Topic: Bats

[Superman]

So there's this rumor that I've seen a couple times that Jeb has been looking for a way to stop mob grinders. Having failed miserably at my half assed attempts, I don't mind. I like getting items and xp the old fashioned way anyway.

The interesting thing here is his solution. Bats are a passive mob that spawn on the roofs of dark areas. So now, when you build a mob grinder, bats will accumulate on the ceiling and far less hostile mobs that fall into the water will spawn. Very clever.

[Poopyhead pianoman ♫]

I don't understand how that forces more peaceful mobs to spawn.

[Superman]

My understanding is that there's some cap of hostile mobs that can spawn in a chunk and bats would count against that cap.

[Poopyhead pianoman ♫]

Elegant, indeed.

[gumstitch]

The sounds bats make are also good indicators of nearby caves.