Dark Forest
The dark forest is a dense woodland of dark oak trees and huge mushrooms. Its canopy is so thick that the ground stays dim even at noon. It is also the home of the woodland mansion. This dark forest finder shows the closest one in your seed. Type the seed above, and the map flies to the nearest dark forest and marks it with a biome icon.
Where dark forests generate
Dark forests need a moderate temperature and high humidity. They are fairly common in the wetter temperate parts of the world.
Usually they border birch forests. They can also touch jungles, windswept forests and old growth taigas. Less often, a swamp or grove appears at the edge. On plateaus and mountain slopes, the pale garden variant often replaces the dark forest. Underneath, lush caves are common.
Inside the biome, the canopy forms an almost solid roof. So the forest looks like one dark green blanket from above, which makes it easy to spot on a hill.
What you find in a dark forest
Dark oaks grow close together with 2×2 trunks, mixed with some oak and birch. Leaf litter covers the floor. Huge red and brown mushrooms grow between the trees, and red ones are more common.
- Structure: woodland mansions, home of evokers and vindicators.
- Animals: sheep, pigs, chickens and cows.
- Not here: wolves and bee nests.
Because so little light gets through, hostile mobs can spawn on the ground during the day.
How to find a dark forest and a mansion
Enter your seed and edition, and the map moves to the closest dark forest with an outline. The list on the left shows more dark forests, sorted by distance. Click any entry to centre it. Then teleport with /tp @s X 120 Z, or set off on foot.
In game, F3 shows minecraft:dark_forest. The deep green roof and giant mushrooms are hard to miss. Mansions are rare, so check several dark forests if you want one. A cartographer villager also sells woodland explorer maps.
Dark forest tips for survival
Dark oak is a great building wood with a rich brown tone. However, you need four saplings in a square to grow a new tree. Dark oak leaves also drop apples.
The huge mushrooms are a food source. Break them for mushrooms and make stew. Also, mushroom blocks are useful decoration.
Be careful, though. Mobs spawn under the canopy even by day, so carry torches and armour. If you raid a mansion, prepare well. Evokers summon vexes, and vindicators hit hard. The reward is a totem of undying from each evoker.
Woodland mansion loot and dangers
A woodland mansion is a huge dark oak building with dozens of rooms. Chests inside can hold enchanted books, armour and other useful items. Some rooms are hidden, so explore every wall.
The mansion is guarded by illagers:
- Vindicators rush you with iron axes.
- Evokers summon vexes and fangs. Each evoker drops a totem of undying.
Since Java 1.19, some mansion cells hold allays. Break them out and hand one an item, and it will collect more of that item for you.
To prepare, bring a shield, good armour and plenty of food. Also, light rooms as you clear them, because mobs can spawn inside. Mansions are rare, so use the map to check several dark forests before you travel.
Dark forest version history
Java 1.7.2 added the biome as roofed forest. Java 1.11 added woodland mansions. In 1.13 it was renamed dark forest. Java 1.18 stopped plains clearings from forming inside it. Java 1.21.4 added the pale garden variant, and Java 1.21.5 added leaf litter.
Dark Forest FAQ
Do woodland mansions only spawn in dark forests?
Mansions generate in dark forests and, since Java 1.21.4, in pale gardens. They are rare, so you may need to search far.
Why do mobs spawn in the dark forest during the day?
The canopy blocks most sunlight. The light level on the ground can drop low enough for hostile mobs to spawn.
Do wolves spawn in dark forests?
No. Wolves do not spawn here. Sheep, pigs, chickens and cows are the only passive mobs.
How do you grow a dark oak tree?
Plant four dark oak saplings in a 2×2 square and use bone meal or wait.
Is the dark forest rare?
No. It is fairly common in humid temperate areas, although mansions inside it are rare.