The Deep Frozen Ocean biome in Minecraft is one of the coldest and most hauntingly beautiful places in the Overworld. Hidden beneath layers of icy water and drifting icebergs, it offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for explorers, builders, and adventurers alike.
This biome is a deeper, darker variant of the Frozen Ocean, filled with towering icebergs, deep caverns, and dangerous mobs lurking in the cold depths. Whether you’re harvesting blue ice for fast boat highways or braving ocean monuments, understanding this biome is key to surviving its frozen waters.
Biome Overview
The Deep Frozen Ocean is part of Minecraft’s cold ocean biome family and features very deep seafloors, dark water, and extensive ice formations. It often appears alongside Frozen Ocean and Cold Ocean biomes in cold regions of the world.
Biome ID: minecraft:deep_frozen_ocean
Category: Ocean
Temperature: 0.0 (freezing)
Precipitation: Snow
Depth: Extremely deep
Water Color: #4040FF (dark blue)
Fog Color (underwater): #050533
Version History:
- Added: Minecraft Java Edition 1.13 (Update Aquatic)
- Terrain & iceberg generation improved: 1.18+ (Caves & Cliffs Update)
| Feature | Deep Frozen Ocean | Frozen Ocean |
|---|---|---|
| Water Depth | Very deep | Moderate |
| Temperature | 0.0 (Freezing) | 0.15 (Cold) |
| Vegetation | Sparse kelp & seagrass | Some kelp & seagrass |
| Icebergs | Frequent | Common |
| Monuments | Can spawn | Rare |
| Dolphins | ✗ None | ✓ Yes |
Blocks and Terrain Features
The Deep Frozen Ocean biome is notable for its massive icebergs made of packed ice and blue ice, which float above the surface. Beneath them lies a gravel and stone seabed that can contain underwater caves and ravines.
Common Blocks
- Gravel, stone, and clay (on the ocean floor)
- Packed Ice and Blue Ice (icebergs and surface formations)
- Occasional sand patches
- Small patches of kelp or seagrass (rare)
Terrain Notes
- In Java Edition, the water does not fully freeze, even in extreme cold.
- In Bedrock Edition, shallow areas may freeze at the surface.
- Icebergs may reach high above sea level and extend deep into the ocean below.
- Snow frequently falls in this biome, creating a white surface layer on exposed blocks.
Mobs You’ll Find
Due to its icy temperature and depth, the Deep Frozen Ocean supports fewer mobs than other oceans — but those that do spawn can be dangerous.
Passive and Neutral Mobs
- 🐟 Cod – common in shallow areas
- 🐟 Salmon – uncommon but possible
- 🦑 Squid – occasional spawn in open water
- ✨ Glow Squid – can spawn in deep or dark water caves
- 🐻 Polar Bears – may spawn on surface icebergs (rare)
Hostile Mobs
- 💀 Drowned – spawn frequently, especially at night or in ruins
- 👁️ Guardians and Elder Guardians – found in Ocean Monuments (if present)
💡 Dolphins, turtles, and tropical fish do not spawn in the Deep Frozen Ocean biome.
Structures and Loot
Even in its desolate cold, this biome hides valuable treasures and structures beneath its icy surface.
Possible Structures
- Ocean Ruins (Cold Variant): Small stone ruins with mossy cobblestone, often containing loot chests.
- Ocean Monuments: Rare but possible; massive prismarine temples filled with Guardians.
- Shipwrecks (Occasional): May spawn trapped within icebergs or on the seabed near ruins.
Typical Loot Found
| Structure | Loot Highlights |
|---|---|
| Ocean Ruins | Coal, Wheat, Emeralds, Enchanted Fishing Rods |
| Ocean Monument | Sponges, Prismarine, Sea Lanterns, Gold Blocks |
| Shipwreck | Treasure Maps, Iron, Emeralds, Enchanted Books |
Tip: Bring Water Breathing and Night Vision potions before exploring ruins — visibility and oxygen are both scarce.
Resources and Materials
Although it lacks trees and vegetation, the Deep Frozen Ocean is a treasure trove of ice-based materials and mining resources.
Best Resources to Gather
- Packed Ice – decorative block; used to craft Blue Ice
- Blue Ice – slippery block ideal for high-speed boat roads
- Gravel – for crafting concrete powder or pathways
- Clay – for bricks or decorative blocks
- Stone/Ores – found in nearby caves and ravines
Tip: Use a Silk Touch pickaxe to collect ice blocks without melting them. Blue ice can be used to create ultra-fast Nether boat tunnels.
Exploration and Survival Tips
Exploring this biome isn’t easy — deep water, low light, and hostile mobs make survival challenging.
Essential Gear Checklist
- ⛏️ Respiration Helmet – increases air time underwater
- 🪸 Water Breathing Potions – allow extended diving sessions
- 🔦 Night Vision Potions – improve underwater visibility
- 🥾 Depth Strider Boots – boost swimming speed
- ❄️ Frost Walker Boots – create ice paths for quick travel
- 🧊 Silk Touch Tool – harvest ice safely
- 🪔 Doors or Scaffolding – create makeshift air pockets
Survival Strategies
- Avoid fighting Drowned directly. Use ranged weapons or keep distance.
- Build a floating base atop an iceberg — offers safety and visibility.
- Bring wood from nearby biomes since none grows here.
- Use a Conduit for permanent underwater breathing and vision if building a long-term base.
- Avoid mining fatigue near Ocean Monuments by carrying milk buckets.
Challenges Unique to the Deep Frozen Ocean
- Depth & Pressure: Traveling back to the surface takes longer, risking drowning.
- Low Light: Deep areas are nearly pitch-black without Night Vision.
- Scarce Food Sources: Few fish spawn; bring food supplies.
- No Trees: You’ll need materials from other biomes to survive long-term.
- Hostile Mobs: Drowned can swarm in groups — always stay aware of surroundings.
Building Opportunities
Creative players can take advantage of this biome’s frozen beauty for builds and resource gathering.
Ideas for Builders:
- Construct ice castles or frozen bases atop icebergs
- Use blue ice highways for ultra-fast boat travel
- Build underwater domes or labs using glass and conduits
- Create ice mining outposts to harvest ice efficiently
- Combine with Frozen Peaks or Snowy Beach biomes for thematic builds
Fun Facts and Trivia
- The Deep Frozen Ocean is one of the darkest and coldest biomes in Minecraft.
- Blue ice is nine times slipperier than ice, making it perfect for high-speed paths.
- Dolphins cannot spawn here due to freezing temperatures.
- Ocean Monuments here are more visually striking under the dim blue water.
- Icebergs can sometimes trap shipwrecks, creating rare exploration sites.
Conclusion
The Deep Frozen Ocean biome combines mystery, danger, and beauty beneath its icy surface. It’s an excellent destination for players seeking rare materials, breathtaking scenery, or underwater adventure.
Prepare your potions, pack your enchanted gear, and dive into one of Minecraft’s coldest — and most fascinating — environments.
FAQ
Q: Can dolphins spawn in the Deep Frozen Ocean?
No. Dolphins do not spawn in frozen or deep frozen oceans due to the biome’s low temperature.
Q: What’s the best way to breathe underwater here?
Use Water Breathing potions, Respiration helmets, or set up a Conduit for long-term exploration.
Q: What is the main difference between the Frozen Ocean and Deep Frozen Ocean?
The Deep Frozen Ocean is much deeper, has fewer passive mobs, and often features larger icebergs and more drowned mobs.
