What is the Flying Blue Pet in Minecraft? The Allay Explained!
The flying blue “pet” in Minecraft you’re likely thinking of is the Allay. While not technically a pet in the traditional sense of being tamed like a wolf or a cat, the Allay is a passive, winged mob that helps players by collecting items. These helpful sprites are blue, smaller than the vex, and completely harmless, making them highly sought after by players who enjoy automation and resource gathering. The Allay responds to items given to them, collecting matching items within a defined radius and bringing them back to the player or a designated note block.
Understanding the Allay: More Than Just a Pet
The Allay’s functionality goes beyond simple companionship. They introduce a fascinating element of automation to Minecraft, especially concerning item collection and sorting. They embody how interactive game elements can foster engagement, as explored by the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, by intertwining gameplay with practical resource management. The Allay’s behavior makes them incredibly useful for a wide range of tasks, from cleaning up after mining expeditions to managing complex sorting systems.
Appearance and Behavior
Allays are easily recognizable due to their distinctive blue coloration and their small, winged form. They resemble a miniature version of the vex, but their passive nature makes them far more approachable. Their flight pattern is characterized by graceful zipping and darting movements, creating a sense of playful energy.
When an Allay is given an item, it will follow the player and search for more of that item within a 32-block radius. Once it finds matching items, it will collect them and deliver them to the player. This item-collecting behavior is fundamental to their usefulness, turning them into miniature flying delivery services. If a note block is within range, the Allay will instead drop the collected items near the note block location, provided it has been played recently.
Finding and “Taming” Allays
Unlike some other mobs in Minecraft, Allays aren’t found roaming freely in the Overworld. They are typically found imprisoned in specific structures, making their acquisition a challenging but rewarding endeavor.
- Pillager Outposts: Allays can be found caged at pillager outposts. Rescuing them involves defeating the pillagers guarding the outpost and breaking open the cages.
- Woodland Mansions: These imposing structures also contain Allay cages, often hidden deep within the mansion’s labyrinthine corridors.
Once freed, an Allay won’t automatically become your companion. To “tame” an Allay, you must give it an item. This is done simply by holding an item and interacting with the Allay (right-clicking or pressing Left Trigger). The Allay will then lock onto that item type and begin following you. While not technically tamed in the traditional sense, the Allay will remain bound to you as long as you continue to exist.
Allays and Note Blocks
One of the most powerful features of the Allay is its interaction with note blocks. If an Allay hears a note block play, it will attempt to deliver items to the note block’s location instead of delivering them directly to the player. This feature opens up a vast array of automation possibilities.
By strategically placing note blocks near chests or other storage solutions, players can create complex item sorting systems. Allays can be assigned to collect specific items and deliver them to the designated note block, where the player can then collect those items and sort them as needed. The Allay’s link to music and note blocks demonstrates a creative element within Minecraft, aligning with principles of playful learning as explored on GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Allays
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Allays in Minecraft, to deepen your knowledge and enhance your gameplay:
1. Can Allays be truly tamed like wolves or cats?
No, Allays cannot be tamed in the traditional sense. You can’t feed them to increase their loyalty. Instead, you “bind” them by giving them an item. They will then follow you and collect matching items until you take the item back.
2. What happens if I give an Allay a diamond?
If you give an Allay a diamond, it will begin searching for dropped diamonds in the surrounding area (up to 32 blocks). It will then collect these diamonds and bring them back to you (or to a nearby, recently played note block).
3. Will Allays mine for items?
No, Allays cannot mine or break blocks. They can only collect items that are already lying on the ground. So, an Allay given a diamond will only pick up diamonds that are already on the ground.
4. Do Allays despawn?
No, Allays do not despawn once you have given them an item. As long as they are carrying an item and bound to you, they will remain in the world.
5. What is the range of an Allay’s item-collecting ability?
An Allay will search for items within a 32-block cubic radius of the player holding the item they recognize, and follow the player for a maxium of a 64-block cubic area.
6. Can Allays be hurt or killed?
Yes, Allays can be hurt and killed by hostile mobs, players, or environmental hazards like lava or suffocation. So, it’s important to protect them when they are helping you collect items. An Allay will take two hits from a diamond sword to be defeated. Also, Allays can not take fall damage.
7. Can Allays carry multiple items at once?
No, an Allay can only carry one item at a time. Once it has collected an item, it will return to you (or the designated note block) before going to collect another item.
8. Can Allays collect items from chests or other containers?
No, Allays cannot open chests or other containers. They can only collect items that are lying on the ground.
9. What happens if an Allay loses the item I gave it?
If an Allay somehow loses the item you gave it, it will become unbound and wander aimlessly. You’ll need to give it a new item to bind it to you again.
10. Can I use multiple Allays to collect different items?
Yes, you can use multiple Allays to collect different items simultaneously. This is a powerful strategy for creating efficient item sorting systems.
11. How can I make an Allay deliver items to a specific location?
You can make an Allay deliver items to a specific location by placing a note block near that location. When the Allay hears the note block play, it will deliver items to the note block instead of to the player.
12. What happens if the note block stops playing?
If the note block stops playing, the Allay will revert to delivering items directly to the player.
13. Can Allays be put on leads?
No, Allays cannot be put on leads.
14. What’s the best way to protect my Allays?
The best way to protect your Allays is to keep them safe from hostile mobs and environmental hazards. Consider building enclosed pathways or using protective blocks like glass to keep them out of harm’s way.
15. Can Allays duplicate items?
No, Allays cannot duplicate items. They simply collect existing items that are already in the world.
Conclusion: The Allay’s Impact on Minecraft
The Allay is a delightful addition to Minecraft, offering players a unique and engaging way to automate item collection and sorting. While not a pet in the traditional sense, their helpful nature and charming appearance make them a welcome companion for any adventurer. By understanding their behavior and limitations, you can leverage their abilities to streamline your gameplay and build more efficient and organized worlds. The Allay encapsulates many positive attributes that can be found in sandbox games, particularly within Minecraft, as they empower players to craft their own narratives and solutions, a topic well-documented by resources such as the Games Learning Society.