How to Use Potted Warped Fungus for Animal Pens in Minecraft 1.20
The 1.20 update brings a fresh wave of small decor options that can transform how you design animal pens. One of the most versatile additions is the potted warped fungus. This compact block adds a dash of color with a nether vibe without interfering with the core function of pen enclosures. It sits neatly on solid blocks and keeps a lightweight profile that makes it ideal for layered barns, garden style pens, and compact paddocks.
Why this block fits pens
Potted warped fungus is a decorative element that does not block light and fits into many pen themes. Its distinct purple blue hue pairs well with warped wood, chiseled brick, and lantern lighting. Because it is small and unobtrusive, you can line walkways or pen rims without restricting animal movement. The pot itself also helps you practice micro landscaping inside tight spaces where every block counts.
Creative design ideas for animal pens
- Line the edges of a rectangular pen with potted warped fungus on low blocks to create a soft boundary glow at night
- Use planters to craft a vertical courtyard inside larger pens by placing potted fungus on a raised shelf built from slabs
- Create a Nether themed paddock by pairing warped fungus with purple lamps and dark prismarine for a moody vibe
- Combine with glass panes and stair steps to form decorative archways around feeding areas
- Mix with other potted plants to craft a living wall that keeps the pen feeling lively without taking up extra space
Placement tips for practical builds
Place potted warped fungus on any solid block inside or beside the pen. It does not require dirt or farmland and it does not affect the animals’ comfort. For a balanced look aim for alternating rows of foliage and lighting so the pen stays bright while still feeling cozy. If you feature a roofed area, consider placing a few pots high on shelves to maximize visual interest from different angles.
Lighting remains important in pen design. The fungus itself does not emit light, so add lanterns, glowstone, or shroomlights nearby to keep predators at bay and to highlight the purple tones after dusk. The key is to weave the blocks into the architecture rather than letting them float as isolated decorations. A thoughtful arrangement makes the pen feel intentional rather than experimental.
Technical tricks and reliability tips
On balance the potted fungus is a reliable stand in for small decorative blocks. Because it has a zero hardness, you can reposition it quickly during a redesign. If you are planning a large collection of pens, you can copy paste a repeating pattern of pots to maintain visual consistency across multiple builds. In vanilla survival you can place potted warped fungus on any block that you can stand on within the pen perimeter, keeping the design practical without complicating animal paths.
Pro tip A neat trick is to pair potted warped fungus with a consistent color palette. The purple blue tones work well with dark wood and basalt related blocks. It is a small change that yields a big impact when seen from a distance as your animals wander around the enclosure.
From a gameplay perspective this is a small thing that adds character during farming sessions. The fungus does not alter breeding mechanics or feed behavior but it does elevate the everyday task of building and expanding animal pens. If you are experimenting with colored blocks in version 1.20, this is a simple entry point you can rely on for rapid visual improvements.
As you explore the update more deeply you will discover how simple decor items can spark big ideas. The potted warped fungus acts as a bridge between functional enclosure design and creative expression. Whether you are crafting a rustic barn or a modern pen, the fungus provides a subtle accent that invites players to look closer and admire the craft.
Remember that every pen design benefits from a little risk taking. Try placing a row of potted warped fungus along a railing or a pathway leading to feeding troughs. You may find that these tiny details make your animal pens feel more alive and more part of the world you are building in Minecraft 1.20.
For builders who love to document their work, pair your penned designs with screenshots and notes about block choices. Sharing a small set of craft tips can inspire others to try new color palettes or layouts in their own worlds. The community thrives on experimentation and collaboration, and small blocks like the potted warped fungus often become the centerpiece of a favorite pen design in a tidy corner of your world 🧱💎🌲
When you are ready to support ongoing updates and creative projects in the Minecraft community consider joining the broader open world of builders who share ideas and resources. Your support helps sustain guides like this and keeps the community growing strong
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