The introduction of the 1.19 Wild Update featured the release of the Deep Dark and Mangrove biomes, frogs, allays and the deadly Warden enemy. Part of the update is the new Ancient City, the Deep Dark’s version of End Cities and Bastion remnants. While you may be eager to venture through an Ancient City yourself, you may not know where to start with finding one. This guide will teach you how to find ancient cities in Minecraft Java and Bedrock Editions.
How to Find an Ancient City in Minecraft
Ancient Cities in Minecraft Java and Bedrock Editions are located in Deep Dark biomes. The Deep Dark is located underground, while Ancient Cities are at Y = -51 or lower. You’ll know you’re getting close to the biome when you start seeing Deepslate and Sculk blocks. While most of them are regular Sculk blocks, you’ll also find Sculk catalysts, shriekers and sensors. In particular, if you’re not careful around the shrieker, you may potentially summon the Warden!
Once you’re in a Deep Dark biome, venture around the cave until you start seeing blocks such as polished and chiseled Deepslate, Soul Lanterns, Basalt and candles. Since Ancient Cities are typically very large, often spanning hundreds of blocks, you may need to dig around extensively to discover the full scale of the area. It’s important to note that not every Deep Dark biome has an Ancient City. If you find a fairly small Deep Dark biome, you likely will not find the city and have to travel to another cave.
Ancient Cities have numerous features that make them worth exploring. Many of the blocks featured in them, such as the decorative deepslate bricks, are useful for returning to your base and building with them. Similarly, you’ll find numerous chests scattered around with powerful loot, ranging from enchanted iron and diamond gear to enchanted books.
Minecraft is available on PC, Android, iOS, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation platforms.
