The Crimson Forest is one of the five primary biomes found in the Nether dimension of Minecraft, introduced in Java Edition 1.16 – The Nether Update.
Characterized by its deep red terrain, glowing fungi, and unsettling atmosphere, the Crimson Forest is home to both Piglins and Hoglins, making it one of the most dangerous yet resource-rich biomes in the game.
It contrasts sharply with its blue-green counterpart, the Warped Forest, offering a fiery, menacing environment that feels alive with danger.
Generation and Environment
Crimson Forests generate naturally throughout the Nether, often in large patches bordered by Basalt Deltas, Warped Forests, or Nether Wastes.
The terrain is composed primarily of Crimson Nylium covering Netherrack, dotted with giant fungi and flowing Weeping Vines.
Environmental Details:
- Fog Color: Deep red (#330303)
- Particles: Floating crimson spores throughout the air
- Light Level: Generally low, but brightened by Shroomlights
- Temperature: Nether-exclusive (lava-safe environment)
- Music Track: “Chrysopoeia” by Lena Raine plays exclusively here
The combination of red fog, glowing fungi, and flickering lava creates a foreboding yet beautiful biome.
Structures and Features
Several natural and generated structures appear commonly within or around Crimson Forests:
| Structure | Description |
|---|---|
| Bastion Remnant | Massive Piglin stronghold with gold, loot, and traps. Commonly overlaps with Crimson Forest terrain. |
| Nether Fortress | May generate partially in this biome; contains Blazes, Wither Skeletons, and Nether Wart. |
| Glowstone Blobs | Clusters of Glowstone hanging from the ceiling. |
| Ruined Portals | Occasionally spawn on the border between Crimson Forest and other Nether biomes. |
Tip: Bastions are easier to locate in Crimson Forests due to Piglin presence and red-toned blocks that blend with gold decoration.
Unique Blocks and Flora
The Crimson Forest introduces its own family of Nether flora and wood-type blocks:
| Block | Description | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Crimson Nylium | Red grass-like block covering Netherrack | Can spread vegetation with bonemeal; decorative floor |
| Crimson Fungi | Small red mushrooms; can grow into huge fungi using bonemeal | Source of Crimson Stems |
| Crimson Roots | Ground plants that add biome texture | Decoration |
| Huge Crimson Fungi | Giant tree-like structures with Crimson Stem trunk and Nether Wart Block leaves | Renewable wood source |
| Weeping Vines | Red vines hanging downward | Decoration and vertical travel |
| Shroomlight | Naturally found inside huge fungi | Bright light source, level 15 |
| Crimson Stem / Planks | Nether wood type | Fireproof building material |
Mechanics:
- Bonemeal on Crimson Nylium can grow fungi, roots, and sprouts.
- Huge Crimson Fungi can be grown using bonemeal on Crimson Fungi.
- Crimson Stems and derived items cannot burn — unique to Nether wood types.
- Nylium does not spread naturally but can be created via bonemeal next to another Nylium block.
Mobs in the Crimson Forest
The biome teems with life — most of it hostile. Below is the standard spawn behavior:
| Mob | Spawn Rate | Behavior | Drops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piglins | Common | Neutral if player wears gold armor; hostile otherwise | Gold nuggets, crossbows; can barter for items |
| Hoglins | Common | Always hostile; knockback attack | Raw Porkchops, Leather |
| Zombified Piglins | Uncommon | Neutral unless provoked | Gold nuggets, rotten flesh |
| Endermen | Rare | Neutral unless looked at | Ender Pearls |
Mob Mechanics & Tips:
- Piglins fear Soul Fire, Soul Torches, and Zombified Piglins.
- Hoglins fear Warped Fungus, which can be used to repel or trap them.
- Hoglins can be bred using Crimson Fungi (Java Edition).
- Piglins can barter with Gold Ingots for items such as Fire Resistance Potions, Ender Pearls, or Spectral Arrows.
Loot and Resources
Exploring the Crimson Forest can yield valuable materials for survival and decoration:
- Raw Porkchops and Leather (from Hoglins)
- Gold Nuggets & Ingots (from Piglins or Bastions)
- Crimson Stem / Planks (fireproof wood)
- Shroomlights (renewable light source)
- Nether Wart Blocks (from Huge Fungi)
- Mushrooms and Roots (decorative flora)
Nearby Bastion Remnants often contain high-value chests with gold blocks, enchanted gear, and Netherite-related items.
Building and Aesthetic Uses
The Crimson Forest offers some of the most dramatic building materials in Minecraft.
Its deep reds and purples complement the Warped palette for high contrast designs.
Creative Uses:
- Crimson & Warped combo builds for contrasting color themes
- Gothic castles, Nether bases, or villain lairs using Shroomlights and vines
- Fireproof Nether villages made with Crimson Planks
- Organic builds that mimic the fungi’s twisting structures
Design Tip: Pair Crimson Nylium floors with Blackstone walls and Shroomlight accents for a rich Nether aesthetic.
Survival and Exploration Tips
Surviving in the Crimson Forest can be challenging without preparation:
- Wear gold armor to avoid Piglin attacks.
- Use Warped Fungus to deter Hoglins while farming or traveling.
- Bring ranged weapons (crossbows, bows) to handle mobs safely.
- Mark your path — visibility is poor due to dense terrain and red fog.
- Carry Fire Resistance Potions; lava lakes are common.
- Build platforms above ground to avoid Hoglin knockback into lava.
- Use the Nether roof or tunnels for safer travel routes.
Farming Tip: Crimson Forests are excellent for food farming in the Nether — Hoglins provide a renewable source of meat.
Comparison: Crimson vs. Warped Forest
| Feature | Crimson Forest | Warped Forest |
|---|---|---|
| Color Palette | Red tones | Blue-green tones |
| Main Mob | Piglins, Hoglins | Endermen |
| Vegetation | Crimson fungi, roots, vines | Warped fungi, roots, vines |
| Safety | Hostile mobs | Relatively safe |
| Wood Type | Crimson | Warped |
| Atmosphere | Fiery and dangerous | Calm and eerie |
Together, these two biomes create a strong thematic balance within the Nether.
Version History and Technical Info
- Added in: Java Edition 1.16 (The Nether Update)
- Biome ID (Java):
minecraft:crimson_forest - Bedrock ID:
nether_crimson_forest - Major Changes:
- 1.16: Introduced with Piglins, Hoglins, and new Nether vegetation
- 1.20+: Minor sound and fog tweaks; ambient music updated
Fun Facts and Trivia
- Piglins and Hoglins both originate from this biome — it’s their “natural home.”
- Crimson and Warped Forests were the first biomes to introduce fireproof wood.
- Hoglins can be converted into Zombified Piglins if brought to the Overworld.
- The biome’s ambient soundscape includes faint growls and deep hums, enhancing the feeling of danger.
- Crimson Forests are relatively common, making up a significant portion of Nether terrain generation.
See Also
- Warped Forest – The safer Nether forest biome
- Basalt Deltas – Volcanic biome with lava and ash
- Soul Sand Valley – Open Nether biome filled with fossils
- Piglins – Native humanoid mob of the Crimson Forest
- Hoglins – Hostile beast mob native to the biome
- Bastion Remnant – Piglin structure often generated nearby
