Taming an Enderman in Minecraft is not a process found in the vanilla game, meaning you cannot simply feed them wheat or bones to gain their trust. Instead, the term "taming" in this context refers to a complex process of breeding, controlling, and utilizing these normally hostile mobs through specific mechanics introduced in later updates. This guide will walk you through the entire methodology required to make an Enderman your silent, block-moving companion.
Understanding Enderman Behavior
Before attempting to manipulate these tall creatures, it is essential to understand their core AI. Endermen are naturally neutral until provoked; they will only become aggressive if you look directly at their faces or touch them. They are immune to most fall damage and possess the unique ability to teleport, which makes them unpredictable. Their primary weakness is water, which stuns them and prevents teleportation, a fact that is crucial for containment and management.
Creating a Secure Breeding Environment
To breed Endermen, you must first construct a safe space. Because they are three blocks tall, the enclosure must have a ceiling height of at least four blocks to prevent them from touching the roof during teleportation. The floor should be made of non-conductive materials like stone or wood, and you must ensure the area is completely dark, as Endermen spawn in darkness and prefer these conditions.
Luring the Mobs
Endermen can be lured into a breeding chamber using their attraction to End Portals or, more practically, by holding a Chorus Fruit. When a player consumes a Chorus Fruit, it teleports them a random distance, dropping the fruit shortly after. Endermen will then pathfind toward this dropped item, allowing you to guide them into a contained area without looking at them directly.
The Breeding Process
Once you have two Endermen secured in a dark, water-free arena, you can initiate the breeding cycle. To do this, you must feed both entities Chorus Fruit. When successful, a baby Enderman will appear. It is vital to note that baby Endermen are significantly smaller, making them vulnerable to standard attacks and ceiling collisions, so the height of your enclosure remains critical.
| Action | Result |
| Player looks at Enderman | Enderman becomes hostile |
| Player feeds Chorus Fruit | Endermen enter "Love Mode" |
| Baby Enderman spawned | Reduces to half size; takes extra damage |
Utilizing Ender Pearls for Transportation
While the primary "tame" aspect is breeding, the ultimate goal for many players is to create an Enderman farm for resources. Tamed Endermen, or those kept in a secure perimeter, can be bred specifically for Ender Pearls. These pearls are not only essential for crafting Eyes of Ender but can also be used to teleport entities. By creating a system where the Endermen fall to a lower level, you can kill them automatically and collect the pearls efficiently.
Advanced Control with Name Tags
To ensure your specific Enderman does not despawn or accidentally wander into danger, you can use a Name Tag. Once named, an Enderman will despawn if you look at it, so you must name it indirectly via a Fishing Rod or by using commands on cheats-enabled servers. This tag prevents the entity from despawning naturally, allowing you to keep a stable, permanent population in your base's Enderman ranch.
Practical Applications and Safety
Despite your efforts to "tame" them, Endermen retain their defensive instincts. If you accidentally look at one, it will still attack you, potentially breaking your carefully managed farm. Therefore, most players utilize Redstone mechanisms, such as pistons or trapdoors, to interact with the Endermen without direct line of sight. This allows you to harvest materials or activate farms while remaining safe from their attacks.
