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The 1.21 update ofMinecraft, called Tricky Trials, introduces us to Trial Chambers and Vaults, which are underground structures that can provide a much-needed challenge. What exactly are these enemy and treasure-filled locations though? In this guide, we are going to find out.
It’s important to note that Trial Chambers (which contain the Vaults) will only spawn underground. There is a chance that some wonky world generation may happen, but for the most part, these structures are underground and not visible from the surface. Additionally, if you are playing on a world that was made pre-1.21, then they will not appear on already-loaded chunks.
Updated June 19, 2025 by Jacqueline Zalace:Trial Chambers can be quite a challenge if you’ve never seen the structure before. As such, we’ve updated this guide with a bit more information to help you navigate this dungeon-like area in Minecraft. Now, you can fully learn how to find Trial Chambers, as well as how to open vaults.
How To Find Trial Chambers
Trial Chambers can appearunder any biome, with no preference for a certain type.The structure itself is generated once per 32x32 chunk area,with 0,0 serving as the origin point. A 32x32 chunk coversa space of 512 by 512 blocks.Overall, this is a big space, soyou probably won’t find two Trial Chambers close together.
There are a few ways to find Trial Chambers, which you can find below.
Natural Exploration
While this may not be the most likely,it’s possible to accidentally stumble across this structure,especially if you are doing some long mining sessions.
Trial Explorer Map
By trading12 Emeralds and one Compass to a Journeyman-leveled Cartographer villager,you can get oneTrial Explorer Map.
Once this map has been purchased, it willfunction like normal treasure maps in Minecraft. You will need tolocate the square icon on the map;the Trial Chambers will be directly below this point.
Cheats To Find Trial Chambers
If you have no patience for finding Trial Chambers manually, you can alsotype in the following cheat.
Doing so will display a set of coordinates; you canquickly teleport to the location by clicking on them.
Trial Chambers Layout
The inside of the Chambers is primarily made from tuff and copper, with many additional blocks used as decoration. Now, let’s take a look at some key rooms that you can find in the Trial Chambers.
Entrance
The Trial Chambers has a designated entrance, althoughyou can technically just mine your way into every room.Within the entrance, you may find atiny door along with some chests(be sure to open these), and some entrances may even have a little tree.
All entrances have a Vault within the room.
Atrium
The atrium is another noteworthy room, due to its massive size. Within the atrium, you will also be able tofind an Ominous Vault,which is near the staircase leading to the entrance.
Other Rooms In The Trial Chambers
From here, the rest of the Trial Chambers consists of rooms withadditional Vaults and Spawners.Below, you can check out these additional rooms.
Trial Chambers Spawners
The real challenge of the Trial Chambers is the spawners. There are three types of enemies that can spawn(Melee, Small Melee, and Ranged),as well as aBreeze. Spawners within the Trial Chambers will only spawn one of each type, which means that you can encounter four different enemies (with the Breeze guaranteed).
The spawners aresurrounded by blocks that provide a tip as to what the mob it spawns is.Below, you can find each type of enemy, as well as what their spawner looks like.
Mossy Cobblestone (combined with normal Cobblestone)
Spiderwebs, Podzol, and Red Mushrooms
Bogged
Bone Blocks, Podzol, and Red Mushrooms
To ‘complete’ a spawner trial,you will need to defeat every enemy that appears.Once this has been down, the spawner will take 30 minutes to reset and spawn again.
Tips To Complete A Trial
Nervous about conquering your first trial? Don’t worry, we have some tips for you.
Bring Supplies
As with any difficult task in Minecraft, it’s important tobring some supplies.This includes tons of food, as well as sturdy gear/weapons. Additionally, you’re able to bring some blocks to help with navigation and blocking off certain areas.
If you get to a room filled with spawners, you’re able to use these blocks to tower up to safety or create a barrier that spawned enemies can’t pass.
If you are playing on a server with other people, this is also a good reason togroup up!
Survey Each Room
Spawners willbegin spawning the given mob when you are close enough.This means that if you are near multiple spawners at the same time, then a lot of mobs will spawn. As such, it’s important to plan ahead.
Is there asafe space that you can stand on?Consider a raised platform that you canrain arrows down fromor a simple column that can only be accessed by a ladder.
Set Your Spawn
Even if you think you are strong enough, setting your spawn nearby is a great idea. Who knows, you may accidentally fall a bit too far and die! To avoid the long trek back, set down a bed in the entrance or on the surface above the area.
Remember,some rooms contain beds.If you didn’t bring your own, you can utilize one of these beds as a respawn point.
What Are Vaults?
Vaults arechest-like blocksthat hold the rewards of a Trial Chamber. These will randomly generate through most of the structure and need to be opened with a key.
Normal Vault
To open a normal Vault,you will need a Trial Key.These keys have a chance to appear in the following locations.
Overall,the best way to obtain a Trial Key is to complete spawners.Once opened, you will have a chance to obtain the following items; these arelisted in order from most to least common.
Trident
Ominous Vault
The second type of Vault we have is theOminousvariation. To open an Ominous Vault, you will need toobtain an Ominous Vault Key,which can only be obtained by completing an Ominous spawner challenge.
This isn’t a separate block; instead, it’s just adifferent version of the normal spawner.In order for a spawner to become Omnimous, you will need toapproach it with the Trial Omen effect active.
Trial Omen will occur when youdrink an Ominous Bottle.It can also happen if youlook at a player who has Bad Omen active.
After clearing the spawner, you will have a30 percent chance to obtain an Ominous Trial Key.The Ominous Vault has the chance to contain the following items (listed from most to least common).
Enchanted Books
Block of Diamond
The simplest way to get Trial Omen right as you step foot into a Trial Chamber is to firstget Bad Omen.This will happen if youkill a Pillager Captain;these are the guys with flags, so they are pretty easy to spot.
Once you get Bad Omen, it will either transform intoRaid Omen(upon entering a villager) orTrial Omen(upon entering a Trial Chamber).
