Minecraft is a game that is famous for its creativity and hidden secrets. One of these secrets is the fun name tag Easter eggs. Name tags are items that are used to give mobs custom names, but some names create unexpected and amusing effects.
In this article, we dive into the fascinating world of Minecraft name tag Easter eggs, exploring their various effects and how to activate them.
What Are Name Tag Easter Eggs?
Name tag Easter eggs in Minecraft are special hidden features that are activated by renaming certain mobs with specific names. These features add an extra layer of fun and surprise to the game, showcasing the playful spirit of the developers.
Let’s highlight some of the most popular and interesting name tag Easter eggs in Minecraft.
The “Dinnerbone” and “Grumm” Effects
One of the most famous name tag Easter eggs involves naming a mob “Dinnerbone” or “Grumm”. When you name a mob with either of these names, it backfires, creating a fun effect.
How to use it:
- Get a name tag by fishing, dungeon chests, or trading with a librarian.
- Rename the name tag to “Dinnerbone” or “Grumm”.
- Right-click on the mob you want to turn upside down with the name tag.
This Easter egg works on all mobs and adds a quirky touch to your Minecraft world.
The “Jeb_” Rainbow Sheep
Naming a sheep “Jeb_” (with an underscore at the end) will cause its wool to constantly cycle through all the colors of the rainbow. This visual treat is a nod to one of Minecraft’s developers, Jens Bergensten, also known as Jeb.
How to use it:
- Get a name tag.
- Use the anvil to rename the tag to “Jeb_”.
- Apply the name tag to the sheep.
The sheep’s wool will begin to change color, but when sheared, it will leave its original colored wool.
The “Toast” Memorial
Renaming the rabbit “Toast” changes its appearance to a unique black and white skin. This Easter egg was added in memory of a player’s lost pet rabbit, named Toast.
How to use it:
- Get the name tag.
- Rename it to “Toast” using the anvil.
- Right-click on the rabbit with the renamed tag.
The rabbit will transform into the special Toast variant, adding a personal and poignant element to the game.
The “Johnny” Vindicator
Renaming the Vindicator “Johnny” will make it hostile only to players and villagers, as well as all other mobs. This is a reference to “The Shining” and its iconic line, “Here’s Johnny!”.
How to use it:
- Get the name tag.
- Rename it to “Johnny” with the anvil.
- Apply the renamed name tag to the Vindicator.
The Vindicator will then attack any nearby mobs, making it a chaotic addition to any setting.
Fun Facts and Trivia
Why These Names?
Each of these Easter eggs has a story or reference. “Dinnerbone” and “Grum” are the usernames of Minecraft developers Nathan Adams and Eric Bros, who are known for their humorous touch in the game. “Jeb_” the rainbow sheep honors Jens Bergensten, another lead developer. “Toast” was a community-requested feature to honor a pet, while “Johnny” references a famous movie scene, giving pop culture a new twist.
Getting Name Tags
Name tags are relatively rare items that can be found by fishing, in dungeon chests, or by trading with librarian villagers. They cannot be crafted, which increases their value and makes these Easter eggs special finds for players.
Creative Uses for Name Tag Easter Eggs
Decorative Elements
Using these Easter eggs creatively can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your Minecraft world. For example, upside-down mobs named “Dinnerbone” or “Grum” can be placed in fun or surprising locations to entertain visitors. A rainbow sheep named “Jeb_” can add vibrant color to your farms or wool production areas.
Interactive Displays
Set up a showcase area in your world where players can interact with and discover these Easter Eggs. This could include a mini-zoo with various named mobs, each of which exhibits their own unique Easter Egg effects.
Adventure Maps and Minigames
Incorporate these name tag Easter eggs into adventure maps or custom minigames. For example, a Vindicator named “Johnny” can serve as a unique and unexpected challenge for players.
Conclusion
Minecraft name tag Easter eggs are delightful hidden features that add depth and humor to the game. From the upside-down antics of “Dinnerbone” to the lively “Jeb_” sheep, these Easter eggs showcase the creativity and playfulness of Minecraft’s developers.
Whether you’re using them to decorate your world, entertain friends, or enhance custom maps, these Easter eggs provide endless fun and surprises.
FAQ About Minecraft Name Tag Easter Eggs
What are name tag Easter eggs in Minecraft?
Name tag Easter eggs are special effects triggered by naming mobs with specific names using name tags. These effects are playful and add an extra layer of fun to the game.
How do I get name tags in Minecraft?
Name tags can be obtained in three main ways:
Fishing: Name tags can be caught as treasure items.
Dungeon chests: Found in various chests in dungeons, mines, and other structures.
Trading: Librarian villagers provide name tags as part of their trade.
How do I use name tags?
To use name tags, follow these steps:
- Get name tags: Obtain name tags through fishing, dungeon chests, or trading.
- Rename name tags: Use an anvil to change the name tag to the desired name.
- Apply the name tag: Right-click on the mob you want to rename and give it a name tag.
What are some popular name tag Easter eggs?
“Dinnerbone” and “Grum”
Effect: Turns the mob upside down.
How to use: Rename the name tag to “Dinnerbone” or “Grum” and apply it to any mob.
“Jeb_”
Effect: Turns the sheep’s wool into all the colors of the rainbow.
How to use: Rename the name tag to “Jeb_” (with an underscore) and apply it to the sheep.
“Toast”
Effect: Changes the rabbit’s appearance to a unique black and white skin.
How to use: Rename the name tag to “Toast” and apply it to the rabbit.
“Johnny”
Effect: Makes a Vindicator hostile to all other mobs.
How to use: Rename the name tag to “Johnny” and apply it to the Vindicator.
Why do these names work?
These names are nods to stories from Minecraft developers and the community:
“Dinnerbone” and “Grum”: Developer usernames.
“Jeb_”: Honoring developer Jens Bergensten.
“Toast”: Memorial to the player’s lost pet rabbit.
“Johnny”: Reference to “The Shining.”
Can I use name tags on all mobs?
Yes, name tags can be used on most mobs in Minecraft, including passive, neutral, and hostile mobs.
Do name tag effects provide any gameplay benefits?
Name tag effects are primarily decorative and humorous. They do not provide gameplay benefits, but add fun and personality to your Minecraft world.
Can I rename the mob again?
Once a mob has been named, you can rename it using another name tag. The new name will overwrite the old name, but special Easter egg effects will change accordingly.
How do I remove name tags from mobs?
Currently, there is no way to remove name tags from mobs in vanilla Minecraft. Once a mob is named, its name remains unless it is renamed.
Can I use colored text for name tags?
Yes, you can use colored text for name tags by incorporating a color code when you rename them on the anvil. This adds an extra layer of customization to your named mobs.