This is a page about the different kinds of skeletons in Minecraft, a popular sandbox video game. Please see the Minecraft Wiki for more in-depth information.
Types of Minecraft Skeletons[]
Although Minecraft classified Zombies and Skeletons as two separate species, they're both considered part of the undead category in that game. It is for that reason that this article exists in a wiki dedicated to Zombies (since there are pages for Vampires, Jiangshi and Revenants), and not lumped together with the Minecraft Zombies (We're looking at you, Boneys).
Skeletons in Minecraft are healed by the instant damage effect and are immune to poison and health regeneration effects. They can be damaged by instant health effect.
Unlike what you'd expect, Minecraft Skeletons are equal in health to their Zombie counterparts, and just as bloodthirsty. They are spawned/created by darkness and can spawn as a spider jockey.
Regular Skeletons[]
These are regular Skeletons, which are found in the Overworld:
Skeletons[]
These are regular Skeletons. Much like their Zombie counterparts, they have some intelligence remaining, being able to use a bow and arrows (which they spawn with naturally), can pick up other weapons (if they don't have a bow) and armor and use them (but will not steal other items/equipment), and able to climb ladders. They cannot swim (although they will not drown) and will burn in the sun. They have three biome variants, one of which are Strays, which regular Skeletons can transform into if they're suffocated in powdered snow for 7 seconds.
Skeleton Horseman[]
Skeleton horsemen have a small chance to spawn during lightning strikes. The riders will always spawn with an enchanted Iron helmet and enchanted bow. They behave like regular skeletons, except they will spawn other Skeleton Horseman if they're alerted to your presence.
Strays[]
Strays are skeletons that spawn in snowy biomes or frozen oceans. They may shoot arrows of slowness and are immune to freezing from powdered snow.
Bogged[]
Bogged are skeletons that spawn in swamps and mangroves, although they will also appear in Trial Chambers. They can also shoot poisoned arrows (though thankfully their firing rate is slower, like their name) and they are weak to powdered snow.
Parched[]
A variant of skeletons that spawn in deserts. They have ability to shoot arrows of weakness and are immunity to sunlight (like their Zombie counterpart, the Husk). Their weakness is powdered snow.
Wither Skeletons[]
These are like regular skeletons, except for the following:
- They spawn in the Nether, instead of the Overworld
- They are immune to fire and thus won't burn in daylight.
- They use stone swords instead of bows.
- They can temporarily infect targets with the wither effect which is unremovable. They're immune to that effect as well.
- Their heads can be used to summon a skeleton-like entity, the Wither.
Wither[]
The Wither is a powerful undead, three-headed skeletal entity that can only be summoned/constructed by the players. How this is done is by constructing a T formation with soul sand/soul soil and three wither skeleton skulls. The last item placed must be the skull otherwise the summoning procedure will not work.
The Wither is also a highly destructive being which will destroy any living beings (including you!) and the environment where it spawned in (natural or man-made) if they take damage. Their three heads can individually shoot a black projectile known as a wither skull. The middle head controls the body's movement and can shoot a slower, but more destructive blue wither skull. The Wither can slowly regenerate its health and will gain armor when its health is below 50%, which renders it immune to projectiles. Killing the Wither will drop a Nether Star.
Skeleton Horse[]
Undead versions of your favorite horses. Skeleton horses are usually non-aggressive unless they're ridden by Skeleton Horsemen, and they can be pacified once their rider is killed. They are suitable for use as steeds and they only eat grass. Being undead, they will not drown like normal horses and can regenerate their own health.
Minecraft Skeleton Drops[]
All Minecraft Skeletons (except for the Wither) will drop bones when killed.
| Minecraft Skeleton Type | Other Drops |
|---|---|
| Regular |
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| Stray/Bogged/Parched |
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| Wither Skeleton |
|