuable resources. Two of the most prominent structures found within its depths are the Nether Fortress and the Bastion Remnant. While both are brimming with loot and challenge, they are distinct in their appearance, inhabitants, and the specific items they offer. Simply put, Nether Fortresses are sprawling, brick-built structures primarily inhabited by blazes and wither skeletons, and are essential for progressing through the game, as they contain blaze spawners necessary for creating Eyes of Ender. Conversely, Bastion Remnants are newer, imposing fortresses constructed of blackstone and basalt, teeming with piglins and piglin brutes, known for their valuable loot, including netherite and gold.

Delving Deeper: Key Differences Between Nether Fortresses and Bastion Remnants

While they both offer loot, Nether Fortresses and Bastion Remnants are wildly different. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:

Appearance: Nether Fortresses exhibit a consistent deep red color theme due to their construction primarily from nether brick blocks. Bastion Remnants, on the other hand, are predominantly dark black due to the use of blackstone, complemented by an ash-colored hue from basalt. This makes them visually distinct, even from a distance.
Inhabitants: Nether Fortresses are notorious for harboring blazes, wither skeletons, zombified piglins, skeletons, and magma cubes. Blazes are particularly important as they are the only source of blaze rods in the game. Bastion Remnants are swarming with piglins and piglin brutes. These piglins are generally hostile unless the player is wearing at least one piece of gold armor.
Loot: Nether Fortresses offer loot chests containing items such as saddles, iron and gold ingots, potions, and nether wart, which is crucial for brewing. Bastion Remnants offer higher tier loot, with potential rewards including netherite scraps, gold blocks, enchanted golden apples, and even netherite armor. This makes Bastions a high-risk, high-reward destination.
Purpose: Nether Fortresses are a vital necessity for game progression. They are the only place to find blaze spawners, which provide blaze rods needed to create Eyes of Ender, used for accessing the End dimension and the final boss, the Ender Dragon. Bastion Remnants, while not essential for game progression, offer significantly valuable loot and a challenging combat experience for players.
Generation: Nether Fortresses are typically structured as a series of corridors, bridges, and towers. Bastion Remnants come in four distinct types: Bridges, Hoglin Stables, Housing Units, and Treasure Rooms, each with unique layouts and challenges. The generation algorithms for these structures also differ.
Rarity and Proximity: These structures are programmed not to generate too close to each other. “Two structures never generate in the same region, although they might overlap if they generate close to the separation border.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nether Fortresses and Bastion Remnants

Is a Nether Fortress Near a Bastion?

No, Nether Fortresses and Bastion Remnants do not spawn near each other. The game’s generation mechanics prevent them from being located in close proximity. If you encounter a large Blackstone structure, it’s likely a Bastion Remnant, and you should move to a different area to search for a Nether Fortress.

Is a Bastion Rarer than a Fortress?

Bastion Remnants are slightly more common than Nether Fortresses. In the Java Edition, there is a 60% chance of a bastion generating instead of a fortress. In the Bedrock Edition, the chance is about 66.6%.

What are the 4 Types of Bastions?

Bastion Remnants come in four distinct types:

Bridges: Characterized by long, bridge-like structures often guarded by piglins.
Hoglin Stables: These contain hoglins, the Nether’s hostile pig-like creatures, and offer unique challenges.
Housing Units: Resembling living quarters, these are filled with corridors and rooms.
Treasure Rooms: Considered the most valuable, these house significant loot guarded by tough enemies.

How do You Tell What Bastion It Is?

Identifying the type of Bastion is crucial for strategizing your approach. The bridge bastion can be identified by the number of gold blocks used to build it.

Which Bastion Has the Best Loot?

While all Bastion types offer valuable loot, the Treasure Room bastion is widely considered to contain the best rewards, including netherite. However, it also presents the most dangerous encounters.

What is the Purpose of the Bastions?

In the real world, bastions in forts were designed to allow soldiers to monitor approaching enemies from a distance, as well as launch attacks. In Minecraft, these structures are intended to provide players with valuable loot and challenging combat encounters.

Do All Bastions Have Netherite?

Not all Bastion Remnants guarantee Netherite, but the Treasure Room bastion has the highest chance of containing it. So, if you’re hunting for this rare material, treasure rooms are your best bet.

Why Is It Called Bastion?

The term “bastion” shares a common root with “bastille,” meaning “build.” In both real-world fortifications and in Minecraft, it represents a fortified structure and a place of defense. It is a place where one turns for safety and strength. The Games Learning Society has resources to learn more about the history of words and gaming. You can find more on GamesLearningSociety.org.

What are the Chances of Finding Netherite in a Bastion?

Players have approximately a 42.1% chance of finding at least one netherite ingot inside a treasure chest in a Bastion Remnant on both Java and Bedrock editions. This percentage was significantly increased in a patch to make Bastions a more reliable source of netherite.

How do You Survive a Bastion?

Surviving a Bastion Remnant requires a careful approach:

Wear at least one piece of gold armor to avoid initial aggression from piglins.
Use ranged attacks, like a bow, to engage enemies from a distance.
Be wary of lava and avoid being pushed into it.
Carry a Punch bow to shove piglins into lava columns.
Bring potions for healing and defense.

Are There Piglins in Nether Fortresses?

No, Nether Fortresses do not naturally spawn piglins or piglin brutes. These structures primarily generate wither skeletons, blazes, and other hostile mobs exclusive to fortresses. Piglins and Piglin Brutes are exclusive to Bastion Remnants.

Where is Netherite in a Bastion?

Netherite is primarily found in chests within the Treasure Room bastion. These chests can contain ingots, scraps, and even netherite armor, making this bastion type highly desirable for loot hunters.

Is Netherite Better Than Diamond?

Yes, netherite is significantly better than diamond. Netherite armor has higher toughness and durability than diamond armor, and also provides knockback resistance. Netherite weapons deal more damage. This makes it the best material for tools and armor.

Is a Netherite Sword Worth It?

Absolutely! A netherite sword deals more damage than a diamond sword, especially in the Bedrock version, where it has a base attack damage of 9 (or four and a half hearts). The added durability and enchantment capabilities make it a worthwhile upgrade.

What is the Gold in the Bastions in Minecraft?

Gold is an integral component of the visual design and loot pool within Bastion Remnants. Visually, it enhances the architectural style, hinting at the Piglin’s perceived value. It can be found as loose blocks, within chests, or used in construction. Gold armor is worn to prevent aggro from piglins.

By understanding the distinct features, inhabitants, and loot of both Nether Fortresses and Bastion Remnants, you can strategically navigate the Nether and maximize your chances of survival and success. Remember to always be prepared, and good luck exploring!