Table of Contents

Why Aren’t My Pillagers Spawning? A Minecraft Expert’s Guide

Quick answer

This page answers Why aren t my pillagers spawning? 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.

▶

So, you’re having trouble getting those pesky Pillagers to show up in your Minecraft world? You’re not alone! Pillager spawning can be finicky, and there are several factors at play. The most common reasons they aren’t spawning are incorrect light levels, improper game time, nearby players, raid glitches, or spawn-proofing measures you may have unknowingly implemented. Let’s break down each of these, and other potential causes, in detail.

Understanding Pillager Spawning Mechanics

To troubleshoot effectively, you need to understand how Pillagers are supposed to spawn. Here’s a breakdown:

Outposts: Pillagers continually spawn within a 72x54x72 block volume centered on the top floor of a pillager outpost. They spawn on any valid opaque block where the block light level is 8 or less. A maximum of eight can spawn naturally in an outpost in Bedrock Edition.
Patrols: Pillager Patrols spawn naturally after 100 minutes (5 in-game days) of game time. After this point, the game attempts to spawn a patrol every 10-11 minutes, with a 20% success rate. Patrols spawn 24-48 blocks away from a random player, on the highest solid block.
Raids: Raids are triggered when a player with the Bad Omen effect enters a village. The raid spawns waves of Illagers, including Pillagers.

Troubleshooting Your Pillager Problems

Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to diagnosing why your Pillagers aren’t spawning:

Check the Light Levels: This is the most common culprit. Pillagers require a light level of 8 or less to spawn. Torches, lanterns, glowstone, and other light sources will prevent spawning. Make sure the areas where you expect Pillagers to spawn are dark enough. Use the /gamerule doDaylightCycle false command to temporarily set the game to night. Then you can see the light level more easily.
Verify Game Time: Pillager Patrols won’t spawn until your world has reached 5 in-game days (100 minutes). If you’ve just started a new world, you’ll need to be patient. Use the /time query gametime command to check game time.
Consider Player Proximity: Pillager Patrols won’t spawn within a 5x5x5 sub-chunk cube (80x80x80 blocks) around a player. Move further away from potential patrol spawn locations. Additionally, the game tries to spawn patrols 24-48 blocks away from players, so being too close or too far can be problematic.
Inspect the Outpost: If you’re having trouble with Pillagers spawning at an outpost, make sure the spawning platforms are clear of obstructions. Also, check that all spawnable blocks in the tower are light level 8 or lower. In Bedrock Edition, Pillagers will spawn on the highest opaque block with a non-solid block on top, spawning on the northwest corner.
Address Raid Issues: If you’re having trouble with a raid spawning, it could be due to an existing Illager already present in the village. If a raid wave begins and an Illager is already present, the wave will not spawn properly. Kill any stray Illagers in the village before triggering the raid.
Avoid Pacifying the Outpost: Certain measures can inadvertently pacify a pillager outpost. These typically involves removing or covering all grass and sand blocks in the area, or illuminating the area with light sources. Be sure that none of these have occurred.
Confirm Difficulty: Ensure you are playing on at least Normal difficulty or higher. If you are on Peaceful, no hostile mobs will spawn.
Check for Bugs: Although rare, bugs can occur in any software including Minecraft. Check to see if there are any known spawning bugs on the version you are using.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to Pillager spawning:

1. Do torches stop Pillagers from spawning?

Yes! Torches, and any other light source that raises the light level above 8, will prevent Pillagers from spawning. Pillagers require a light level of 7 or less to spawn.

2. How do I increase the spawn rate of Pillagers at an outpost?

Go to the top of the outpost structure. This concentrates world mob spawns at the outpost boundary box, then you can go down and kill them. Lighting the ground helps at night.

3. How many days does it take for Pillagers to spawn naturally?

Pillager Patrols begin to spawn naturally after 5 in-game days (100 minutes).

4. Can Pillagers spawn during the day?

Yes, they can. The individual Pillagers of a patrol can spawn regardless of sky light, but require a block light level of 8 or less.

5. What is the maximum Bad Omen level?

The maximum level for Bad Omen is 5.

6. Do Pillagers spawn randomly?

Yes and no. At the pillager outpost, they will spawn randomly in the specific spawning conditions. In patrol form, they will spawn 24-48 blocks away from a random player, on the highest solid block.

7. Why isn’t my raid spawning correctly?

If an Illager is already present inside the village, the wave may not spawn correctly. Make sure you have cleared out any existing Illagers before starting the raid.

8. Do Pillagers always spawn?

Illagers spawn naturally in patrol and raids. They always spawn naturally in groups while in patrols and raids, or inside their structures.

9. Can I turn a Pillager into a villager?

No, this is incorrect. However, using a Confusion potion and a Golden apple you can change a Zombie Pillager into a villager.

10. Can ominous banners attract Pillagers?

No. Ominous banners are just a cosmetic and reward for killing a captain. Pillager patrol spawns depend on the biome you’re in.

11. Can you tame a Pillager?

While you can’t “tame” a Pillager in the traditional sense, some players will break the crossbow of a Pillager, give it a name tag to prevent despawning, and move it around in a boat.

12. What’s the difference between Illagers and Pillagers?

Illagers are a group of hostile mobs, including Pillagers, Vindicators, Evokers, and Illusioners. Pillagers are a specific type of Illager that spawns in outposts and patrols.

13. Can I make a Pillager outpost my home?

You can, but Pillagers constantly spawn there, so it’s not ideal for a safe base. Some players create pillager farms for XP and loot.

14. How do I get rid of Pillagers without triggering a raid?

Pouring lava down where they are standing will eliminate them. The lava destroys the pillager drops and pillagers have good enough AI to avoid lava.

15. How do you cure a Bad Omen?

By crafting a bucket, players can approach either animal and click on it to fill the empty bucket with milk. Drinking this milk clears the Bad Omen status and allows players to enter villages without starting raids. The only other way to remove the Bad Omen status is through player death.

Conclusion

Pillager spawning can be a bit of a puzzle, but by understanding the mechanics and troubleshooting carefully, you can get those Pillagers spawning where you want them. From light levels to game time, and even the tricky nuances of raid mechanics, mastering these details can help you create the exact gameplay experience you’re after. Now, go forth and conquer those spawning issues! And if you are interested in learning more about game-based learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for more resources and insights.