The End Highlands biome in Minecraft is one of the most intriguing and rewarding regions of the End dimension. Found in the outer islands beyond the main Ender Dragon arena, this biome stands out for its tall floating landmasses, chorus plants, and — most notably — the End Cities and End Ships that spawn only here.
If you’re looking for Elytra, Shulker shells, or a challenging yet peaceful place to build a base, the End Highlands is your ultimate destination. This guide explores everything you need to know — from locating the biome to mastering exploration and looting End Cities safely.
What Is the End Highlands Biome?
The End Highlands is one of the five sub-biomes that make up The End, alongside the End Midlands, End Barrens, Small End Islands, and The End (main island). It features elevated terrain, wide plateaus, and abundant chorus plants, giving it a distinct appearance from the barren surroundings.
Unlike the chaotic central island, the Highlands are peaceful yet mysterious — ideal for exploration and resource gathering. It’s also the only biome where End Cities and End Ships generate naturally, making it essential for post-Dragon progression.
Biome Generation and Location
After defeating the Ender Dragon, you’ll notice a floating End Gateway Portal appear around the edge of the main island. This small portal leads to the outer End islands, where the End Highlands are found.
To reach the biome:
- Throw an Ender Pearl into the End Gateway to teleport.
- Travel through the outer End until you find large, elevated islands — the hallmark of the Highlands.
- Use a Spyglass or high render distance to spot Chorus Plants, which only grow in this biome.
End City Generation Details
- End Cities spawn most frequently in the End Highlands, though occasionally they can appear in End Midlands.
- They generate on large, stable landmasses, never floating completely detached from terrain.
- An End Ship has roughly a 1 in 5 chance (≈20%) of spawning alongside an End City.
- Cities are spaced about 1000 blocks apart, so flying or teleporting efficiently between islands is key.
💡 Tip: Increase render distance and explore islands connected by narrow bridges — these are more likely to contain End Cities.
Visual Appearance and Environment
The End Highlands are serene, vast, and hauntingly beautiful. The terrain consists mainly of End Stone, with rolling elevations and cliffs that dip into the endless void below.
Environmental traits:
- Terrain: Smooth, undulating plateaus with wide open space.
- Blocks: End Stone, Chorus Plants, and Chorus Flowers.
- Lighting: Pale, uniform illumination with no day-night cycle.
- Sky: Purple haze with void fog, giving a timeless, otherworldly atmosphere.
This biome’s tranquil appearance contrasts with the peril of the void below — making careful movement crucial.
Mobs Found in the End Highlands
Unlike the Overworld, the End Highlands are sparsely populated. The only naturally spawning mob is the Enderman, which roams freely across the islands.
Mob Summary:
- Enderman: The primary inhabitant; neutral until provoked. Drops Ender Pearls, vital for teleportation and Eye of Ender crafting.
- Shulkers: Found exclusively inside End Cities, where they guard treasure rooms and towers.
While the biome itself is relatively peaceful, the void presents the greatest danger — a single fall can end your journey instantly.
Structures and Loot
The End Highlands is the heart of late-game exploration thanks to its exclusive structures and rare loot.
End Cities
- Large purple towers built from Purpur Blocks and End Stone Bricks.
- Contain multiple floors, chests, and parkour-style rooms guarded by Shulkers.
- Often connected by bridges, forming sprawling networks across the biome.
End Ships
- Floating vessels that occasionally spawn beside an End City.
- Always contain:
- Elytra (in an item frame inside the ship’s hull).
- Dragon Head (on the ship’s bow).
- Brewing Stand with Instant Health Potions.
Top Loot You Can Find:
- Elytra – Enables flight when paired with Firework Rockets.
- Shulker Shells – Used to craft Shulker Boxes (portable storage).
- Enchanted Diamond Gear – High-tier armor and weapons.
- Gold, Iron, and Emeralds – Common loot chest materials.
🧭 Pro Tip: Mark your End City coordinates or build a cobblestone pillar to avoid getting lost among floating islands.
Resources and Blocks
While the End Highlands aren’t rich in traditional ores, they offer unique materials unavailable elsewhere:
| Resource | Source | Use |
|---|---|---|
| End Stone | Terrain block | Blast-resistant building material |
| Chorus Plants | Natural flora | Harvest for Chorus Fruit |
| Chorus Flowers | Top of plants | Used to replant or craft decorative items |
| Popped Chorus Fruit | Smelted from Chorus Fruit | Ingredient for Purpur Blocks and End Rods |
| Purpur Blocks | Found in End Cities | Decorative, purple-toned building block |
These materials make the End Highlands excellent for gathering decorative resources and setting up unique End bases.
Exploration and Survival Tips
Exploring the End Highlands is both exhilarating and dangerous. Preparation is key to surviving the void and Shulker ambushes.
Recommended Gear:
- Elytra or Ender Pearls for movement.
- Slow Falling Potions to counter Shulker levitation.
- Feather Falling IV Boots for safety.
- Building Blocks (Cobblestone, Netherrack, or End Stone).
- Pumpkin Helmet to prevent Enderman aggression.
- Totem of Undying as backup protection.
Survival Tips:
- Build secure bridges using shift-crouch to avoid falls.
- Bring a Respawn Anchor or Ender Chest to store loot safely.
- Use Chorus Fruit sparingly — teleportation can move you over void gaps.
- Keep a bow to hit Shulkers from a distance.
Java vs. Bedrock Edition Differences
- The End Highlands biome officially exists only in Java Edition.
- In Bedrock Edition, the End dimension is treated as a single biome but behaves similarly to the Highlands.
- End Cities and End Ships still generate in both editions, though exact spacing may differ slightly.
Adding this distinction ensures readers of both versions understand how the biome applies to their game.
Building and Base Ideas
Many advanced players transform the End Highlands into stunning end-game bases due to its open terrain and breathtaking views.
Base-building ideas:
- Convert an End City into a survival outpost or trading hub.
- Use Purpur Blocks and End Rods for themed architecture.
- Create bridge networks between islands for safe travel.
- Build Enderman farms for infinite XP and Ender Pearls (ideal biome for them).
Comparison: End Highlands vs. Other End Biomes
| Feature | End Highlands | End Midlands | End Barrens | Small End Islands |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrain | Large floating landmasses | Transitional mid-level terrain | Edge terrain near void | Tiny, scattered islands |
| Structures | End Cities, End Ships | Occasional End Cities | None | None |
| Vegetation | Chorus Plants, Flowers | Sparse | Minimal | None |
| Mobs | Enderman | Enderman | Enderman | Enderman |
| Danger Level | Moderate | Low | Low | High (void risk) |
Fun Facts
- The End Highlands are the only biome where End Cities spawn naturally.
- Chorus Plants can only grow on End Stone — exclusive to the End dimension.
- The Dragon Head is found only on End Ships, which spawn here.
- The biome’s name reflects its elevated terrain among the End’s floating islands.
Conclusion
The Minecraft End Highlands biome represents the pinnacle of End exploration — vast, tranquil, and full of hidden rewards. It’s where players find their Elytra, gather Shulker Shells, and establish some of the most creative bases in the game.
With careful planning, the right gear, and a bit of courage, the End Highlands can become more than just a destination — it can be your ultimate endgame adventure.
