Minecraft PE, also known as Minecraft Pocket Edition, brings the blocky adventures to your mobile devices. One of the many cool things you can do is collect player heads. These decorative items can add a personal touch to your builds, commemorate victories, or simply show off your collection. Getting them, however, requires a little bit of know-how, especially given the limitations of the Pocket Edition compared to the Java version. This guide will walk you through the various methods to acquire player heads in Minecraft PE, covering everything from commands to creative tricks.
Understanding Player Heads in Minecraft PE
Player heads, in essence, are blocks that resemble the head of a Minecraft player. They can be placed on the ground, walls, or even worn as helmets. Their primary function is decorative, allowing players to add a unique and personalized element to their creations. These heads display the skin of the player they represent, making them instantly recognizable.
The scarcity of player heads, especially those of other players, contributes to their value. They can be a sign of prestige or a symbol of friendship (or rivalry!). Imagine decorating your base with the heads of your friends or using them as trophies from your PvP battles.
In Minecraft PE, obtaining player heads is slightly different than in the PC version due to the absence of certain features and plugins. While the methods are more limited, they are still effective. Knowing these methods opens up a world of decorative possibilities.
Method 1: Using Commands (The Most Reliable Way)
The most reliable and straightforward method for acquiring player heads in Minecraft PE is using commands. This method requires you to have cheats enabled in your world. If you’re playing in Survival mode, you’ll need to have operator privileges.
Enabling Cheats
Before you can use commands, you need to ensure cheats are enabled in your world settings. When creating a new world, you will see an option to “Activate Cheats”. Toggle this option to “On”. If you are already playing in a world, you can enable cheats through the world settings menu. Note that enabling cheats will disable achievements for that world.
The /give Command
The primary command you will be using is the /give command. This command allows you to give yourself (or another player) any item in the game, including player heads. The basic syntax for the command is: /give <player> <item> <amount>.
To get a player head, you’ll need to use a more specific version of the command that includes NBT (Named Binary Tag) data, which specifies the player whose head you want. The complete command is:
/give @s skull 1 3 {SkullOwner:"PlayerName"}
Let’s break this down:
/give: The base command for giving items.@s: This targets the player executing the command (yourself). You can use@pto target the nearest player or@ato target all players.skull: This specifies the item you want to give, which is a skull.1: This indicates the quantity of skulls you want (in this case, 1).3: Represents the damage value for a player head.{SkullOwner:"PlayerName"}: This is the crucial part. The NBT data specifies the owner of the skull. Replace"PlayerName"with the exact username of the player whose head you want. Remember that the username is case sensitive.
For instance, to get a head of a player named “ExampleGamer123”, the command would be:
/give @s skull 1 3 {SkullOwner:"ExampleGamer123"}
Once you execute this command, a player head with the skin of “ExampleGamer123” will appear in your inventory.
Important Considerations
- Case Sensitivity: The player name in the
SkullOwnertag is case-sensitive. Make sure you type the username exactly as it appears in the game. - Internet Connection: The game needs to be able to access the player’s skin data from the Minecraft servers. Ensure you have a stable internet connection when using this command.
- Invalid Player Names: If the player name you enter is invalid or does not exist, the command will still give you a skull, but it will default to the Steve head.
Method 2: Using Structure Blocks (A More Complex Approach)
Structure blocks are another powerful tool in Minecraft that can be used to duplicate structures, including those containing player heads. This method is more complex than using commands but can be useful if you want to copy entire builds that feature player heads.
What are Structure Blocks?
Structure blocks are special blocks that allow you to save and load parts of your world. They are primarily intended for mapmakers and builders who want to easily replicate complex structures.
Obtaining a Structure Block
You can’t find structure blocks naturally in the world. You need to use a command to give yourself one. The command is: /give @s structure_block. This will place a structure block in your inventory.
Saving a Structure with a Player Head
- Place the Structure Block: Place the structure block near the structure containing the player head you want to copy.
- Configure the Structure Block: Right-click or tap on the structure block to open its interface. Here, you’ll need to configure the block to capture the structure correctly.
- Mode: Set the mode to “Save”.
- Size: Adjust the X, Y, and Z size parameters to encompass the entire structure you want to save, including the player head.
- Offset: Adjust the X, Y, and Z offset parameters to position the structure block correctly in relation to the structure. This determines the point from which the structure is saved.
- Structure Name: Give the structure a unique name.
- Save the Structure: Once you have configured the block, click the “Save” button. The structure, including the player head, is now saved.
Loading the Structure
- Place Another Structure Block: Place another structure block where you want to load the saved structure.
- Configure the Structure Block: Open the structure block interface.
- Mode: Set the mode to “Load”.
- Structure Name: Enter the name of the structure you saved earlier.
- Offset: Adjust the X, Y, and Z offset to position the structure correctly.
- Load the Structure: Click the “Load” button. The saved structure, including the player head, will be placed in the world.
Limitations of this Method
- Size Limitations: Structure blocks have size limits. You cannot save structures that are too large.
- Complexity: This method is more involved than using simple commands.
- Requires Planning: You need to carefully plan the size and offset of the structure block to ensure that the entire structure is captured correctly.
Method 3: Creative Mode Copying (A Simpler Alternative for Small Structures)
If you are in Creative mode, you can use a more direct approach to copying player heads by directly copying the structure containing them. This method works well for smaller, simple structures.
Switching to Creative Mode
If you are not already in Creative mode, you can switch to it using the command: /gamemode creative. You’ll need to have cheats enabled to use this command.
Copying the Structure
- Select the Area: In Creative mode, you can break and place blocks instantly. Use this to your advantage.
- Rebuild the Structure: Carefully recreate the structure containing the player head in the new location. This involves placing the same blocks in the same configuration as the original.
Advantages of this Method
- Simple and Direct: This method is relatively straightforward, especially for small structures.
- No Special Tools Required: You don’t need any special blocks or commands, just the ability to place blocks in Creative mode.
Disadvantages of this Method
- Time-Consuming: Rebuilding structures block by block can be time-consuming, especially for larger or more complex structures.
- Prone to Errors: It’s easy to make mistakes when manually recreating a structure, leading to inaccuracies.
- Only Suitable for Creative Mode: This method is only practical in Creative mode, where you can easily obtain and place blocks.
Displaying Your Player Heads
Once you have acquired your player heads, the fun begins! There are numerous ways to display them and incorporate them into your builds.
Placing on Walls or the Ground
Player heads can be placed on any solid block, either on the top surface or attached to the sides. This allows you to create interesting patterns and designs on your walls or floors. You can use them to create a “trophy wall” showcasing the heads of your friends or enemies.
Wearing as Helmets
Player heads can also be worn as helmets, although they don’t provide any armor protection. This is purely a cosmetic feature that allows you to disguise yourself as another player or simply add a quirky touch to your character.
Creative Building Applications
Player heads can be used in a variety of creative building applications. For example, you can use them as decorative elements in statues, monuments, or even as part of furniture designs. Their unique shape and texture make them a versatile building material.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, you might encounter issues when trying to get player heads in Minecraft PE. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Command Not Working: Ensure that cheats are enabled in your world and that you have operator privileges if you are playing in Survival mode. Double-check the syntax of the command and make sure you have entered the player name correctly (case-sensitive).
- Steve Head Instead of Player Head: This usually happens if the player name you entered is invalid or if the game cannot access the player’s skin data. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and that the player name is correct.
- Structure Block Not Saving: Make sure the size and offset parameters of the structure block are configured correctly. Ensure that the structure you are trying to save is within the size limits of the structure block.
- Unable to Place Player Head: Ensure that you are trying to place the player head on a solid block surface. Player heads cannot be placed in mid-air.
Conclusion
Getting player heads in Minecraft PE can add a fun and personalized element to your gameplay. While the methods are somewhat limited compared to the Java edition, using commands, structure blocks, and creative mode copying provides effective ways to acquire these unique decorative items. Remember to double-check your commands, ensure you have a stable internet connection, and unleash your creativity when displaying your collection of player heads. With a little effort and know-how, you can transform your Minecraft PE world into a showcase of your triumphs and friendships.
How do I get player heads in Minecraft PE without using commands?
Unfortunately, obtaining player heads in Minecraft PE without using commands is not possible through conventional gameplay methods. The game’s survival mode does not offer crafting recipes or natural occurrences that would yield player heads. You typically need to rely on commands, or in some cases, add-ons or mods, to acquire them.
The vanilla game mechanics simply don’t include any legitimate way to earn player heads outside of command usage. This limitation is due to the unique nature of player heads, which require specific player usernames to function correctly. Add-ons can sometimes bypass this, introducing custom blocks with player head textures, but these are still outside the core game mechanics.
What is the specific command I need to use to get a player head in Minecraft PE?
The command you’ll need to use is the ‘/give’ command. The basic syntax is: `/give [your username] skull 1 3 {SkullOwner:”[player’s username]”}`. Replace “[your username]” with your Minecraft PE username and “[player’s username]” with the username of the player whose head you want.
Make sure command blocks are enabled in your world settings, or you have operator privileges, for this command to work. The `skull 1 3` specifies the item ID for a skull and the data value for a player head. The NBT data `{SkullOwner:”[player’s username]”}` is crucial as it tells the game which player’s head to display. Spelling is important in the username, so ensure it is accurate.
How do I enable cheats/commands in Minecraft PE to use the ‘/give’ command?
To enable cheats (and therefore commands) in a new world, during world creation, find the “Cheats” toggle in the game settings and turn it on. This will enable the use of commands when you are playing in that world. You might also need to set yourself as an operator for certain commands to function.
For existing worlds, you can enable cheats by editing the world settings. Go to the main menu, select the pencil icon next to the world name, and look for the “Cheats” option. Toggle it on, and be aware that enabling cheats might disable achievements for that world, depending on your game version and settings.
Can I get my own head in Minecraft PE using the ‘/give’ command?
Yes, you can absolutely get your own head using the `/give` command. Simply use your own Minecraft PE username in the command’s SkullOwner tag. This will generate a head item displaying your player’s skin.
For example, if your username is “ExamplePlayer”, the command would be: `/give [your username] skull 1 3 {SkullOwner:”ExamplePlayer”}`. Replace “[your username]” with your actual username. After executing the command, you will receive a head that looks exactly like your Minecraft character.
Are there any risks associated with using the ‘/give’ command in Minecraft PE?
The main risk associated with using the `/give` command in Minecraft PE is the potential for unintentional consequences in your world. Since the command allows you to obtain any item, you could accidentally give yourself overpowered items, disrupting the game’s balance or removing the challenge.
Additionally, repeatedly using the `/give` command carelessly can lead to inventory clutter or accidental world corruption if misused or exploited excessively. It’s recommended to use the command responsibly, understanding its full potential and limitations, to avoid negative impacts on your gameplay experience. Backing up your world regularly is a good practice, especially before using commands extensively.
Can I use player heads for decoration in Minecraft PE?
Yes, player heads are excellent decorative items in Minecraft PE. You can place them on walls, floors, or even wear them as headgear. They add a unique personal touch to your builds and can be used creatively in various decorative schemes.
They can also be placed on note blocks to produce different sounds, depending on what is underneath the note block. This allows for creative musical arrangements. The placement and usage options for player heads are diverse, limited only by your imagination.
Do player heads work on cross-platform play between Minecraft PE and other versions of Minecraft?
Player heads obtained using commands in Minecraft PE should generally work on cross-platform play between devices running Bedrock Edition, which includes PE, Windows 10, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation. As long as all players are using the Bedrock version of the game, the visual representation of the player heads should be consistent.
However, issues might arise if one of the players is using the Java Edition of Minecraft, as the Java Edition and Bedrock Edition have different internal item structures and rendering systems. Player heads obtained with commands in the Bedrock Edition will not directly transfer or display correctly in the Java Edition. There may be converter tools, but those are outside the scope of Bedrock Edition functionality.