Bed-Bombing the Ender Dragon
MediumCombatUse beds to deal explosive damage to the Ender Dragon during its perching phase. Beds explode when used in The End, dealing massive damage.
Overview
Bed-Bombing the Ender Dragon is a intermediate-level combat technique for Minecraft Java Edition speedrunning. Combat in a speedrun is less about winning a fight and more about ending it in as few ticks as possible. The dragon and blazes are the only mandatory fights in Any%, and both have well-known optimal lines.
Before drilling it, you should already be comfortable with end portal entry, 7+ beds, and basic combat, since this technique assumes them. Rated intermediate, it rewards deliberate practice; the theory is simple but executing it cleanly mid-run takes repetition. The walkthrough below breaks the technique into 7 concrete steps, and most runners reach a usable level of consistency within about 2-4 hours of focused practice.
Learn Time
2-4 hours
Steps
7
Prerequisites
Why It Matters in a Run
In a real run, bed-Bombing the Ender Dragon is not practiced in isolation. Combat in a speedrun is less about winning a fight and more about ending it in as few ticks as possible. The dragon and blazes are the only mandatory fights in Any%, and both have well-known optimal lines. The most common ways runners lose time here are placing the bed too early, the dragon is not in range, standing too close to the explosion and dying, and forgetting to bring enough beds (minimum 7, ideally 10), which is exactly why deliberate practice pays off. Treating it as a measurable skill, rather than something you improvise on the day, is what turns an inconsistent split into a reliable one.
Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare beds
Bring at least 7 beds into The End. Color does not matter.
Sprint to fountain
Immediately sprint to the bedrock fountain at the center.
Position correctly
Stand on the side opposite where the dragon approaches.
Place bed on fountain
Place a bed on top of the bedrock fountain.
Detonate when dragon perches
Right-click the bed when the dragon's head is directly above.
Repeat rapidly
Place and detonate beds in quick succession. 5-7 beds kills the dragon.
Manage health
Eat food between explosions. Use a block as an explosion shield.
Common Mistakes
- Placing the bed too early, the dragon is not in range
- Standing too close to the explosion and dying
- Forgetting to bring enough beds (minimum 7, ideally 10)
- Not using a block as an explosion shield
How to Practice
Create a creative world, enter The End, switch to survival, and practice bed placement timing. Because timing only stops at the dragon's death, the goal of practice is not a single perfect attempt but repeatable execution across resets. Run the drill until bed-Bombing the Ender Dragon feels automatic, then re-test it inside a full attempt where fatigue and pacing pressure are present, which is where most intermediate-level skills actually break down.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn Bed-Bombing the Ender Dragon?
Most runners reach a usable level in about 2-4 hours of focused practice, though performing it reliably under run pressure takes longer. It is rated intermediate-difficulty, so expect to revisit it as your overall execution improves.
What do I need to know before learning Bed-Bombing the Ender Dragon?
You should already be comfortable with end portal entry, 7+ beds, and basic combat. The technique assumes those as a baseline, so learning it without them first usually leads to confusion rather than progress.
Does Bed-Bombing the Ender Dragon apply to current 1.21 speedruns?
Yes. This guide targets the modern Java Edition ruleset used in current Minecraft Speedrunning categories, and the technique remains part of the standard route. Always confirm the exact version rules for the category you are submitting to, since allowed versions and mods are defined by the leaderboard.
What is the most common mistake with Bed-Bombing the Ender Dragon?
A frequent one is placing the bed too early, the dragon is not in range. Reviewing your own recordings against the step list above is the fastest way to catch which mistakes are actually costing you time.