How to Get Goat Horns in Minecraft?
Goat horns are obtained in Minecraft by having a goat ram a tree, stone wall, or other solid structure while in a state of screaming. The goat then has a chance to drop a horn for the player to collect.
Introduction to Goat Horns
Goat horns are unique items in Minecraft, added in the Caves & Cliffs: Part I update. They aren’t tools, weapons, or armor, but rather instruments. When blown, each horn emits a distinctive sound, categorized into different variants that add a flavorful layer to the game’s audio landscape. Beyond their auditory contribution, goat horns can also be crafted into darkness effect applying candles. This blend of musical and practical application makes them sought-after items for many Minecraft players.
Why Collect Goat Horns?
There are several compelling reasons to seek out goat horns in Minecraft:
- Sound Variety: Goat horns offer eight distinct sound variations, each producing a unique tune. Collecting all the horn types can be a rewarding experience for music enthusiasts.
- Signaling: The horns can be used as a primitive communication tool in multiplayer games. Their sound travels a decent distance, allowing players to signal each other in a relatively safe and efficient manner.
- Darkness Effect: Combine a goat horn with a candle to make candles that cause the darkness effect to the player or nearby players.
- Collection: For some, the appeal lies simply in collecting rare and unique items within the game. Goat horns fit this bill perfectly.
- Decoration: They can be displayed as trophies of successful mountain expeditions and dangerous encounters with screaming goats.
The Process: Obtaining Goat Horns
Getting your hands on a goat horn in Minecraft involves a bit of patience and strategy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Locate Goats: Goats spawn exclusively in high-altitude biomes like mountains and snowy slopes. Explore these areas carefully.
- Identify Screaming Goats: Not all goats are created equal. You need a “screaming goat,” which is a rarer variant of the regular goat. They are easily identified by their distinct, loud bleating sound.
- Find Suitable Ramming Targets: Goats only drop horns when they ram solid objects. Good options include:
- Trees
- Stone walls
- Large rocks
- Player-built structures
- Encourage Ramming: Lure the screaming goat near a suitable target. This can be achieved by:
- Approaching it carefully. Goats tend to charge when approached.
- Using wheat. While goats don’t eat wheat, holding it can draw their attention.
- Using leads.
- Witness the Ram: Ensure the goat actually rams the chosen target at full speed. A successful ram will often result in the goat being stunned briefly.
- Collect the Horn: After a successful ram, there’s a 50% chance the goat will drop a horn. Pick it up quickly before it despawns.
Different Horn Variants
There are eight distinct horn variants, each with a unique sound. Four occur naturally and are dropped by goats. The other four are unobtainable by naturally dropped horns and must be spawned in with commands. They are:
- Ponder
- Sing
- Seek
- Feel
- Admire
- Call
- Yearn
- Dream
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
- Ramming the Wrong Target: The goat must ram a solid, immovable object like a tree or stone wall. Ramming other goats or mobs will not yield a horn.
- Non-Screaming Goats: Only screaming goats drop horns. Normal goats, regardless of how many objects they ram, will not drop horns.
- Despawning Items: Goat horns, like all dropped items, will despawn after a short period. Pick them up immediately after they drop.
- Low Drop Rate: The 50% drop rate means that sometimes you’ll have to wait for multiple rams before a horn appears. Persistence is key.
- Accidental Goat Death: Be careful not to accidentally kill the goat while trying to get it to ram a target. Arrows or lava can easily turn your horn-hunting expedition into a tragedy.
Maximizing Your Success Rate
To increase your chances of getting goat horns quickly and efficiently:
- Prepare the Area: Build a small enclosure with a single tree or stone wall inside. This will confine the goat and ensure it has a suitable ramming target.
- Breed Goats: Breeding goats can increase the likelihood of spawning a screaming goat. Use wheat to breed goats and increase their numbers.
- Use Name Tags: Give the screaming goat a name tag to prevent it from despawning.
- Be Patient: Goat horn hunting can be time-consuming. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a horn on your first try.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get goat horns from any goat?
No, only screaming goats have the chance to drop horns when they ram a solid object. Normal goats will not drop horns.
What are the different types of goat horns?
There are eight different types of goat horns, each with a unique sound. Four can be obtained from screaming goats naturally.
How rare are screaming goats?
Screaming goats are relatively rare, with only 2% of spawned goats being the screaming variant. This makes finding one a matter of patience.
Do goats drop more than one horn at a time?
No, a goat will only drop one horn per successful ram. You need to get the goat to ram another object again to get another horn.
Can I use commands to get goat horns?
Yes, you can use the /give command to obtain goat horns. This is especially useful for getting the horn variants that cannot be obtained naturally.
Do goat horns break after being used a certain number of times?
No, goat horns are not tools and do not have durability. They can be used indefinitely.
Can I automate goat horn farming?
Yes, it is possible to create automated goat horn farms using redstone contraptions. These farms typically involve automatically luring goats to ramming targets. However, because of the rarity of screaming goats, these farms can be tedious to setup and maintain.
What is the sound range of a goat horn?
The sound of a goat horn can be heard from a considerable distance, making it useful for signaling other players. The exact range is comparable to a bell.
Are goat horns used in any crafting recipes besides darkness candles?
Currently, goat horns are only used to craft darkness candles. They don’t have any other crafting applications.
Do goat horns attract any hostile mobs?
No, blowing a goat horn does not attract hostile mobs. It primarily affects players and other passive creatures.
Does the difficulty level affect the goat horn drop rate?
No, the difficulty level in Minecraft does not affect the chance of a goat dropping a horn.
Can I get a goat horn from a goat that’s been tamed?
While goats can be put on leads, they cannot be “tamed” in the traditional sense like wolves or cats. A screaming goat can still drop a horn if it’s on a lead, provided it successfully rams a solid object. The taming status doesn’t influence the drop rate.