How to Find Ancient Debris in Minecraft: A Beginner’s Nether Guide
Are you struggling to find Ancient Debris? Our easy Nether guide reveals the best Y-level for Ancient Debris, mining strategies, and essential tips to get Netherite without breaking a sweat!
Where to Find Ancient Debris: The Best Y-Level:
Forget randomly digging for Ancient Debris which generates at specific depth levels in the Nether. After many updates, the best level to mine for Ancient Debris is between Y-level 8 and Y-level 22. Many players(including me) swear by Y-level 15 as the sweet spot.
Why these levels?
At this depth, you’re below most of the lava oceans, which reduces your risk of an unexpected lava bath while mining.
What You Need Before You Go
Don’t head into the Nether unprepared. Here’s a checklist just for you:
- Diamond Pickaxe (must!)
- Iron or Diamond Armor
- Shield(good to have)
- Fire Resistance Potions (lifesavers!)
- Food (a stack of cooked steak or similar)
- Blocks (for building pathways and bridging over lava)
- Weapon (a good sword for fighting off Piglins and Ghasts)
How to Mine Ancient Debris, Method 1: Strip Mining (Safest for Beginners)
This is the most reliable method. Simply dig a long, 2×1 tunnel at Y-level 15.
- Bring plenty of food, blocks (like Cobblestone or Netherrack), and a shield.
- Dig in a straight line. Every 4-5 blocks, dig a 1×1 tunnel to the left and right to check nearby chunks.
- Listen carefully, you might hear lava before you see it!
This method is slow but safe and effective.
How to Mine Ancient Debris, Method 2: Bed Mining (Fast but Risky)
Yes, you read that right. Beds explode in the Nether, and since Ancient Debris is blast-resistant, you can use beds to clear out large areas quickly.
- Craft several beds.
- Place a bed down, then immediately try to sleep in it.
- It will explode! Stand back about 2-3 blocks and use a shield to block the blast.
- Clear the debris and look for exposed Ancient Debris.
⚠️ Warning: This method is dangerous! Always ensure you have Fire Resistance potions and good armor. Never do this near lava!
Final Tips & Good Luck!
- Be patient. Ancient Debris is rare. You might need to mine for a while.
- Always watch your step. Lava is everywhere.
- Turn on subtitles in your settings to hear lava and Ghasts before you see them.
