There are many reasons why you might want to eliminate mobs in Minecraft. The simplest method is using commands, specifically the /kill command. However, even this seemingly straightforward command has some nuances. This guide explains how to use it effectively.
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Before using the /kill command, ensure your world has cheats enabled. Skip to the next section if you already know how to do this.
The basic /kill command is simple: type /kill into the chat box. However, this will kill *you*. To target mobs, you need to add some syntax.
To kill all mobs, use this command:
/kill @e[type=!minecraft:player] – This targets all entities (@e) except players (type=!minecraft:player).
To kill specific mob types (e.g., chickens):
/kill @e[type=minecraft:chicken]
You can also specify a kill radius. To kill all mobs within 15 blocks:
/kill @e[distance=..15] – Java Edition/kill @e[r=10] – Bedrock Edition
To kill a specific mob type within a radius (e.g., sheep within 15 blocks):
/kill @e[distance=..15,type=minecraft:sheep] – Java Edition/kill @e[r=10,type=minecraft:sheep] – Bedrock Edition
Both editions offer command autocompletion, so you don't need to memorize these exactly. The /kill command is relatively intuitive; you'll grasp it after a couple of tries.
Beyond @e, other important selectors include:
@p– nearest player@r– random player@a– all players@s– yourself
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How to Enable Cheats/Commands in Minecraft
The mob-killing commands won't work without cheats enabled. Here's how to enable them:
Java Edition
Enter your world, press Esc, select "Open to LAN," and toggle "Allow Commands" to "On." This needs to be done each time you open the world. To permanently enable cheats, create a copy of your world with cheats enabled. In the singleplayer menu, select your world, click "Re-create," and enable "Allow Commands" before creating the copy.
Bedrock Edition
In the world selection menu, click the pencil icon next to your world. In the settings, toggle "Cheats" to "On."
That covers how to kill all mobs in Minecraft.
Minecraft is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile.
