How to make a Zombie Head in Minecraft

This Minecraft tutorial explains how to craft a zombie head with screenshots and step-by-step instructions.

In Minecraft, a zombie head is an item that you can not make with a crafting table or furnace. Instead, you need to find and gather this item in the game.

zombie head

Let's explore how to add a zombie head to your inventory.

Supported Platforms

A zombie head is available in the following versions of Minecraft:

PlatformSupported (Version*)
Java Edition (PC/Mac) Java Edition (PC/Mac)Yes (1.4.2)
Pocket Edition (PE) Pocket Edition (PE)Yes (0.12.1)
Xbox 360 Xbox 360Yes
Xbox One Xbox OneYes
PS3 PS3Yes
PS4 PS4Yes
Wii U Wii UYes
Nintendo Switch Nintendo SwitchYes
Windows 10 Edition Windows 10 EditionYes
Education Edition Education EditionYes

* The version that it was added or removed, if applicable.
NOTE: Pocket Edition (PE), Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Windows 10 Edition are now called Bedrock Edition. We will continue to show them individually for version history.

Where to find a Zombie Head in Creative Mode

Required Materials to make a Zombie Head

In Minecraft, these are the materials you can use to make a zombie head:

How to get a Zombie Head in Survival Mode

You can add a zombie head to your inventory in Survival mode by blowing up a zombie with a charged creeper. So, let's get started!

1. Find a Zombie and a Charged Creeper

First, you need to find both a zombie as well as a charged creeper.

zombie charged creeper

creeper and charged creeper in fenced area

In this tutorial, we have found a zombie and charged creeper and fenced them in so that they don't run away. Notice that we are doing this tutorial when it is raining. The lower light levels from the rain prevent the zombie from bursting into flames and dying before we are able to get the zombie head.

TIP: You might want to give yourself the Absorption effect. This will add extra yellow hearts to your health bar so you don't die from the charged creeper explosion.

2. Ignite the Charged Creeper

Next, you will want to ignite the charged creeper. To do this, select the flint and steel in your hotbar. Then position your pointer (the plus sign) on the charged creeper.

ignite the charged creeper

The game control to use the flint and steel depends on the version of Minecraft:

  • For Java Edition (PC/Mac), right click on the charged creeper.
  • For Pocket Edition (PE), you tap on the charged creeper.
  • For Xbox 360 and Xbox One, press the LT button on the Xbox controller.
  • For PS3 and PS4, press the L2 button on the PS controller.
  • For Wii U, press the ZL button on the gamepad.
  • For Nintendo Switch, press the ZL button on the controller.
  • For Windows 10 Edition, right click on the charged creeper.
  • For Education Edition, right click on the charged creeper.

The fuse on the charged creeper should be ignited and soon it will explode.

3. Pick up the Zombie Head

Once the charged creeper has exploded, both mobs will be dead and there will be a hole from the explosion. Since the charged creeper killed the zombie, you should find a zombie head floating on the ground at the bottom of the hole.

zombie head drop

Make sure you pick up the zombie head before it disappears.

zombie head

A zombie head is a rare item and should be kept in your inventory to be used later.

Item ID and Name

Give Command for Zombie Head