The Wither stands as one of Minecraft’s deadliest and most unique boss mobs. Unlike other threats, players must construct this three-headed skeletal beast themselves. Its battle unfolds in multiple stages, each demanding a different approach to survive and win.
Crafting the Wither: How to Begin the Encounter
To summon the Wither, players need to journey into the Nether and gather the following:
- 4 Soul Sand or Soul Soil – These blocks are scattered throughout the Nether and are relatively easy to collect.
- 3 Wither Skeleton Skulls – This is the more challenging part. These skulls are rare drops from Wither Skeletons, which only spawn in Nether Fortresses.
Once you’ve collected all the required items, find a spacious area—either in the Overworld or Nether—and construct a T-shaped base using the Soul Sand or Soil. Then place the three Wither Skeleton Skulls on top. Once the last skull is placed, the Wither will form and explode shortly after, so it’s wise to retreat immediately to avoid the blast.
Preparing for Battle: What to Bring
Defeating the Wither isn’t a simple task, so entering the fight fully prepared is essential. Recommended items include:
- Full Diamond or Netherite Armor (ideally enchanted with Blast Protection)
- A Diamond or Netherite Sword with Smite or Sharpness
- A Bow enchanted with Power and a stock of arrows
- Golden Apples and Healing Potions for quick health recovery
- A bucket of Milk to cure the Wither effect
- A Shield for defense and a Totem of Undying for emergency survival
Phase One: Dodge, Deflect, and Strike
At spawn, the Wither unleashes a powerful explosion. The damage varies by difficulty level:
- Easy – 35 hearts
- Normal – 68 hearts
- Hard – 102 hearts
This makes armor and healing items vital, and staying at a distance when the fight begins can drastically increase survivability.
During the first phase, the Wither hovers through the air, launching two types of skull projectiles:
- Black Skulls – These are fast but can be hit back, similar to fireballs from a Ghast.
- Blue Skulls – Slower and non-deflectable, these require players to avoid them through movement.
The boss also destroys blocks in its path, so avoid fighting it near valuable structures. Attack when it floats close enough or use ranged shots to chip away at its health. This continues until it drops to 50% HP.
Phase Two: Close-Combat Mayhem
At half health, the Wither enters its second form and gains a shimmering blue shield that blocks all projectiles. From here on, melee attacks are the only way to deal damage.
This phase becomes even more intense as the Wither begins spawning Wither Skeletons to assist it. Movement is key—stay agile to avoid getting cornered, and focus on landing melee hits as quickly as possible to bring the boss down before reinforcements overwhelm you.
When the Wither’s health reaches zero, it begins another explosive charge sequence. Step back immediately to avoid the final detonation.
The Reward: What the Wither Drops
After the Wither is defeated, it rewards players with:
- 50 Experience Points
- 1 Nether Star – This rare item is the essential component for crafting a Beacon. Beacons provide area-wide buffs and effects, offering valuable support for long-term survival or major builds.
Taking down the Wither is a high-risk, high-reward endeavor. With the right preparation, strategy, and a bit of bravery, this formidable foe becomes a powerful stepping stone toward endgame advancement in Minecraft.