Building Blocks: Abyssal Monument

Deep below the islands of Minecraft Dungeons, in the briny depths of the ocean, lies a sunken temple. This structure, as old as time itself, hides forgotten secrets that have been warped by the corruption of the Orb of Dominance. Grab your snorkel, because today we’re taking a dive down to the Abyssal Monument.

This mission, which is part of the Hidden Depths DLC, can only be accessed after completing Squid Coast and Coral Rise. Like those missions, it requires players to explore while carefully managing their oxygen levels through the judicious use of bubble columns, conduits, and potions of water breathing.

You’ll also have to handle strong water currents, which will happily drag you into dangerous situations, as well as poisonous pufferfish with a deadly sting. Add that to the collapsed and blocked pathways creating a layout that even Mojang’s top cartographers struggle to navigate, and you’re in for a real challenge.

Alongside all these hazards, the temple is populated by a multitude of hostile creatures. As well as the drowned and tropical slimes that you encountered in Coral Rise, you’ll also encounter the reanimated bones of fallen adventurers, covered in coral and wielding crossbows. These sunken skeletons fire harpoons instead of arrows, which hit harder but travel more slowly – so it’s possible to dodge them if you’re quick.

Then there are the wavewhisperers. These long-limbed foes might superficially resemble the whisperers of the Jungle Awakens DLC, but entangle their enemies with anemones rather than vines. You’ll also encounter spiders, zombies, wraiths, and necromancers in the temple’s twisting tunnels.

If you survive all that, then you’ll find plenty of loot to stuff into your backpack. The Anchor is a slow-swinging but heavy-hitting melee weapon, the Eye of the Guardian fires a laser in whatever direction you’re facing, and the Satchel of Snacks will drop food when used – making it a handy bit of gear for hungry adventurers.

While you stop for a bite to eat, though, a thought might pass through your head. How have all of these tasty treasures remained untouched for so long? The answer, you’ll soon discover, is the level’s fearsome final foe. 

The temple has long been home to an Elder Guardian, but at some point the creature discovered a shard of the Orb of Dominance. The corruption transformed the creature into an Ancient Guardian, giving it tremendous power but great anger – and that rage is now boiling over into the surrounding seas.

With spikes, lasers, biomines and the ability to summon minions to aid it, this terrifying beast will provide a true test of your abilities. Bring your strongest loadout, smart strategies, quick reflexes and a little luck, and you might just have a chance to quell its corruption and claim the treasures of the Abyssal Monument for your own. Good luck.