When Minecraft came out over a decade ago, exploring underground was already spooky, but it was pretty monotonous; lava and the rare diamond block were the most exciting things to see. Nowadays, though, heading underground is a much more exciting experience. Caves are far more varied and interesting, and there are even deep-buried Ancient Cities to loot–if you can avoid the Warden.
There are dozens of biome types and subtypes aboveground, but below ground you’ll find fewer biomes and more danger.
Note: This guide focuses on the Bedrock version of Minecraft, available on Windows 10, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile.
Dripstone Caves
Dripstone caves are, as the name suggests, full of dripstone stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites crawling up from the floor. Dripstone is useful for a variety of applications, like a self-replicating lava farm, and can be used as spikes to damage players and mobs. Copper spawns in comparatively large amounts in dripstone caves.
Lush Caves
Lush caves are a stunning addition to Minecraft’s subterranean world. For a long time, Minecraft caves all kind of looked the same–stone for ages, with little patches of desirable blocks like iron ore and diamonds scattered about. Lush caves, however, are packed with plant life. They’re covered by moss blocks, moss carpet, azalea bushes, grass, and flowers on the ground. From above, you can find glowberries–both a fruit and a source of light–along with vines and spore blossoms. Shallow ponds generate with dripleaf plants and, sometimes, axlotls.
Deep Dark
Deep Dark caves are where things get scary. These dark caves generate mostly in the layers where stone turns to deepslate. You’ll find sculk sensors and shriekers, which can summon wardens. The Deep Dark is also where Ancient Cities spawn, and are a source of enchanted golden apples and a rare music disc, among other treasures. No mobs aside from wardens spawn here, but wardens can kill you nearly instantly even when you’re fully armored in Netherite, so take care when exploring this biome.
