How to Find a Stronghold in Minecraft and What’s Hidden Inside

Author: Charlotte Apr 13,2025

Fortresses in Minecraft, known as strongholds, are enigmatic structures that beckon adventurers with promises of thrilling exploration and valuable rewards. These underground labyrinths are a cornerstone of the game, providing players with the chance to embark on daring quests in exchange for resources and upgrades that can enhance their gameplay experience.

If you're as eager as we are to delve into the shadowy passages of Minecraft strongholds and face the creatures that dwell within, this guide is crafted just for you!

Table of Contents

  • What is a Stronghold in Minecraft
  • How to Find a Stronghold in Minecraft
    • Eye of Ender
    • The Locate Command
  • Stronghold Rooms
    • Library
    • Prison
    • Fountain
    • Secret Rooms
    • Altar
  • Stronghold Mobs
  • Rewards
  • Portal to the Ender Dragon

What is a Stronghold in Minecraft

Ender PortalImage: youtube.com

A stronghold in Minecraft is an ancient, subterranean catacomb that holds secrets from bygone eras. As you navigate through its winding corridors, you'll encounter intriguing areas such as prison cells, libraries, and more. But the true allure of the stronghold lies in its portal to The End, the final frontier where players confront the game's ultimate challenge—the Ender Dragon.

Ender dragonImage: youtube.com

To activate this portal, you'll need the Eye of Ender, which we'll explore in the next section. Remember, finding a stronghold without assistance is nearly impossible, as the game provides only one legitimate method for locating these structures, alongside some less conventional approaches.

How to Find a Stronghold in Minecraft

Eye of Ender

Eye of EnderImage: youtube.com

The Eye of Ender is the developer-approved and only legitimate way to locate a stronghold. Crafting it requires:

  • Blaze Powder, obtained from Blaze Rods dropped by Blazes.
  • Ender Pearls, primarily dropped by Endermen, though they can also be traded with priest villagers for emeralds or found in stronghold chests.

Craft Eye of EnderImage: pattayabayrealestate.com

Once crafted, hold the Eye of Ender and use it to watch it soar for 3 seconds towards the nearest stronghold. Be mindful, as this item is consumable and may either return to you or vanish into the sky. Use it judiciously!

Ender PortalImage: youtube.com

You'll need multiple Eyes of Ender to activate the portal, so gather ample resources before embarking on your stronghold quest. In survival mode, around 30 Eyes might be necessary to ensure you can challenge the dragon.

The Locate Command

For those looking for a shortcut, albeit less fair, you can use the /locate structure stronghold command if your game version is 1.20 or higher, after enabling cheat commands in the game settings.

The Locate CommandImage: youtube.com

Once you have the coordinates, teleport to the location using /tp . Note that these coordinates are approximate, so some additional searching might be required to find the stronghold.

Stronghold Rooms

Library

Library Stronghold MinecraftImage: youtube.com

The library within a stronghold is a vast, atmospheric space constructed from stone blocks, bricks, and bookshelves. Often hidden deep within the stronghold, these rooms can be elusive but rewarding. Chests near the bookshelves may contain enchanted books and other valuable resources, potentially aiding your future adventures.

Prison

Prison Stronghold MinecraftImage: youtube.com

The prison area is a labyrinthine maze with narrow corridors and dim lighting, creating a foreboding atmosphere. Be wary of skeletons, zombies, and creepers that lurk in the shadows, as the real threat here comes from these hostile mobs rather than any prisoners.

Fountain

Fountain Stronghold MinecraftImage: youtube.com

The fountain room is unmistakable, with its central water feature lending a magical ambiance. The play of light on the water's surface and the echoes of ancient magic make this room a serene yet mysterious place, possibly once used for rituals or as a sanctuary.

Secret Rooms

Secret rooms Stronghold MinecraftImage: youtube.com

Hidden behind the stronghold's walls, secret rooms await discovery. These chambers often contain chests filled with valuable resources, enchanted books, and rare equipment. Be cautious of traps, such as hidden arrow mechanisms, and keep your health in check as you explore.

Altar

Altar Stronghold MinecraftImage: youtube.com

The altar room may initially seem more like a grim prison than a sacred space, with its stone-brick walls and central stone structure. However, upon closer inspection, you'll recognize it as an ancient altar, surrounded by torches and shrouded in mystery.

Stronghold Mobs

Silverfish Stronghold MinecraftImage: youtube.com

The stronghold is guarded by relatively manageable foes like skeletons, creepers, and Silverfish, which can be handled even with basic iron armor. Yet, these seemingly weaker enemies can still pose a significant challenge within the stronghold's confines.

Rewards

The rewards found in strongholds are randomly generated, meaning your luck can vary greatly. Potential treasures include:

  • Enchanted book
  • Iron chestplate
  • Iron sword
  • Iron horse armor
  • Gold horse armor
  • Diamond horse armor

Portal to the Ender Dragon

Portal to the Ender DragonImage: msn.com

In Minecraft's survival mode, the journey through the stronghold leads to the ultimate goal—the portal to the Ender Dragon. This marks the culmination of your adventure, where you'll face the game's final boss.

Minecraft strongholds are not just a means to an end but a rich environment for exploration and combat. It would be a missed opportunity to merely pass through without fully experiencing the wonders and challenges they offer.