How to Defeat the Ender Dragon in Minecraft

Preparing for the Battle

Essential Gear

  • Diamond or Netherite Armor – Enchant with Protection IV for maximum defense.
  • Sword – Use a Sharpness V or Smite V sword for high melee damage.
  • Bow or Crossbow – A Power V bow with Infinity or Mending is crucial for ranged attacks.
  • Arrows – Bring at least a full stack (if not using Infinity).
  • Shield – Helps block damage from the Ender Dragon’s attacks.
  • Water Bucket – Prevents fall damage and repels Endermen.
  • Ender Pearls – Useful for quick escapes and avoiding the void.
  • Golden Apples – Grants absorption hearts and health regeneration.
  • Slow Falling Potions – Prevents fall damage from the dragon launching you into the air.

Additional Items

  • Pumpkin Helmet – Prevents Endermen from attacking when worn.
  • Blocks (Cobblestone, Obsidian, or Dirt) – Used to build up to End Crystals.
  • Beds (Java Edition Only) – Can be used as explosives to damage the dragon.

Step 1: Destroy the End Crystals

  • The End Crystals on top of Obsidian Pillars continuously heal the Ender Dragon.
  • Destroy them with a bow from a distance or by climbing up with blocks and breaking them.
  • Be careful of the explosion when breaking an End Crystal.
  • Iron bars protect some crystals mine the bars first before shooting the crystal.

Step 2: Engage the Ender Dragon

  • Once all End Crystals are destroyed, the dragon can no longer heal.
  • Use a bow to attack the dragon while it flies around.
  • When the dragon perches on the Exit Portal, attack with a sword.
  • Avoid standing directly in front of the dragon to prevent Dragon’s Breath damage.

Step 3: Avoid the Ender Dragon’s Attacks

  • Dragon’s Charge – The Ender Dragon will dive toward you, dealing damage and knockback. Move sideways to dodge.
  • Dragon’s Breath – The dragon releases a purple lingering cloud that deals damage over time. Move out of the area quickly.
  • Fireball Attack – The dragon shoots projectiles that create Dragon’s Breath upon impact. Use a bow to shoot it down.
  • Knockback Effect – The dragon’s presence causes strong knockback. Use Slow Falling potions or a water bucket to survive falls.

Step 4: Deal the Final Blows

  • When the Ender Dragon reaches low health, it will continue attacking aggressively.
  • Use melee attacks when it perches at the Exit Portal.
  • Continue using your bow while it is in the air.
  • When the dragon’s health reaches zero, it explodes in a dramatic animation.

Step 5: Collect Your Rewards

  • 12,000 XP – The first kill grants the most XP in the game.
  • 500 XP – Every respawned Ender Dragon kill provides less XP.
  • Dragon Egg – A rare decorative block that only spawns once per world.
  • End Gateway Portal – Allows access to the Outer End islands where Elytra can be found.

How to Respawn the Ender Dragon

  • Place four End Crystals around the Exit Portal.
  • The Obsidian Pillars regenerate, and the Ender Dragon respawns for another battle.
  • The Dragon Egg does not respawn, and XP rewards are reduced.

Best Strategies to Win the Fight

  • Use Slow Falling Potions – Prevents fatal fall damage.
  • Fight in an open area – Avoid being knocked into the void.
  • Build a Safe Zone – A small shelter can help avoid Endermen and Dragon’s Breath.
  • Bring Extra Arrows and Blocks – Running out can leave you vulnerable.

Ender Dragon Attack Damage Breakdown

Dragon’s Charge (Melee Attack)

  • Easy Mode – 6 (3 hearts)
  • Normal Mode – 10 (5 hearts)
  • Hard Mode – 15 (7.5 hearts)

Notes:

  • The dragon charges at high speed, dealing knockback and damage.
  • This attack can send players flying into the air, potentially leading to fall damage.

Dragon’s Breath (Lingering Attack)

  • Deals 3 damage per second (1.5 hearts per second).
  • The purple cloud lingers on the ground for several seconds.
  • Damage stacks if multiple areas of breath overlap.
  • Armor does not reduce damage unless enchanted with Protection or Blast Protection.

Fireball Attack (Dragon Fireball)

  • Explosion Damage: 6 (3 hearts) on all difficulty levels.
  • Applies Dragon’s Breath effect upon impact.
  • Explosion does not break blocks, only affects players and mobs.

Knockback Effect (Wing Push)

  • Does not deal direct damage but causes knockback.
  • Can launch players high into the air, resulting in fall damage or void death.
  • Slow Falling Potions or Water Buckets can help prevent fall damage.

Additional Damage Considerations

  • Players wearing armor take reduced damage depending on the armor’s defense value.
  • Protection enchantments further reduce incoming damage from all sources.
  • Feather Falling boots help reduce fall damage caused by knockback.
  • Golden Apples and Potions of Healing can counteract the dragon’s continuous attacks.

Final Thoughts on Defeating the Ender Dragon

The Ender Dragon is Minecraft’s final boss, offering a challenging fight that requires preparation, strategy, and skill. By destroying the End Crystals, avoiding attacks, and using the right equipment, players can successfully defeat the dragon and unlock The End’s true rewards. Whether you’re fighting for the first time or respawning it for another battle, defeating the Ender Dragon remains one of Minecraft’s most thrilling experiences.

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