An aspect of Minecraft that has always been a fan favorite is its diverse pool of biomes. Before the large biome update in version 1.8, Minecraft only had 10 biomes in the Overworld. Today, there are over 60 variations of biomes in-game version 1.16.

Biomes are the different regions within the Minecraft world that have a unique landscape, an array of animals and plants, and different weather patterns. In-game biomes resemble real-life biomes and each biome has different variations of its main category. The five biome categories are lush, snowy, cold, dry, and ocean. 

Today I’m going to be counting down the top 15 best biomes in Minecraft as of version 1.16. 

15. Badlands 

The Badlands also known as the Mesa biome, is a rare biome type in Minecraft that consists of red sand and various colors of terracotta. Despite monsters, the badlands are only home to squids that swim within the rivers and it's only vegetation is dead bush and cactus.

What is Awesome About Badlands:

• Although no trees can be found in the Mesa biome, oak trees can be found in the nearby mesa biome variant called the Mesa Plateau. 
• Gold ore is more commonly found in the Mesa biome.

14. River

River biomes can be some of the longest biomes in the game but also some of the shortest in terms of their width. River biomes can cut through several biomes and are home to helpful wildlife. 

What is Awesome About Rivers:

• Players can find different variants of fish as well as squid in river biomes.
• Because of its proximity to other biomes, this makes for an efficient place to start a home. 

13. Deep Ocean 

The second underwater biome included on my list is the deep ocean biome. Included on this list for its variety of blocks, structures, and monsters. Although it is a challenging biome to explore, this is one that players will definitely want to check out once they have the viable resources to do so. 

What is Awesome About Deep Ocean:

• Deep Ocean biomes are home to Ocean Monuments where players will find guardians and elder guardians, an ocean monument specific mob.
• Unique blocks such as sea lanterns, wet sponge, prismarine, etc. are found in deep ocean biomes. 

12. Desert 

One of the original biomes included in Minecraft, the desert is a fan favorite for many reasons. It brings both dimension and nostalgia. With several possible structures spawning in deserts, players may want to take a hunger risk. 

What is Awesome About Deserts:

• Found more commonly than the Mesa but has Mesa characteristics. Such as cactus and a dry weather pattern.
• Pyramids and desert temples can be found with some expensive loot. Desert villages may also be found with lots of items to loot. 

11. Swamp

Although it's not the prettiest biome, the swamp is home to a special structure and a variety of vegetation. A more common biome, players will likely run into a swamp in their journey across the overworld. 

What is Awesome About Swamps: 

• Swamps are home to Witch Huts which home the Witch Mob that will attack you with potions and is one of several monsters that spawn there at night.
• Vegetation like sugar cane, lily pads, an assortment of flowers can also be found here. Clay is also a popular block that can be found here. 

10. Birch Forest 

Kicking off my vast selection of forest biomes is the Birch forest. Placed on my list for both its aesthetic quality and usefulness, this biome is a common find and players are often spending their time exploring them. 

What is Awesome About Birch Forests: 

• Tons of birch trees can be found here, maximizing a player's supply of wood. Birchwood is well-liked among the Minecraft community and that in itself is a plus. 
• Helpful wildlife such as cows, sheep, and pigs can be found here. 

9. Forest 

Following its variant the birch forest, the original forest was one of the first biomes introduced in Minecraft. Supplying spruce, birch, and oak trees, these forests certainly have player adoration on their side. 

What is Awesome About Forests: 

• Supplies three types of wood instead of one (oak, spruce, and birch). Tree size also varies.
• Wolves can be found here as well as cows, sheep, chickens, and the occasional pig. 

8. Snowy Taiga

If you’re a fan of the wintertime this is the biome for you. Although it is a one wood type biome, its unique weather pattern and exclusive animal range put it higher on my list.

What is Awesome About Snowy Taigas:

• Snowy Taiga is the only biome that homes snowy foxes. Making it a must find. 
• Because of its cold climate, when raining snow will appear and cover the trees and grass, supplying players with snowballs and allowing them to collect snow to create snowmen!

7. Savanna 

Certainly a love it or hate it biome due to its population of acacia trees, the savanna provides unique grass, and a wide variety of animals. Whether you love it or you hate it, this biome proves to stack up against its competition and provide lots of resources for players.

What is Awesome About Savannas: 

• Acacia trees and greenish-brown grass can not be found in any other biome. In other words, the landscape is extremely unique. 
• Horses as well as chickens, cows, pigs, and sheep are commonly found here. 

6. Plains

Known for its flat landscape, pockets of water, and a wide variety of animals, the plain biome remains a fan favorite ever since the release of Minecraft. Caves are also commonly found within plain biomes making it ideal for mining.

What is Awesome About Plains: 

• Despite the absence of trees, plain biomes are often nearby forest biomes and will prove to have lots of resources at a player's disposal. 
• Home to villages, large amounts of chickens, cows, horses, pigs, and sheep, plains are the perfect place to set up a home. 

5. Dark Forest

Coming in at number 5 is one of my personal favorite biomes, the Dark Forest. Home to the dark oak tree and the ever so annoying pillager mob! Within Dark forests lie Woodland Mansions which house these pesky creatures. 

What is Awesome About Dark Forests: 

• Dark Oak trees provide lots of wood and large mushrooms are also able to spawn providing players with mushrooms! 
• Woodland Mansions are full of loot and mobs to fight. Proving to be a good adventure for players to embark on.

4. Jungle

A biome that has seen a lot of change throughout various updates, the Jungle biome is both unique and a rare find. Ever since its addition, players have constantly been on the lookout for this biome and it proves to be a popular place for a treehouse! 

What is Awesome About Jungles:

• Jungle biomes are the only place for players to find jungle trees, melons, cocoa beans, and ocelots (which can be tamed into cats).
• Parrots and bamboo can also be found here, as well as jungle temples and loot. 

3. Mountains 

Also known as the Extreme Hills biome, Mountain biomes are a truly diverse area with many advantages for players. If you’re tired of what seems like flat land, mountains will surely give you the diversity you are looking for. 

What is Awesome About Mountains:

• Mountains are home to deep caves, waterfalls, lavafalls, and ponds. 
• Both oak and spruce trees can be found and a base can easily be set up here to take advantage of all of the mining opportunities.

2. Giant Tree Taiga

The Giant Tree Taiga biome also known as the Mega Taiga biome, is home to spruce trees of both normal size and a much more massive version. An abundance of animals also spawn in this location and it is the perfect place to gather a lot of materials. 

What is Awesome About Giant Tree Taigas: 

• Massive trees provide lots of wood as well as a perfect place for a treehouse that overlooks an incredible view. Also, home to coarse dirt and podzol, which are unique blocks in replacement of regular dirt or grass.
• Wolfs, cows, chicken, and sheep are common animals found within this biome.

1. Mushroom Field

More commonly known as the Mushroom biome, Mushroom Fields are an extremely rare biome in Minecraft that is home to an exclusive mob and proves to be a unique safe space for players.

What is Awesome About Mushroom Fields: 

• Mushrooms are found here as well as mycelium which is a block that can grow mushrooms into large mushrooms. 
• Monsters/Mobs will not spawn on mushroom biomes during the day or night, completely protecting players from their attacks. 

That concludes my countdown of the best Minecraft biomes as of version 1.16. While we have seen some massive biome additions to the game since its release, players seem to love a mix of both old and new biomes. Despite each biome being great in their own ways, simply being a part of the Minecraft landscape makes them all loveable in my book! Which biome will you search for next? Let me know! 

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