Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Note:
Structures Within
Minecrafthasmanytypesofstructuresthataretheresultofspecificpro-
gramming code that is separate to the general terrain generation. Some
of these (caverns, ravines, and basins, I'm looking at you!) are a neg-
ative structure, adding space to the terrain in ways that expose differ-
ent types of ore and often provide a geological gasp of wonder. Others,
such as the rivers that flow between biomes, are a clever combination of
several techniques that both add and remove particular blocks, blurring
what would otherwise look like jarring edges between the biomes. This
Note serves no other purpose except to say that this is rather clever cod-
ing, particularly the rivers. Cajoling software to create apparently natur-
al geology is tremendously difficult. So, here's to you, Mojang, for your
natural beaches, soaring overhangs, and delightful waterways!
Most of these structures contain chests with all sorts of juicy loot, but they also often con-
tain hostile mob spawners of different types. Disable the spawner by placing a few torches
nearby to raise the light level above that required for mob spawning. You can also attack
thespawnerwithapickaxe tobreakitapart.Withthespawnerdisabled, you'renowfreeto
loot in peace!
Desert Temples
Deserttemplesappearinthedesertbiome,lookinglikeastonepyramidwithtwoturretsout
front, although they are often partially buried under sand dunes. Although architecturally
interesting, it's their four chests hidden beneath the floor of the main chamber that make
them useful.
Headtowardthecentralchamber.Inthemiddle,you'llseeablockofbluewool.Thecham-
ber with the chests sits directly beneath this, but so does this structure's biggest danger: a
pressure plate connected to nine TNT blocks. Go back a few blocks and dig out a block to
see the chamber. Then dig down one of the walls to get to the base shown in
Figure 11.6
,
break the pressure plate to make the chamber safe, and raid the chests. While you're there,
you might also want to dig up the floor and retrieve the TNT blocks.
