Is the Monument Worth It?
Three big payoffs: ① prismarine (the core beach-style building block, plus sea lanterns); ② sponges (the tool for draining big water volumes; dry them in a furnace and reuse); ③ cod and rare guardian drops. The 'Monumental' achievement also requires beating guardians. The core room holds 8 gold blocks — top-five value among structures.
Four Monument Seeds
| # | Seed | Monument | From spawn | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | -2222899 | X:-350 Z:120 | ~400 blocks | Visible from coastal cliffs |
| 2 | oceanking | X:250 Z:-300 | ~500 blocks | Monument + ruin cluster |
| 3 | 562011 | X:80 Z:400 | ~450 blocks | Shallow monument, roof near surface |
| 4 | -908812 | X:-150 Z:-260 | ~350 blocks | Monument + iceberg bay |
Prep Checklist
Bring: ① Water Breathing (magma cream + pufferfish, 8-min preferred) or a Respiration III helmet; ② Depth Strider boots or an Aqua Affinity helmet for underwater mining; ③ Night Vision (deep water is pitch black); ④ an enchanted trident or bow (guardian beams are blocked by any solid block); ⑤ doors/ladders/magma blocks as air pockets. Seed #3 562011's shallow monument is the easiest first target.
Fast Clear Route
Standard route: ① punch an entrance through the roof (prismarine needs a diamond pick); ② block guardian sightlines with cobble as you go; ③ beeline the central chamber for the 8 gold blocks; ④ sweep the outer ring for the sponge room (usually one level up, dry floor of prismarine bricks); ⑤ smelt wet sponges dry. Wanting an underwater base? The emptied monument itself is the best frame you'll find.