What is the Point of the Illager Banner in Minecraft?
The illager banner in Minecraft, also known as the ominous banner, serves multiple purposes, ranging from a simple identifier to a trigger for challenging gameplay. Primarily, it is used to mark a Pillager patrol leader, distinguishing them from their regular counterparts. When defeated, the patrol leader drops this unique banner, which can be used in a few distinct ways. The banner itself is not just a cosmetic item; it’s a key element that affects gameplay, introduces challenge, and can also serve as a collectible for dedicated players. The banner’s impact is multifaceted and adds depth to the game’s mechanics. From being a trophy to a catalyst for raids, the illager banner has multiple functions.
How to Obtain the Illager Banner
Identifying the Banner Carrier
The ominous banner is not a randomly generated item. It is exclusively carried by Pillager patrol leaders. These leaders can be found roaming the Overworld as part of a patrol or as the captain of a Pillager Outpost. They are easily identifiable by the large, unique banner atop their head, making them a clear target for players seeking this item.
Defeating the Leader
To obtain the banner, you must defeat the Pillager patrol leader. Once vanquished, the leader will drop the banner, which you can then collect. The acquisition is straightforward, but the encounter with the patrol can sometimes be challenging, depending on the player’s gear and the number of Pillagers in the group.
The Dual Purpose of the Ominous Banner
The Cosmetic Element
One of the primary uses of the illager banner is as a cosmetic item. You can customize your shield by attaching the banner to it, adding a unique, menacing flair to your equipment. The banner can also be displayed in your base as a trophy, showcasing your victories over the hostile illagers and adding to your collection of unique items. This decorative aspect of the banner provides a form of visual storytelling and progression in the game.
Triggering Raids and the “Bad Omen” Effect
More significantly, the illager banner plays a crucial role in triggering raids. When a player defeats a Pillager patrol leader, they receive the Bad Omen effect, directly linked to the banner. The level of the Bad Omen effect depends on whether it’s from a patrol, outpost captain, or raid captain. The Bad Omen effect is crucial to understand as it will lead to a raid event.
Pillager War Flag Crafting
Another purpose of this banner is used when crafting the Pillager War Flag. When you use the illager banner in a crafting table with 3 sticks across the top, 2 on either side of the banner, and one on the bottom of it, you create the Pillager War Flag. Placing the flag in a village will cause a horn sound to play and the flag will disappear.
The Bad Omen Effect
With the Bad Omen effect active, entering a village will immediately initiate a raid, where waves of illagers attack, testing the player’s defenses and combat skills. The Bad Omen effect itself is a direct result of defeating a Pillager leader carrying an ominous banner, making the banner the linchpin for this gameplay mechanic. The more captains that a player defeats, the higher the Bad Omen effect stacks. This mechanic makes each illager banner collected a potential trigger for increased difficulty, adding an element of risk to its acquisition and collection.
The Illager Banner’s Significance
The illager banner isn’t just a simple item; it represents a pivotal part of Minecraft’s challenge. It acts as a token of victory over the Pillagers, a symbol of their threat, and a tool that players can use to control raid encounters. Understanding the illager banner and its mechanics can significantly enhance the gameplay experience. Whether a player uses it for decorative purposes or actively seeks it to trigger raids, this item adds complexity and depth to the world of Minecraft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Illager Banners
1. Does displaying an ominous banner attract pillagers?
No, displaying a Pillager banner in your base will not attract Pillagers. However, having the Bad Omen effect and entering a village will cause Pillagers to attack.
2. Can pillagers pick up banners?
Yes, when a patrol captain is killed, nearby pillagers can pick up the illager banner and become the next captain.
3. What is the difference between illager and pillager?
While most Illagers prefer solitude, Pillagers are more adventurous. They travel the Overworld, engaging in patrols and raids, and are easily recognized by their crossbows. Pillagers are a specific type of Illager.
4. What is the most powerful illager in Minecraft?
The Vindicator is considered the most powerful illager due to its high damage output with axes. They are often found in Woodland Mansions or Raids.
5. Can villagers turn into illagers?
A villager can be transformed into an illager if killed by an illager or struck by lightning. An illager cannot become a villager.
6. Do ominous banners attract pillager patrols?
Hanging an ominous banner does not directly attract pillager patrols, but having the Bad Omen effect increases the likelihood of raids. Pillager patrols will spawn naturally.
7. Can you live in a pillager outpost?
While technically you can inhabit a pillager outpost, it is not advisable as Pillagers constantly spawn there, making it difficult to establish a safe base.
8. What does killing a pillager captain do?
Killing a captain applies the Bad Omen effect, which will trigger a raid the next time you enter a village. The level of the Bad Omen effect depends on where the captain is defeated.
9. How do you cure a bad omen?
The Bad Omen effect can be cured by drinking milk or by dying. Milk can be obtained by filling a bucket from a cow or goat.
10. Can you spawn a pillager captain?
Yes, in Bedrock Edition, a pillager raid captain can be spawned using the /summon pillager ~ ~ ~ minecraft:spawn_as_illager_captain command. A vindicator can be spawned using /summon vindicator ~ ~ ~ minecraft:spawn_as_illager_captain.
11. How long does the illager banner effect last?
The Bad Omen effect from the illager banner can last up to 1 hour and 40 minutes.
12. Is the Ravager an illager?
A Ravager is not an illager but a hostile mob that joins Pillagers in raids. They are one of the strongest mobs in the game.
13. How do you get an illager banner in survival mode?
Find a Pillager Outpost or patrol. Then locate and defeat the patrol leader carrying the banner. The banner is dropped upon their death.
14. Will pillagers shoot baby villagers?
Instead of killing baby villagers, Pillagers will attempt to kidnap them.
15. What is “Bad Omen?”
The Bad Omen effect is a status effect acquired by defeating an illager patrol leader with a banner. It triggers a raid upon entering a village, which includes waves of hostile illagers.