What's the difference between zombified_piglin and zombie_pigman?

Entity names changed in Java Edition 1.16. Older versions use zombie_pigman or PigZombie, newer versions use zombified_piglin. Use the command for your version.

Do I need to enable cheats to summon mobs?

Yes. In Creative mode, cheats are on by default. In Survival, you have to enable them when creating the world or use /publish to turn them on.

Can I summon a zombified piglin in the Overworld?

Yes, you can summon them anywhere with the /summon command. They're hostile, so they'll attack you unless you use {NoAI:1}.

How do I make a zombified piglin hold a sword or tool?

Use {HandItems:[{id:diamond_sword,Count:1},{}]} in the NBT tag. Replace diamond_sword with any item ID.

What does the tilde symbol ~ do?

The ~ means relative to your current position. Use ~ ~ ~ to spawn at your feet, or ~5 ~0 ~-5 to spawn 5 blocks forward and 5 blocks left.

How to Summon a Zombified Piglin

Zombified piglins (formerly zombie pigmen) are hostile mobs that spawn in the Nether. You can summon them in your world anytime using the /summon command. This guide walks you through the exact syntax for every Java Edition version.

Requirements

You need cheats enabled in your world to use commands. If you’re in Creative mode, cheats are already on. In Survival, you have to enable them when creating the world or use /publish to turn them on mid-game.

Summon Command by Version

Java Edition 1.16 and Newer (1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19, 1.20)

The command syntax is:

/summon zombified_piglin [pos] [nbt]

Basic example:

/summon zombified_piglin

Spawn at specific coordinates:

/summon zombified_piglin 100 64 200

Summon a baby with a custom name:

/summon zombified_piglin ~ ~ ~ {CustomName:"\"Junior\"",IsBaby:1}

Java Edition 1.11-1.15

Use this command syntax:

/summon zombie_pigman [pos] [nbt]

Basic example:

/summon zombie_pigman

Summon a baby with a custom name:

/summon zombie_pigman ~ ~ ~ {CustomName:"\"Pete\"",IsBaby:1}

Java Edition 1.8-1.10

The entity was called PigZombie in these older versions:

/summon PigZombie [x] [y] [z] [dataTag]

Basic example:

/summon PigZombie

Summon one with a custom name:

/summon PigZombie ~ ~ ~ {CustomName:Destroyer}

Summon a baby:

/summon PigZombie ~ ~ ~ {IsBaby:1}

Command Breakdown

pos or x y z (optional) – Coordinates where the zombified piglin spawns. Use ~ for relative coordinates (your current position). Leave it out and it spawns where you’re standing.

nbt or dataTag (optional) – Special properties in curly braces. Common ones:

{IsBaby:1} – Makes it a baby
{CustomName:"\"Name\""} – Gives it a custom name (1.16+)
{NoAI:1} – Disables AI (won’t move or attack)
{Health:5} – Sets health value

How to Run the Command

Java Edition (PC/Mac)

Press T to open chat
Type your command
Hit Enter

You’ll see “Summoned new Zombified Piglin” in the chat. The mob spawns right there.

Other Editions

Bedrock/Windows 10: Press T to open chat, same as Java
Pocket Edition: Tap the chat button at the top
Xbox/PS4: Press D-Pad Right
Nintendo Switch: Press right arrow on controller

Tips

Use ~ ~ ~ to spawn it at your current location. Use exact coordinates like 100 64 200 to spawn it elsewhere. The tilde symbol (~) always means “relative to where you are right now.”

Baby zombified piglins are tiny and faster. Naming them keeps them from despawning, which is useful if you want to keep one as a pet.