Does /locate work on servers?

Yes, but only if the server has cheats enabled. Most public survival servers don't allow commands, so it's mainly useful on singleplayer or private servers.

Can I use /locate in Bedrock Edition?

The /locate command exists in Bedrock but works a bit differently. Check your version's documentation for the exact syntax.

What's the difference between /locate and /locatebiome?

In newer versions (1.19+), /locate biome replaced the old /locatebiome command. The functionality is the same, but /locate biome is the current standard.

Why can't I find the structure I'm looking for?

Make sure you're in the correct dimension. Nether structures only show up when you're in the Nether, and so on. Also check that you're using the right structure ID.

How do I know all the valid structure and biome names?

You can find complete lists on the Minecraft Wiki. Structure and biome IDs are case sensitive and use underscores instead of spaces.

Minecraft /locate Command Guide

The /locate command is one of the most useful cheats in Minecraft. It lets you instantly find the coordinates of biomes, structures, and points of interest without having to search forever.

What You Need

You need to turn cheats on in your world. That’s it. Once cheats are enabled, you can run the /locate command anytime.

/locate Command Syntax

Java Edition 1.19 and 1.20

The /locate command has three different forms depending on what you’re looking for:

Find a biome:

/locate biome <biome_name>

Find a point of interest:

/locate poi <poi_name>

Find a structure:

/locate structure <structure_name>

Java Edition 1.11 through 1.18

Older versions use a simpler syntax:

/locate <structure_name>

The dimension matters. You need to be in the Overworld to find Overworld biomes and structures, in the Nether for Nether content, and in the End for End content.

Examples That Work

Finding Structures (1.19-1.20)

Type this to find the nearest Ancient City:

/locate structure ancient_city

Minecraft will tell you something like this: “The nearest minecraft:ancient_city is at [-1776, ~, 1152] (1973 blocks away)”

Then use /tp to teleport there:

/tp -1776 -21 1152

Finding Biomes

Looking for the Mushroom Island? (It’s called Mushroom Fields in modern versions)

/locate biome mushroom_fields

You’ll see: “The nearest minecraft:mushroom_fields is at [2674, 71, -1366] (3149 blocks away)”

Teleport there with:

/tp 2674 71 -1366

Older Versions (1.16-1.18)

For Bastion Remnants in the Nether:

/locate bastion_remnant

For Witch Huts:

/locate witch_hut

Even Older Versions

Java Edition 1.14-1.15:

/locate Pillager_Outpost

Java Edition 1.13:

/locate Buried_Treasure

Java Edition 1.11-1.12:

/locate Mansion

How to Use It

Step 1: Open Chat

Press T on Java Edition (PC/Mac) to open the chat window. On other versions, there’s usually a chat button at the top of the screen.

Step 2: Type the Command

Type your /locate command into the chat. Make sure you’re in the right dimension first. You can’t find a Nether structure while standing in the Overworld.

Step 3: Hit Enter

Minecraft will give you coordinates and tell you how far away it is. Then you can use /tp to get there instantly.

Quick Tips

Always check which dimension a biome or structure belongs to before searching
The ~ symbol means the game will use your current Y coordinate, so you might need to adjust it
For underground structures like Ancient Cities, you’ll want to pick a Y coordinate that actually goes underground
POI names work the same way as biome and structure names, just use /locate poi instead