All the major Minecraft mobs

As you travel through Minecraft, you're bound to run into different 'mobs' – Minecraft's term for non-playable characters or creatures. This guide explains the most common mobs that you'll run into, as well as some of the ones that'll have a major impact on your overall experience. Be on the lookout for these and other cool creatures as you explore the game.

Cows, chickens, sheep and more can be found roaming the countryside in the early parts of the game. You can leave most of them alone but you may have to defeat a few to gain some essential materials for building.

Some of the first enemies that you'll encounter are zombies or walking skeletons. Both are easily defeated but the skeletons are slightly more dangerous due to their bow and arrow.

Creepers are green creatures with small feet. Don't get too close to them or they'll literally blow up in your face.

Piglins are mostly found in the Nether, an alternative dimension that can be accessed through building portals in the Overworld. While Piglins will attack you on sight in most situations, they'll leave you alone if you're wearing any pieces of golden armour when you encounter them. Also, if a Piglin finds itself outside of the Nether, it will eventually change into a Zombie Piglin – and those aren't fun.

Villagers are a human-like mob that are found living in villages throughout the world. They will not bother you as you pass through, but if you've mined any Emeralds, you can trade with them for other useful items. Be wary, though, as there is an alternative form of the Villager, called the 'Illager', which will attack you on sight with their crossbows, axes or even magic.

Endermen are tall humanoid creatures that do little more than walk around and warp across water. They are peaceful and will leave you alone if unprovoked, but should you attack one or look directly into its eyes, it will immediately become hostile and pursue you. Look from a distance but do not mess with the Enderman.

The Ender Dragon is one of the largest mobs in the game and it spawns when you first arrive in The End. The dragon guards the portals back to the Overworld and it will attack the player on sight, using its wings and fiery breath. Approach the Ender Dragon at your own peril.