Warden vs Wither
Minecraft 1.21.8. Java Edition values.
Warden has 500 HP and 30 damage per hit — the highest of any vanilla mob — but doesn't fly and only spawns in Deep Dark. Wither has 300 HP, three skull projectiles, flies anywhere you summon it, and inflicts the Wither effect. Warden is harder to engage; Wither is harder to escape. Don't fight either without full Netherite + healing potions.
Side-by-side stats
Higher HP / damage / utility flags shown in green.
| Stat | Warden | Wither |
|---|---|---|
| HP | 500 | 300 |
| Attack damage | 30 | 12 |
| Behavior | Hostile | Boss |
| Ranged attack | Yes | Yes |
| Flies / teleports | No | Yes |
| Knockback-immune | Yes | Yes |
| Spawns | Deep Dark biome (Y < 0) | Player-summoned (3 wither skulls + 4 soul sand/soil) |
| XP on kill | 5 (1 sculk catalyst worth more) | 50 |
When to pick each
You're caught in the Deep Dark with no escape route. Warden ignores armor with its sonic shriek and one-shots unarmored players. Sneak past or pillar up — you can't outrun it in tight tunnels.
You're underprepared. Wither flies, follows you across dimensions if you portal mid-fight, and the Wither effect blocks natural regen. Fight it in a controlled bedrock arena (Nether ceiling above Y=128) where its explosions can't break terrain.
Notable drops
- Sculk Catalyst (1)
Attack: melee + sonic shriek (10 damage, ignores armor)
- Nether Star (1)
Attack: + Wither status effect (skull projectile)
Spawn with /summon
Other mob comparisons
FAQ
- Should I worry about the Warden or the Wither first?
- Warden has 500 HP and 30 damage per hit — the highest of any vanilla mob — but doesn't fly and only spawns in Deep Dark. Wither has 300 HP, three skull projectiles, flies anywhere you summon it, and inflicts the Wither effect. Warden is harder to engage; Wither is harder to escape. Don't fight either without full Netherite + healing potions.
- How much HP does the Warden have?
- 500 hit points (250 hearts). The Wither has 300 HP (150 hearts) for comparison. HP is the same on Java and Bedrock.
- Where does the Warden spawn?
- Deep Dark biome (Y < 0). The Wither spawns in player-summoned (3 wither skulls + 4 soul sand/soil).
- What does Warden drop?
- Sculk Catalyst (1). Wither drops Nether Star (1).