Minecraft is a game where most players are familiar with the core mechanics. These days, the game itself gives you plenty of guidance on how to progress, thanks to achievements (also called advancements) that provide a clear path forward. But some of these challenges are anything but simple — they’re made for players who want to explore every corner of Minecraft. The game hides plenty of secrets even longtime fans may not know. From moderately tough to downright wild — let’s break down these tricky advancements!
10. A Complete Catalogue: tame all cat variants (Minecraft achievement)
Let’s start on a cute note: to earn this one, you must find and tame all 11 cat variants. Sounds doable, but which cats spawn in villages is random. Black cats reliably spawn at witch huts and have increased chances to appear as strays during a full moon. The Jellie variant can take time — be patient. Tip: Increase the number of beds and villagers to spawn more stray cats, and use a clock to plan around full moons.
9. Sniper Duel: hit a skeleton from 50 blocks away (advancement)
You’ll need a steady aim: kill a skeleton from at least 50 blocks away. Distance can be hard to judge — measure it via coordinates (difference in X/Z) and shoot from a height advantage. Easiest method: shoot from a mountain into a valley. Spectral arrows help with visibility, and Slowness/Fire Resistance can help if mobs start bothering you.
8. Monsters Hunted: defeat every hostile mob
Minecraft is about survival — for this achievement, you must defeat each hostile mob at least once. That includes not only spiders and zombies, but also hard-to-find foes like silverfish, endermites, shulkers, phantoms, drowned, plus the Wither and the Ender Dragon. The exact count varies by version; keep a checklist and clear biomes/dimensions systematically.
7. Witch Transformation: turn a villager into a witch with Channeling
Transform a villager into a witch: you’ll need a trident with Channeling. That alone can take time since tridents are only rarely dropped by drowned. Then you must wait for a thunderstorm — Channeling only works then. Tip: Move the villager to an open area (no trees/roof blocks), optionally place a lightning rod to help with positioning, and trigger the lightning strike with your trident. One hit and the villager becomes a witch.
6. Adventuring Time: discover and track every biome
Surprisingly, this unassuming achievement is one of the toughest: you must enter every required biome at least once. Depending on the version, that’s 50+ distinct regions. Use the F3 debug screen (biome name) and keep a list. Expect time spent on maps, ocean travel, mountains, and rare biomes (e.g., Ice Spikes, Mushroom Fields). In single-player with cheats, /locate biome … helps; without cheats, boat/Elytra and firework rockets are invaluable.
5. The End… Again…: respawn the Ender Dragon
For this advancement, respawn the Ender Dragon. Craft 4 end crystals (each: 1x Eye of Ender, 1x Ghast Tear, 7x Glass) and place them on the End portal frame. The fight is similar to the first one, just more setup. Each victory opens additional End gateways (up to 20 total) — perfect for faster access to End Cities.
4. Uneasy Alliance: bring a Ghast to the Overworld and kill it there
You must bring a Ghast from the Nether to the Overworld … and kill it there. Build a large Nether portal (max 23×23), light it, and lure the Ghast close so it drifts through the portal blocks. You can also use boats/minecarts and clever funnels/barriers, but the portal method is more reliable. In the Overworld, finish it safely with a bow or by reflecting its fireballs. Brutal, but the cleanest route to the achievement.
3. A Balanced Diet: eat every food item
Minecraft offers a huge variety of foods. For this achievement, you must eat every available food at least once — including harmful ones like Rotten Flesh and Pufferfish. The tricky one is the Enchanted Golden Apple (not craftable; only found in chests in dungeons/ruined portals/treasure). Don’t forget Chorus Fruit, Rabbit Stew, and Suspicious Stews. Keep a checklist and deliberately consume what you’re missing.
2. Arbalistic: kill five different mobs with a single shot
This hidden advancement is nasty: with a crossbow, kill five different mobs in one shot. Enchant the crossbow with Piercing — ideally Level IV — and line up the mobs (e.g., in boats or a narrow corridor). Important: they must be different creatures (e.g., zombie, skeleton, spider, creeper, drowned). Firework rockets won’t count — stick to arrows.
1. How Did We Get Here?: have every status effect at once
The name says it all: you need every available status effect simultaneously. This includes potion effects, beacon effects, Conduit Power, Dolphin’s Grace, Levitation from shulkers, Wither, Bad Omen/Hero of the Village, and more. The exact number varies by version. Set up a station (beacon, a conduit at the ocean’s edge, a shulker in a boat/minecart, a dolphin pen), brew all potions in advance, and plan the order. Some effects last seconds, others minutes — timing and finesse are crucial.
Conclusion: Mastering Minecraft achievements — tips, teamwork, and servers
Minecraft’s achievements are a great guide for new players learning the mechanics, while also offering extremely demanding challenges that require planning, knowledge, and patience. Teamwork helps a lot — coordinate roles, resources, and locations. Rent a server with your friends from us and go for these advancements together. The final challenge in particular will push you hard and is really only achievable by the very best players who know Minecraft inside out.
