Around the Block: Windswept Forest

Let’s get one thing straight before we get started today. Technically speaking, wind doesn’t exist in Minecraft. Leaves don’t flutter in the breeze, tumbleweed doesn’t roll across plains, and a carelessly-discarded piece of paper will lie there until it depawns. It certainly won’t blow away.

But the influence of wind on the Overworld is clear and present. We see it in the smoothly-carved shape of the terrain in the badlands biome, the weird and unsettling formations in the windswept savanna biome, and the wind horn artifact and wind caller mob in Minecraft Dungeons.

Most of these places are pretty barren, as the gusty environment prevents vegetation from taking hold. But there’s one exception – a high-altitude biome that forms when windswept hills are located next to forested biomes that provide a little shelter from the howling gales. It’s the windswept forest!

Despite the inclement weather, windswept forest biomes are actually a pretty good place to set up home. The trees offer building material, but the vegetation isn’t so dense that you won’t be able to see enemies approaching. You’ll generally find a good amount of ore near the surface – including occasional patches of emerald ore, and the ground is grass rather than stone – making farming a more fruitful pastime. There are llamas, and the views can be stunning, too.

The downsides? Well, you’re always at the risk of fall damage - particularly if there’s a river valley cutting through the biome. Above the snowline, patches of deep snow can impede travel, and unprotected water freezes to ice. Infested stone is an occasional hazard. And you’ll still have to deal with the spiders, zombies, skeletons, creepers, and more that come out at night.

Nonetheless, surviving in this tempestuous terrain can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. There are plenty of treasures to uncover in this rich corner of the Overworld. Just be sure to keep your wits about you, and an eye on the cliff edges. It’s a long way dooooooo... [Duncan falls off a cliff]