What is the Windswept Hills Biome?
The Windswept Hills biome is a mountainous region in Minecraft’s Overworld. It’s one of the most dramatic landscapes you’ll explore, packed with towering peaks, waterfalls, and unique terrain. If you’re looking for a challenge or just want to see some amazing views, this biome is worth checking out.
Previously called the Mountains or Extreme Hills biome, Windswept Hills got a makeover in version 1.18 with better terrain generation and more interesting features.
Characteristics of Windswept Hills
Terrain and Weather
Mountains dominate this biome with steep slopes and high elevation. You’ll see waterfalls cascading down cliffs and occasional lava flows. The weather here is pretty typical for the Overworld, but snow will cover the higher peaks and create an icy landscape at altitude.
Grass and Vegetation
The grass in Windswept Hills has a dull green-blue tint that sets it apart from other biomes. You’ll find oak and spruce trees scattered throughout, along with flowers like dandelions and poppies. Pumpkins also spawn naturally in this biome.
Blocks You’ll Find
Windswept Hills is great for mining. On the surface and shallow depths you’ll come across grass blocks, stone, cobblestone, diorite, andesite, and granite. Dig deeper and you’ll find the standard ores: coal, iron, gold, diamond, redstone, copper, and even emerald ore. This biome is one of the few places where emeralds generate naturally.
Wildlife
Passive mobs like cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, and llamas spawn in Windswept Hills during the day. At night, you’ll encounter the usual hostile mobs: creepers, endermen, skeletons, spiders, witches, and zombies. Llamas are especially common here.
Biome ID and Version Compatibility
Java Edition Biome IDs
| Biome ID | Versions |
|---|---|
minecraft:mountains |
1.16 – 1.17.1 |
minecraft:windswept_hills |
1.18 – 1.19.2 |
Use the /locatebiome windswept_hills command to find this biome quickly. The biome ID changed in 1.18 when Minecraft revamped terrain generation, so keep that in mind if you’re playing on an older version.
Finding Windswept Hills Seeds
You can use a seed to create a world that spawns you directly in Windswept Hills. Try searching for seeds online that feature this biome prominently. Many community-made seeds showcase the best Windswept Hills locations with spectacular terrain to explore.