Threat from the Sky: Everything You Need to Know About Phantoms in Minecraft

Nights in Minecraft have always been dangerous. Zombies, skeletons, and creepers have long been a familiar part of survival. But in 2018, with the release of update 1.13 «Update Aquatic», the skies above the blocky world became unsafe. Phantoms — mysterious flying creatures that hunt the most exhausted travelers — were added to the game. Let’s dive into who phantoms are, why the developers introduced them, and how they changed the gameplay.

How and Why Phantoms Were Introduced

The story of phantoms is unique because their fate was decided by the players themselves. At the Minecon Earth 2017 event, Mojang invited the community to choose one of four new mobs. The phantom, then known by the codename «Mob B» or «The Monster of the Night Skies», won the vote decisively.

The developers had a clear goal. Before phantoms, beds in Minecraft were mainly used to set respawn points. Players could explore the world for weeks, build castles, and gather resources while completely ignoring sleep. Mojang wanted to introduce a mechanic that encouraged players to manage their character’s sleep schedule. Phantoms became a punishment for those who neglected rest for too long, adding a new variable to the game — fatigue.

Hunting Mechanics: How These Night Predators Work

Phantoms have a unique spawning system. They don’t appear simply because it’s dark. These mobs start circling the skies only if you haven’t slept for at least three in-game days (about one hour in real time). The longer you stay awake, the more phantoms can spawn at once.

They only spawn on the surface and when there’s open sky above the player. If you’re hiding in a cave or dense forest, they won’t reach you. Phantoms attack dramatically: they dive from great heights, deal damage on impact, and soar back up. However, they have their weaknesses. Like most undead, phantoms burn in the morning sunlight. Additionally, they are terrified of cats, giving players an excellent way to protect their bases.

Impact on Gameplay and Valuable Loot

The introduction of phantoms significantly changed survival strategies. Players had to carry beds on long journeys or prepare for nighttime battles with aerial foes.

But fighting them isn’t just about survival. When killed, phantoms drop a valuable resource — phantom membranes. This item plays a crucial role in the late game. First, membranes are essential for repairing elytras — rare wings that allow players to fly. Second, they can be used to brew slow falling potions, which are lifesavers when exploring the End’s high altitudes or deep caves.

Time to Discuss

Phantoms have made Minecraft nights more intense and added an important tactical element to survival. They force us to plan our time and remember the basic needs of our characters.

What do you think about these night hunters? Do you always carry a bed to avoid them, or do you stay awake for days to collect valuable membranes for your elytras? Share your tactics and interesting survival stories in the comments!