This Minecraft tutorial explains how to switch to Spectator mode with screenshots and step-by-step instructions.

Spectator is a game mode that allows players to fly around and observe the Minecraft world. Players in this mode can not interact with anything in the game, but can fly through solid objects.

TIP: Spectator is a great mode to use if you have mined underground and have gotten lost or run out of resources. Just switch to Spectator mode and fly up! You can easily find blue skies and the ground. Then switch back to Creative or Survival mode again.

Let’s explore how to switch the game mode to Spectator using the /gamemode command.

Requirements

To run game commands in Minecraft, you have to turn cheats on in your world.

Command to Change to Spectator Mode

Command in Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac)

In Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac) 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19 and 1.20, the syntax to change the game mode to Spectator is:

/gamemode spectator

In Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac) 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11 and 1.12, the syntax to change the game mode to Spectator is:

/gamemode sp
/gamemode spectator
/gamemode 3

How to Enter the Command

1. Open the Chat Window

The easiest way to run a command in Minecraft is within the chat window. The game control to open the chat window depends on the version of Minecraft:

  • For Java Edition (PC/Mac), press the T key to open the chat window.
  • For Pocket Edition (PE), tap on the chat button  at the top of the screen.
  • For Xbox One, press the D-Pad (right)  on the controller.
  • For PS4, press the D-Pad (right)  on the controller.
  • For Nintendo Switch, press the right arrow button  on the controller.
  • For Windows 10 Edition, press the T key to open the chat window.

2. Type the Command

In this example, we are going to change the gamemode to Spectator using the following command:

/gamemode spectator

Type the command in the chat window. As you are typing, you will see the command appear in the lower left corner of the game window. Press the Enter key to run the command.

Once the cheat has been entered, the game mode will be updated to Spectator:

You will see the message “Set own game mode to Spectator Mode” appear in the lower left corner of the game window. Also, your health meter and hunger meter will no longer appear above the hotbar and you will be flying.

You can use the SPACE key to fly up or the LSHIFT key to fly down and see the pools of lava underground. It is also a great way to find the Ancient City.

Now you are in Spectator game mode in Minecraft! See what new areas you can discover.

Find Secret Underground Areas

Spectator mode is a great way to find secret areas that are difficult to find underground. Just drink a Potion of Night Vision, switch to Spectator mode, and use the LSHIFT key to fly down. You will quickly find abandoned mineshafts, Ancient Cities, dungeons, and other secret areas. Then easily switch back to Creative or Survival mode and explore!

TIP: Make sure you drink a Potion of Night Vision before switching to Spectator mode so that you can see all of the secret areas underground! Otherwise, everything will look black except the lava pools.

Abandoned Mineshafts

Abandoned mineshafts are made up of a series of mining tunnels with rails, oak planks, cobwebs, and stone. These mineshafts will usually connect to other cave systems. This is what an abandoned mineshaft looks like in Spectator mode with Night Vision:

Ancient City

The Ancient City is a long-abandoned structure found deep underground in the Deep Dark biome. It is made of new blocks such as sculk, sculk catalysts, and sculk shriekers. This is what the Ancient City looks like in Spectator mode with Night Vision:

Dungeons

Dungeons appear as a small room with a monster spawner in the center and 1 or 2 chests (sometimes a double chest) filled with valuable items. The walls and floor of the dungeon are made of cobblestone and mossy cobblestone. This is what a dungeon looks like in Spectator mode with Night Vision:

Other Game Mode Commands

You can use other gamemode commands in Minecraft such as:

How to switch to Creative mode
How to switch to Survival mode
How to switch to Adventure mode
How to Use the DefaultGameMode Command
How to Use the GameMode Command

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