How to Become a Mob in Minecraft: A Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever looked at a Creeper, a Zombie, or even a fluffy Sheep in Minecraft and thought, “I wish I could *be* that?” While vanilla Minecraft doesn’t offer a straightforward way to transform into a mob, the wonderful world of modding and creative command usage opens up exciting possibilities. This guide will walk you through several methods, from simple visual changes to complex gameplay alterations, allowing you to experience Minecraft from a whole new perspective – as one of its iconic creatures.
**Disclaimer:** This guide covers various methods, some requiring mods and external software. Always download mods from trusted sources to protect your game and computer from malware. Modding can sometimes introduce instability, so it’s recommended to back up your world before making significant changes.
## Method 1: The Disguise with Command Blocks (Limited, Vanilla)
This method offers a basic visual illusion using command blocks. It’s the closest you can get to “becoming” a mob without mods, but it’s limited in functionality. You won’t gain the mob’s abilities or AI, but you will look like one. This method is best suited for creative mode servers or single-player worlds where you want to create temporary visual effects.
**Steps:**
1. **Enable Cheats:** In your Minecraft world, ensure cheats are enabled. If you’re in single-player, you can enable cheats when creating the world or by opening the world to LAN and enabling cheats there. On a server, you’ll need operator (OP) permissions.
2. **Obtain a Command Block:** Use the following command to give yourself a command block:
`/give @p minecraft:command_block`
3. **Place and Configure the Command Block:**
* Place the command block on the ground.
* Right-click the command block to open its interface.
* Set the command block type to “Repeat”. This ensures the command runs continuously.
* Set the command block to “Always Active”.
4. **Enter the Transformation Command:** This is where you choose the mob you want to disguise as. The core command is `execute as @p run data modify entity @s Invisible set value 1b`, but this makes you invisible! Instead, you will essentially summon a copy of the mob *onto* you, making it follow you everywhere, and making it *look* like you *are* the mob. The following example transforms you into a Creeper. Enter the following command into the command block:
execute as @p at @s run summon minecraft:creeper ~ ~ ~ {Silent:1b,NoAI:1b,Invulnerable:1b,ActiveEffects:[{Id:14,Amplifier:1b,Duration:2147483647,ShowParticles:0b}],Tags:[“mob_disguise”]}
* **Explanation of the command:**
* `execute as @p at @s run`: This executes the following command as every player (`@p`) at their current location (`@s`).
* `summon minecraft:creeper ~ ~ ~`: This summons a Creeper at the player’s location (`~ ~ ~` represents relative coordinates – the same position).
* `{Silent:1b,NoAI:1b,Invulnerable:1b,ActiveEffects:[{Id:14,Amplifier:1b,Duration:2147483647,ShowParticles:0b}],Tags:[“mob_disguise”]}`: This is the entity data tag, which modifies the Creeper’s properties:
* `Silent:1b`: Makes the Creeper silent.
* `NoAI:1b`: Prevents the Creeper from moving or behaving naturally (it just stays attached to you).
* `Invulnerable:1b`: Makes the Creeper invulnerable to damage.
* `ActiveEffects:[{Id:14,Amplifier:1b,Duration:2147483647,ShowParticles:0b}]}`: Adds the Invisibility effect to the Creeper. `Id:14` is the effect ID for Invisibility. `Amplifier:1b` increases the effect level slightly (it doesn’t matter much for Invisibility). `Duration:2147483647` sets the effect duration to the maximum, and `ShowParticles:0b` prevents the invisibility particles from showing.
* `Tags:[“mob_disguise”]`: Adds a tag to the Creeper. We’ll use this tag later to remove the Creeper.
5. **Make Yourself Invisible:** Add a *second* repeating, always active command block with the following command:
effect give @p minecraft:invisibility 1 0 true
* `effect give @p minecraft:invisibility 1 0 true`: This applies the invisibility effect to the nearest player (@p) for 1 second (the duration), at level 0 (the amplifier). Setting `true` hides the particle effects, improving the illusion. The command repeats quickly, so the invisibility is maintained.
6. **Clean up old entities:** Add a *third* repeating, always active command block with the following command to prevent accumulation of invisible creeper clones:
kill @e[tag=mob_disguise,distance=3..]
* `kill @e[tag=mob_disguise,distance=3..]`: This kills all entities (`@e`) that have the tag “mob_disguise” and are more than 3 blocks away from the command block.
7. **Choose Your Mob:** Replace `minecraft:creeper` in the first command block with the ID of the mob you want to become. For example, to become a Zombie, use `minecraft:zombie`. Here are a few examples:
* `minecraft:zombie`
* `minecraft:skeleton`
* `minecraft:spider`
* `minecraft:pig`
* `minecraft:cow`
* `minecraft:sheep`
**Important Considerations for Command Block Method:**
* **Visual Only:** This method only changes your appearance. You won’t inherit any of the mob’s abilities, weaknesses, or AI. You’ll still move, attack, and interact with the world as a player.
* **Limited Interaction:** You won’t be able to interact with the world as the mob. For example, you can’t explode as a Creeper or attack as a Zombie.
* **Customization:** You can customize the mob’s appearance further by adding more data tags. For instance, you can give a Zombie specific equipment or make a Sheep a particular color.
* **Resource Intensive:** Constantly summoning and removing entities can be slightly resource intensive, especially if many players are using this method on a server. This is typically not noticeable unless there are many of these running.
**Removing the Disguise:**
To remove the disguise, you can:
* Break the command blocks.
* Use the command `/effect clear @p minecraft:invisibility` to remove the invisibility effect. (Run once)
* Use the command `/kill @e[tag=mob_disguise]` to kill any spawned disguised mobs. (Run once)
## Method 2: The Transformation Mod (Advanced, Requires Mods)
Transformation mods offer a much more comprehensive and immersive experience than command blocks. These mods allow you to not only look like a mob but also gain their abilities, weaknesses, and even their AI. This is the closest you can get to truly *becoming* a mob in Minecraft.
**Popular Transformation Mods:**
* **Morph Mod (1.12.2 and earlier):** The original and arguably the most popular transformation mod. It allows you to morph into almost any mob after killing it. Each mob form grants you unique abilities and weaknesses.
* **Metamorph Mod (1.14.4 and later):** A modern successor to the Morph mod, offering similar functionality and compatibility with newer Minecraft versions. It also features a user-friendly interface for selecting and managing your morphs.
* **iMorph (various versions):** Another strong contender that offers a similar array of features.
**General Steps for Using a Transformation Mod (Example using Morph Mod):**
1. **Install Forge:** Forge is a mod loader that allows you to install and manage mods in Minecraft. Download the correct version of Forge for your Minecraft version from the official MinecraftForge website.
* Run the Forge installer and select “Install Client”. Follow the instructions on the screen.
2. **Download the Transformation Mod:** Download the Morph Mod (or Metamorph Mod, or iMorph) from a reputable source like CurseForge or Modrinth. Ensure the mod version is compatible with your Minecraft and Forge versions.
3. **Place the Mod in the Mods Folder:**
* Open your Minecraft installation folder. The default location is `%appdata%/.minecraft` on Windows, `~/Library/Application Support/minecraft` on macOS, and `~/.minecraft` on Linux.
* Locate the `mods` folder. If it doesn’t exist, create it.
* Place the downloaded `.jar` file of the Morph Mod (or Metamorph Mod) into the `mods` folder.
4. **Launch Minecraft with Forge:**
* Open the Minecraft Launcher.
* Select the Forge profile from the dropdown menu before launching the game. If the Forge profile isn’t there, you may need to create it manually. Ensure it points to the correct Forge installation.
* Launch the game.
5. **Start Morphin’:**
* **Kill Mobs:** The core mechanic of most transformation mods is acquiring the ability to transform by killing mobs. Once you kill a mob, you unlock its form.
* **Open the Morph Menu:** The Morph Mod (and similar mods) usually has a dedicated keybind to open the morph selection menu. The default key is often `[`.
* **Select a Morph:** Browse the available morphs in the menu and select the one you want to transform into.
* **Transform:** Press the “Morph” button (or the equivalent action) to transform into the selected mob.
**Features and Benefits of Transformation Mods:**
* **Mob Abilities:** Gain the unique abilities of the mob you transform into. For example:
* **Creeper:** Explode (with a configurable fuse time).
* **Spider:** Climb walls.
* **Bat:** Fly (with limited duration).
* **Chicken:** Glide when falling.
* **Enderman:** Teleport.
* **Zombie/Skeleton:** Burn in daylight (unless you add configurations to prevent it).
* **Ghast:** Shoot fireballs.
* **Mob Weaknesses:** Experience the downsides of being a mob. You might be vulnerable to specific damage types or have limited movement in certain environments.
* **Mob AI (Partial):** While you won’t completely relinquish control to the mob’s AI, you might exhibit some of their behaviors. For example, you might prioritize attacking specific targets or exhibit specific movement patterns.
* **Customization:** Many transformation mods offer extensive customization options. You can configure which mobs are available to morph into, adjust the strength of mob abilities, and modify the transformation mechanics.
* **Immersive Gameplay:** Transformation mods significantly enhance the immersive experience of Minecraft. You can experience the game from a completely different perspective, exploring the world as a creature of the night or a denizen of the depths.
**Challenges of Using Transformation Mods:**
* **Compatibility:** Ensure the mod is compatible with your Minecraft version and other installed mods. Mod conflicts can cause crashes or unexpected behavior.
* **Configuration:** Some transformation mods can be complex to configure, requiring you to adjust settings to balance the gameplay and prevent overpowered abilities.
* **Learning Curve:** It takes time to learn the intricacies of each mob form and master their abilities. You’ll need to experiment and adapt to new playstyles.
## Method 3: Using the Taterzens Plugin (Server-Side, Requires Plugins)
The Taterzens plugin allows players to effectively *become* villagers on a server. This is done by creating a villager NPC, and then essentially possessing it. The player’s character will disappear, and the villager can then be controlled with all of the player’s movements.
**Steps:**
1. **Install a Minecraft Server:** Requires running and managing a Minecraft server.
2. **Install a Server Platform:** Paper is generally the preferred server platform, due to its optimizations and plugin support. Download the latest version of paper for your Minecraft version from papermc.io.
3. **Install Taterzens:** Download the latest version of Taterzens from spigotmc.org.
4. **Start the Server:** Run the Paper jar file, let it load, then shut it down. Put the Taterzens jar file into the “plugins” folder.
5. **Start the Server again:** The plugin will load automatically.
6. **Run the following command as an admin operator:** `/taterzen create
7. **Run the following command:** `/taterzen select
8. **Run the following command:** `/taterzen owner
9. **Run the following command:** `/taterzen mimic`. This will possess the villager. Your character will disappear, and you will begin playing as the villager, moving with all of the normal player controls.
**Benefits:**
* Allows players to become villagers.
* Easy to install and configure.
* Easy to possess and unpossess
**Drawbacks:**
* Only allows players to become villagers.
* Requires running a Minecraft server.
## Method 4: Custom Mobs with Resource Packs and Data Packs (Advanced, Vanilla)
This method involves creating custom mobs using resource packs and data packs. While you won’t directly transform into a pre-existing mob, you can design entirely new entities with unique models, textures, behaviors, and abilities. This is a highly advanced technique that requires a deep understanding of Minecraft’s internal workings, but it offers unparalleled creative freedom.
**Resource Packs:** Control the visual aspects of the game, including textures, models, sounds, and fonts.
**Data Packs:** Modify the game’s data, including recipes, advancements, loot tables, functions, and entity behavior.
**General Steps for Creating Custom Mobs:**
1. **Create a Resource Pack:**
* Create a new folder for your resource pack. Name it something descriptive (e.g., `my_custom_mob_pack`).
* Inside the folder, create a file named `pack.mcmeta` with the following content:
{
“pack”: {
“pack_format”: 15, // Use the correct pack format for your Minecraft version
“description”: “My Custom Mob Resource Pack”
}
}
* The `pack_format` value should match your Minecraft version. Check the Minecraft Wiki for the correct value.
* Create the following folders inside your resource pack folder:
* `assets/minecraft/models/entity`
* `assets/minecraft/textures/entity`
* **Create the Mob Model:** Use a 3D modeling program like Blockbench to create a model for your custom mob. Save the model as a `.json` file in the `assets/minecraft/models/entity` folder (e.g., `assets/minecraft/models/entity/my_custom_mob.json`). Blockbench has specific presets for Minecraft entities that help ensure the model is compatible with the game.
* **Create the Mob Texture:** Create a texture for your mob using an image editing program. Save the texture as a `.png` file in the `assets/minecraft/textures/entity` folder (e.g., `assets/minecraft/textures/entity/my_custom_mob.png`).
* **Reference the Model in the Entity JSON:** You will link the new entity to the new Model and Texture file in the datapack files. You will do this later.
2. **Create a Data Pack:**
* Create a new folder for your data pack. Name it something descriptive (e.g., `my_custom_mob_data`).
* Inside the folder, create a file named `pack.mcmeta` with the following content:
{
“pack”: {
“pack_format”: 18, // Use the correct pack format for your Minecraft version
“description”: “My Custom Mob Data Pack”
}
}
* Create the following folders inside your data pack folder:
* `data/minecraft/tags/functions`
* `data/
* `data/
* `data/
* `data/
* `data/minecraft/recipes`
* **Define the Mob’s AI and Behavior:** This is the most complex part. You’ll need to create functions that define the mob’s movement, attack patterns, target selection, and other behaviors. These functions are written in Minecraft’s function language (similar to scripting). You’ll use functions to manipulate the mob’s data tags and trigger specific actions.
* **Create Loot Tables:** Define what items the mob drops when killed. Create a loot table JSON file in the `data/
* **Create Predicates:** Create JSON predicate files in `data/
* **Create Advancements:** Create JSON advancement files in `data/
* **Create Recipes:** Create JSON recipe files in `data/minecraft/recipes` to create custom recipes for items that are dropped from your mob.
3. **Load the Resource Pack and Data Pack:**
* Place the resource pack folder into the `resourcepacks` folder in your Minecraft installation directory.
* Place the data pack folder into the `datapacks` folder within your Minecraft world’s folder. (The world folder is located in the `saves` folder in your Minecraft installation directory).
* In Minecraft, enable the resource pack in the options menu.
* In your world, use the command `/datapack enable file/` to enable the data pack.
4. **Summon the Custom Mob:** Use the `/summon` command to summon your custom mob into the world. You’ll need to use the correct entity ID, which is usually in the format `
/summon
**Challenges and Considerations:**
* **Steep Learning Curve:** Creating custom mobs with resource packs and data packs requires a significant investment of time and effort to learn the necessary skills and tools.
* **Complexity:** The function language and data structures used in data packs can be complex and challenging to master.
* **Debugging:** Debugging errors in your data packs can be difficult. It’s essential to test your code thoroughly and use debugging tools to identify and fix problems.
* **Maintenance:** Minecraft updates can sometimes break data packs, requiring you to update them to maintain compatibility.
* **Performance:** Complex AI and behaviors can impact the game’s performance, especially if you have many custom mobs in the world.
**The Payoff:**
Despite the challenges, creating custom mobs offers unparalleled creative freedom. You can design entirely new creatures with unique looks, behaviors, and abilities, significantly enhancing the gameplay and storytelling possibilities of Minecraft.
**In Summary:**
While vanilla Minecraft doesn’t offer a direct “become a mob” button, the methods outlined in this guide provide various ways to achieve that goal. Command blocks offer a simple visual disguise, transformation mods provide a more immersive and feature-rich experience, and custom mobs with resource packs and data packs allow for unparalleled creative freedom. Choose the method that best suits your needs, technical skills, and desired level of immersion, and prepare to experience Minecraft from a whole new perspective!