Surviving Minecraft is no easy task, what with fending off starvation, foraging for supplies, building shelter, and fighting off hordes of skeletons, zombies, witches, and creepers. When things get too rough on land, you can always take a dip and hide out in the clear blue agua. But just when you thought it was safe to go in the water, a deadly new mob has arrived to Mojang's blocky builder.
The above picture came up yesterday via Minecraft developer Jens "Jeb" Bergensten's Instagram page, and is in the game now courtesy of a new 1.8 snapshot, 14w25b.
The creature is called "The Guardian" and, true to its namesake, it watches over the new Water Dungeons. That houses treasures and a larger Guardian variant, a mini-boss dubbed "The Elder Guardian", all of which will feature in update 1.8.
The Guardian is a truly dangerous opponent, capable of attacking players underwater, or floating above in boats, whether near or far. For ranged attacks, the Guardian fires a laser from its ever watchful, and massive singular eye. The eye actually locks onto targets, making it the first creature in the history of the game to have dynamic eyes...or, in this case, "eye."
There's no dodging the laser once you're in this mob's sights, so the best option is to take cover. You'll have a few seconds to do so while the laser charges. Either that, or get out of its view as quick as possible. Once you're out of range, the Guardian will cease attacking.
Taking on the Guardian up close isn't much of a better idea, as the creature is covered in thorns, and will damage the player when extended. Taking it down is best accomplished with a bow and arrow, or by dragging the creature ashore with a fishing rod so you can give it a proper pummeling. Your reward for defeating the beast includes anything from all manner of fish to variants of the new Prismarine block.
The Elder Guardian behaves in much the same way as is tinier cousin, but afflicts players with Mining Fatigue. As expected, it's also has stronger attacks, and has more health, but doesn't swim around quite as much.
You can see the creatures in action in the video below. Minecraft's 1.8 Update doesn't have a set release date as of yet, but you can expect the Guardian and a slew of other additions to be there when it drops.